TBF University Classes
TBF University is a selection of dynamic classes taught by our headliners, hosts, and touring feature performers. This is your opportunity to learn from the best of the best and level up your burlesque game.
Some classes require comfortable clothing you can move in and dance shoes, if you have them. Make sure to check the classes descriptions for more details. Please also bring a water bottle, a pen, and paper.
All 2026 TBF University Classes will take place at Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown (475 Yonge Street) on Friday, November 13 and Saturday, November 14. The hotel’s side entrance is across the street from our showcases at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre.
Advance tickets are $25 per class and are available via our webstore. If classes don't sell out in advance, you can also buy tickets at the door for $35.
Each class is capped at 25 participants, so buying early is the best way to guarantee yourself a spot.
Workshop Schedule
Friday, November 13
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12:00pm - 1:30 pm
Sure, you've rehearsed your act a thousand times. But you didn't plan on the stage being coated in slippery glitter (or the sound guy starting your song thirty seconds in... or your fringe getting stuck to your fishnets). Seasoned performers always seem to keep their cool during onstage crises, and if you find yourself thinking "How do they DO that?", take this class and find out. Your approach to handling onstage mishaps will depend on your act, your performance style, and what's gone wrong, but there's always a way to handle difficulties with grace and humor and having a pre-planned approach to coping will help you shine even when everything's going wrong. This class provides both a checklist for onstage crisis prevention (you DID check that chair you plan to dance on for wobbliness, right?) and a practical tutorial on how to turn your worst disasters into moments that make the audience love you even more.
What to Bring: Note-taking supplies
What to Wear: Clothing you are comfortable in
Reserve spot -
1:45 - 2:45 PM
Learn the art of the get down with Lou Lou la Duchesse de Rière in her floorwork master class. Perfect your dips dives and shoulder rolls while learning a fun safe ways to get on the floor, work your moves and strengthen your choreography.
What to Bring: Knee pads if you have them
What to Wear: Comfortable garments that you can move in
Reserve spot -
3 - 4 PM
In this interactive master class, Jeez Loueez guides you through the basic tenets of her popular stage presence class, but tailored and specified for live event emcees. Chock full of woo woo theater exercises, wackadoodle improv games, and other tried and true made up crap, you’ll gain the tools to: break the fourth wall, explore crowd-work, build a relationship with the audience, and ensure your cast and crew feel comfortable and in good hands. Tap into your wit, relatability, and comedic timing!
What to Bring: Bring a notebook and pen for note taking
What to Wear: Clothing you are comfortable in
Reserve your spot
Saturday, November 14
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10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
In this workshop we will be giving purpose to those metres of fabric. Let's flow, whip, create shapes and use our panels to their full potential.
What to Bring: Bring your favourite panel skirt! If you don't currently have one, a selection of open-size panel skirts will be provided for those who want to still participate.
What to Wear: Movement clothes, optional: performance heels or ballroom shoes
Reserve your spot -
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
The costume plays a vital role in creating the magic and illusion of the stage, transforming performers into characters and bringing their stories to life. This class delves deeply into the art of costume design and planning, offering a comprehensive exploration of every stage of the process. Participants will learn how to thoughtfully conceptualize their costume pieces while considering factors such as budget management, sourcing materials creatively, and selecting the most impactful styling elements. Emphasis will also be placed on understanding colour spectrums to create visually cohesive designs and gaining practical skills in constructing and assembling costumes. Whether you are a seasoned performer or a newcomer to the stage, this class is designed to help you elevate your costuming to the next level.
What to Bring: The costume you are working on and need help with, whatever you would like to take notes on, writing supplies
What to Wear: Comfortable clothing
Reserve your spot -
1:15 PM- 2:15 PM
Improv can be scary and LeTabby Lexington is here to demystify the make 'em ups and have you flying by the seat of your pants while you remove them! Using fun physical games we will have you honing your improv skills, which will come in handy for those oopsies times, if you want to play with the audience or there's an opportunity for a special in the moment play. Improv is all about play and being positive, which are great skills for any performer. lessons learned from this workshop will come in handy on stage and off in act development. LeTabby Lexington has trained with Second City and Rapid Fire Theatre and is a cast member of the Canadian Comedy Award Winning Die Nasty, the Improvised Soap Opera as well as a trained clown.
What to Bring: Bring a water bottle, and a notebook and pen, or note-taking devices if you would like.
What to Wear: Clothing you can move in and an open mind
Reserve your spot -
2:30 - 3:30 PM
The class is a lecture with summarized handouts. It focuses on connecting with the audience through authenticity, positivity and confidence-building skills. It’s a philosophy-sharing class based on sixty years of experience. There is a compare-and-contrast section, delving into the old and the new and much more. In essence, "How to Engage an Audience" is a discussion, encouraging you to go inward to tap into your own authenticity and relatability that speaks to every audience member.
What to Bring: Note-taking supplies
What to Wear: Clothing you are comfortable in
Reserve your spot