Acting classes

What do children learn in acting classes?

Children of all ages and skill levels are welcomed in acting programs. Novice actors focus on the basics of performance, learning vocal techniques, stage or set movement, and the essentials of characterization. In more intermediate classes, kids are trained in improvisation, and audition preparation.

General acting programs are available, but kids can also enroll in programs focused on comedy training, voice acting, and musical theatre (which combines acting with singing and dancing). All acting programs include final performances at sessions’ end—a stage play, musical or short film, depending on the program. In these, children audition for roles, given one that suits them.

Children also have opportunities to explore jobs such as lighting, sounds, or prop and set design. Starting at $25 per class, acting programs are typically inexpensive, although more intensive, and more immersive, professional-oriented classes can rise above $500. Programs are coeducational and are offered both online and in-person.

About advanced acting programs

Children explore all possibilities of acting at advanced programs, as they learn how to act for film, television, and the stage. Programs may have students create recorded demo reels at the end of camp. In fact, some advanced acting programs include audition training and preparation in their curriculum.

Advanced acting classes may also require auditions before enrollment. Children must prepare and deliver a scene or monologue in front of class instructors to gain placement in a program. Specific details are listed in the programs above, and you can sort through each program to find the right level for your child.

Why enroll in acting class?

Acting class gives young performers the opportunity to test their love of performance. Aside from learning to act, there are other benefits children find in these programs, including:

• Enhance emotional intelligence. Through characterization work, children learn to recognize how an individual’s expressions, posture, and words reveal things about their feelings. Children gain empathy and enhance their emotional intelligence.
• Boosted self-confidence. Emboldened by time on the stage at acting class, kids grow more confident in public speaking and in interpersonal skills.
• Explore multiple genres. Kids aren’t limited to one specific genre of acting in programs, as they perform dramas, comedies, and musicals. Children flex their acting range and find their niche.
• Work with professional equipment. Whether on stage or in front of the screen, kids work with professional-level costumes, set pieces, cameras, and more.
• Choice between competitive and non-competitive acting programs is available for children. Competitive programs require auditions before enrollment and often take acting troupes to drama competitions. Non-competitive programs focus on acting for fun.
• Age-appropriate instruction. Children work with age-appropriate scripts, costumes, and blocking on stage to prevent discomfort amongst drama teams.

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