2026
Winter Classes at the HAT
Want to get out of the cold this winter? Do something good for yourself and sign up for a stimulating and inspiring class in a warm, comfortable place at the Helena Avenue Theatre (HAT). Whether you want to improve your health and well-being, be on stage or create scripts to perform, we have affordable courses taught by talented, effective instructors to guide you. For ages 18 and up. (No experience necessary.)
LAUGHter Yoga with PAMELA JAMRUSZKA MENCHER
Sundays, February 1, 8, 15, 22, March 15, 22, 29 | 1:30–2:30 p.m.
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A Montana Premiere! Focusing on playful, unconditional laughter, this class reduces stress hormones (cortisol) and increases feel-good chemicals (endorphins, dopamine, & serotonin). Laughter boosts your immune system and oxygen supply while improving your mood, helping you to view problems from a lighter perspective. In addition to other benefits, Laughter Yoga promotes overall relaxation and well-being. Limited to 15 participants. (Course fee: $105)
Pamela Jamruszka Mencher: Following a decades-long career as a college professor, actor, director, designer, administrator and arts advocate, Pamela recently added Laughter Yoga Leader to her credentials. She looks forward to sharing lotsa laughs with class participants.
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The Actor in Character with BRUCE HALL
Tuesdays, February 3—March 24 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
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As an actor, how do you put on a character? How do you keep it real? Acting is fun, and it’s also serious business. This 8-week theater intensive offers actors the stage time to deepen the understanding of self in relation to character. Through monologues, scene work, and emotion-driven improv, we will explore how to personalize and commit to character to become a more honest actor. We will sample several methods and techniques, including Realism, Absurdism, and Melodrama, as a way of gaining access to the voice, body, and imagination - the tools of the actor. Our 8 weeks together will culminate in a showcase open to the public and will feature scenes and monologues from our work together. Limited to 12 participants. (Course fee: $150)
Bruce Hall is a theatre director, musical director and playwright with an MFA from Yale University, and has been produced on Broadway, Off Broadway, and regional theatres across the country. He has worked with Kristin Chenoweth, Tony Bennett, Judy Collins, and Joel Grey. Bruce’s roots are in Montana. He began his acting career at The Old Brewery Theatre in Helena. He was Artistic Director of The Virginia City Players for ten years for Bovey Restorations. Bruce has adapted the classics for Children’s Theaters around the country and writes Musical Murder Mystery Dinner Theater events.
Playwrights Inkubator with PAMELA JAMRUSZKA MENCHER
Wednesdays, February 4, 11, 18, March 11, 18, April 1, 8 | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
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Do you want to write a play, but don’t know how to begin? Do you have a script that needs fresh perspective or constructive feedback? Do you have a script that’s ready for a table read with actors? Find inspiration and make progress on your script projects by interacting with fellow writers, guest actors and directors. Don’t have a current project but want to write a play? Writing prompts and exercises keep you inspired. Ultimately, group activities are focused on registered participants’ writing goals and intentions. All levels of experience are welcome. Limited to 8 participants. Please call 406-235-0353 before registering. (course fee: $130)
Pamela Jamruszka Mencher: As a playwright, actor, director, producer, designer and college professor, Pamela has received honors and awards in her playwriting, teaching and professional theatre careers. She currently serves as the Montana Playwrights Network President and Executive Director of the Helena Avenue Theatre.