conundrum kids classes
Every 2nd + last Sundays at the Victory Theatre Center
Designed for beginning actors, our Intro To Acting class is the perfect fun environment for students to grow their confidence, collaboration, and creativity while learning the fundamentals!
Young actor develop acting skills through games, improv exercises, acting techniques, scene study, and more. Our thoughtfully designed curriculum lets students explore all sides of acting at their pace in a safe space.
Students will co-create an original musical including generating the plot, writing songs, choreograph dances, and more! Our class will complete with a final showcase of the original musical for family and friends.
Students learn improv technique, games, and sketch writing in this exciting class! Improv builds confidence, critical thinking skills, and collaboration like nothing else.
Students explore all sides of the backstage experience, including stage management, lighting design, sound design, props, scenic design and construction, costuming, and more!
Students dive headfirst into Shakespeare in an easily engaging way that makes the Bard's text understandable!
WEEKLY CLASS!
Through movement, technique, voice, and text analysis, students will hone their acting skills and understanding of classical works.
WEEKLY CLASS!
class descriptions + teachers
9:00am - 10:00am: Intro To Acting for Ages 6 - 9
10:00am - 11:00am: Intro To Acting Ages 10 - 13
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Designed for beginning actors, our Intro To Acting class is the perfect fun environment for students to grow their confidence, collaboration, and creativity! Young actors will learn the fundamentals through games, improv exercises, acting techniques, scene study, and more. Catered specifically to your child's interests, our thoughtfully designed curriculum lets students explore all sides of acting at their pace in a safe space. Theatre education is proven to improve children's empathy, public speaking skills, reading comprehension, listening, self esteem, and more! Students will participate in a final showcase for friends and family.
Who: Students 6 - 9 / 10 - 13
When: 9am-10am / 10am - 11am
Where: The Little Victory in The Victory Theatre Center, 3326 W Victory Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505
Class schedule:
March 8
March 29
April 12
April 26
May 10
May 31
June 14
June 28
July 12
July 26 (showcase)
Teacher Bio:
Fiona Burrows is a professional actor, director, and educator with over 12 years of teaching experience. With a background in theatre, film, and immersive entertainment, Fiona draws from multiple acting techniques, improv, and movement work to develop student's skills. Their classes are grounded in play and joy, with a focus on creating a safe space for students to explore. Fiona is a cast member of American Immersion Theatre where they improvise murder mysteries for clients across Southern California! Directing credits include the world premiere of "Saturdays At 10am" (Hollywood Fringe Festival), "The Other Woman" (Hollywood Fringe Festival, "Best of Fuery" Award, "Best Solo Show" Nominee), the sold out run of "Urinetown" (Conundrum Theatre Company), “Horse Girls” (Chapman University), and “Romeo & Juliet” (Guerilla Shakespeare). Assistant directing credits include the world-premiere of "Crevasse" (Son Of Semele x Victory Theatre Center) and “Native Gardens” (Chapman University). Selected acting credits include “She Kills Monsters” (Tilly, Long Beach Playhouse), “Fancy Nancy” (Rhonda, Chance Theater), “Standing Proud: A Collection Of Our Asian Voices” (Co. writer/actor, Chapman University), and "Into The Woods" (The Witch, The Peter Pan Foundation). B.A. Theatre Studies at Chapman University.
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11:00am - 12:00pm: Improv
Students learn improv technique, games, and sketch writing in this exciting class! Improv builds confidence, critical thinking skills, and collaboration like nothing else. Over the course of 10 weeks, students will learn improv fundamentals and write their own sketches to showcase at the end of class showcase!
Who: Students 8-12
When: 12pm-1pm
Where: at the Little Victory in The Victory Theatre Center: 3326 W Victory Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505
Class schedule:
March 8
March 29
April 12
April 26
May 10
May 31
June 14
June 28
July 12
July 26 (showcase)
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12:00pm - 1:00pm: Musical writing
Students write and star in their own musicals, complete with songs, story, and dance! Over the course of 10 classes, students will generate their show's plot, write songs, choreograph dances, and more! Our class will complete with a final showcase of the original musical for family and friends.
This is the perfect class for students who want to grow their writing, acting, and music skills!
Who: Students 8-12
When: 11am-12pm
Where: at the Little Victory in The Victory Theatre Center: 3326 W Victory Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505
Class schedule:
March 8
March 29
April 12
April 26
May 10
May 31
June 14
June 28
July 12
July 26 (showcase)
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1:00pm - 2:00pm: Behind the curtain: technical theatre 101
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Ever wonder what it takes to put on a show? Students will explore all sides of the backstage experience, including stage management, lighting design, sound design, props, scenic design and construction, costuming, hair/makeup, and special effects. Each unit looks at the bigger picture of how tech supports and enhances a show while also diving into the theory for each element, execution, and positions within each department. By the end of it all, each student will have explored the world of tech through discussions and activities, doing everything from creating a lighting plot to executing a quick change!
Who: Students in Middle School and High School
When: 1pm-2pm
Where: at the Little Victory in The Victory Theatre Center: 3326 W Victory Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505
Class schedule:
March 8
March 29
April 12
April 26
May 10
May 31
June 14
June 28
July 12
July 26
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2:00pm - 3:30pm: Shakespeare for Middle School
3:30pm - 5:00pm: Shakespeare for High School
Join the weekly Shakespearean Laboratory at Conundrum Theatre Company! Take a peek behind the curtain of Romeo and Juliet in this process-based youth acting class. The experiential nature of this course will have students acting, directing, designing, and working as “text detectives” in scenes from one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays. For the next ten Sundays the students will learn new vocabulary, text analysis, narrative structure, public speaking, the art of collaboration/ensemble, voice and speech skills, self expression, and more. Students will leave this class with a deep understanding of Romeo and Juliet as well as a passion for how Shakespeare’s classic plays enhance our modern lives!
