Best Acting Classes for Kids in Chicago

Erin P.:  Beverly Art Center in Chicago is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching lives through the visual and performing arts. They offer classes for kids of all ages. They have physical theater intensive classes for ages 11-17, basic acting classes for ages 6-10, and even an "acting up" class for ages 3-5.

Ages: 3 - 17

Cost: contact for pricing

Erin P.:  The Lookingglass Theatre was the recipient of the 2011 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre. They offer acting classes for kids from pre-school to 8th grade. In the preschool class, teachers help kids transform into their favorite characters and take them on a new adventure in each class. Kids in grades K-2 spend their classes adapting familiar stories into original tales, developing new characters and acting out their creations. Looking to delve deeper? Kids in grade 3-12 can audition for their youth ensemble.

Ages: kindergarten - high school

Cost: $150 - $200 per 10 week session

Erin P.:  Acting Studio Chicago offers classes for kids from grades 3-12. The younger grade classes focus on exercising imagination and developing improv techniques as a way to build confidence in young actors. Older kids focus more on the fundamentals of acting as well as preparing for a low-key performance for family and friends. Courses include Acting for Young Actors, 10 Week On Camera Technique, and Voiceover Workshops.

Ages: grades 3 - 12

Cost: $395 for a 10 week session

Kristy Pepping:  Study the basic skills of acting like monologues, scenes and exercises that are used to examine techniques an actor uses to establish a character. In Second City's program, students learn all of this while having a fun time acting!

Ages: 7+

Cost: starts at $290 per term

Erin P.:  Chicago Actors Studio's classes are designed to introduce young actors to the skills required to create a professional-grade performance on camera. These classes are geared for those seriously interested in entering the professional world of the acting. Private lessons are also available.

Ages: 8 - 17

Cost: $145 - $285 per 7 week session

Erin P.:  All About Music & Children's Theatre's musical theatre camps are great for children who likes to sing, act and dance. Students will be introduced to musical concepts and theatrical terms as well as basic dance steps. Older kids will also learn advanced music & theater terminology & singing techniques as well as audition skills, character development & improvisation skills. In addition to acting classes they also offer music lessons for piano, voice, guitar, bass guitar, flute, clarinet, saxophone, and trumpet.

Ages: 6 - 12

Cost: starts at $98 for a 6 week session

Yoli B:  Christian Youth Theatre offers performing arts classes around Chicagoland and Southern Wisconsin in over 16 different locations. The school puts great emphasis on drama, dance, musical theatre, and vocal studies. All sessions are 10 weeks and end with a performance for your child to show off their skills! The theatre also produces over 30 productions yearly with each comprised of 120 students from the company. Theatre classes are a great way for the little ones to get comfortable in front of a crowd and in their own skin.

Ages: 5 - 18

Cost: classes start at $190 per 10 week session

Gina I.:  With classes taught exclusively by professional actors, writers and directors, the Actors Training Center offers the perfect opportunity for aspiring thespians to learn from seasoned experts in their craft. In fact, they focus their programs on training actors to work, providing the tools and tips necessary to make it in this highly competitive industry.

Ages: kindergarten - high school

Cost: $375 for a 9 week session

Kristy Pepping:  Kidz Kabaret is a local children's theatre in the western suburbs. They do two major plays each year; one in the fall and one in the spring. The classes are divided up based on age. Kidz Kabaret also offers summer camps that are week long. If your child is wanting to try acting for the first time, these camps are great chance to try it out with only a week long commitment.

Ages: kindergarten - high school

Cost: contact for pricing