Who: Students in Middle School / Students in High School
When: 2:00pm - 3:30pm / 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Where: Note, this class takes place in two different locations depending on the date. You will be sent a reminder of where the class is taking place the week before. At the Little Victory in The Victory Theatre Center: 3326 W Victory Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505, AND at First Christian Church, 221 S 6th St, Burbank, CA 91501
Class schedule:
March 8 - Victory
March 15 - First Christian Church
March 22 - First Christian Church
March 29 - Victory
April 5 - First Christian Church
April 12 - Victory
April 19 - First Christian Church
April 26 - Victory
May 3 - First Christian Church
May 10 - Victory
Teacher Bio:
Riley Shanahan is an actor, director, teaching artist, and writer. Most notably, he was a series regular on HBO Max’s Doom Patrol, where he portrayed Cliff Steele/Robotman with Brendan Fraser. Riley most recently played Rev. T. Lawrence Shannon in The Night of the Iguana at Boston Court Pasadena, which The LA Times lauded as 2025’s best play of the year. He is also a resident artist at A Noise Within Theatre where he regularly acts and teaches. Regionally, he has acted with the Utah Shakespeare Festival, the Seattle Shakespeare Company, Book-It Repertory Theatre, PCPA, and more. Other TV/film credits include Titans, Chicago PD, The National’s I Am Easy to Find, and others. As an educator, Riley is passionate about his students embodying a lesson, not merely understanding it. He accomplishes this by sharing tips, tricks, and techniques that have helped him over the past 18 years of professional experience. He is passionate about theater education because it creates a safe place for kids to express themselves, learn how to collaborate, learn how to creatively problem solve, how to increase public speaking skills, and how to boost confidence. When not acting or teaching, he writes and produces films and tv with his production company, Legitimate Operation Productions. He lives in North Hollywood with his partner, Harriette, and their mini zoo of animals: Oliver, Rufio, and Allie.
previous productions
Testimonials
"[My child] loved his time at theater camp. He had never done anything like it before and day one he was so happy to be there. He loved his teachers and helpers and especially connected with with Director Mr, Nick and Music Director Ms. Josie. He only ever wants to do theater camp. He truly found his place and his thing!" "When we walked in on the first day we were greeted with friendliness and vibrant energy from the team of teachers. It took just minutes for our normally reserved son to warm up and we left him there fully participating in a fun warm up activity where he was clearly engaged. Over the course of the next 3 weeks we saw our little one grow and transform into a true theater kid! He learned the entire script and all the songs and dances. He took notes well and most importantly loved learning and participating in the creative process of putting on a show, being a cast member and performing! He really found his thing! We were so impressed by his growth but also the care and dedication of the teachers. The director Mr. Nick was a gem. We were so impressed with his way with the kids. He clearly knows how to connect with kids to hold boundaries but also let them shine. I saw the same quality in each of the teachers and was impressed by this. It was great to get notes from Mr. Nick and Ms. Josie each day so we could help support from home and know what was going on throughout the session. They even let our 2 year old run around with the kids at pick up and drop off ensuring that when it’s his turn to be part of theater camp he’ll be there too! We can’t wait for the next summer to be part of Conundrum Kids again! " - Erin Oglesby, parent, 2025 production of Frozen Kids
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"Conundrum Kids is a fantastic chance for kids of all performing experience levels to immerse themselves in putting on a production and experiencing the thrill of being onstage in front of a live audience. It builds confidence, expands skills, and helps form strong friendships that last - all at a local theatre company! We're so thankful to have found Conundrum Kids." - Ian Felchin, parent, 2025 production of Shrek Jr.
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"We are so thankful to Conundrum and their amazing camp for kids. This is our second year, and the level of professionalism, compassion, and dedication the staff has is unparalleled. My son has made friends, found community, and increased his confidence and self-worth in just a few short weeks. Plus, they are really fantastic productions! I highly recommend Conundrum to anyone looking for a creative outlet for their kids." - Joelle Garfinkel Cornett, parent, 2025 production of Shrek Jr.
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“When we decided to sign up our 6 year old up for a musical theater camp, my husband and I were only hoping he’d have a great time and make some memories. We didn’t expect we’d be making life long memories as well. From casting, lines, costumes, and more, my son learned it all. Since he’s so young I was nervous he’d struggle in the camp but I was wrong. Thanks to [the instructors], he thrived. He never once seemed nervous or unsure of performing in the three weeks of camp. Seeing him standing on stage for the final show in all its glory was pure joy. The wonderful show that Little Riddles [Conundrum Kids] put together was a boost of much needed joy in a time when all of us could use it. My son can’t wait to be part of the next show, and neither can I.” - Amanda White, parent, 2023 production of Little Mermaid Jr.
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“You created a special place where each kid is valued and uplifted. Isabelle received so much encouragement from her peers. In return, she found her voice and talked to the kids her were nervous to perform. She was struggling with a severe case of stage fright and yet, with the safety of your group, she clearly overcame her fear. Her new found confidence and joy on stage is attributed to you.” - D.T., Parent, 2023 production of Little Mermaid Jr.