Best Acting Classes for Kids in New York City

Lisa R:  This Staten Island Theatre hosts year round musical theatre and acting classes for kids. Class types and locations vary, but they all generally incorporate theater games and confidence building exercises and culminate in a final performance. Links to classes with open registrations can be found on their website.

Class Types: musical theater, drama

Lisa R:  Classes for young children (4-7) at Dimensions on Stage draw on themes such as fairy tales and Disney musicals to engage students' imaginations and creativity. Acting and musical theater classes for older students bring together all skill levels to study the basics of theater performance and help kids gain confidence on stage.

Class Types: Musical Theater, acting, creative play

Lisa R:  Play On! Studios provides theater camps, classes, and private coaching at three Manhattan locations. Small, non-competitive classes are taught by professional teaching artists that like to keep things fun. Most classes incorporate a number of different performance skills, including movement, vocal work and improvisation.

Class Types: Creative play, musical theater, improvisation, drama, private coaching

Lisa R:  Class offerings start as young as 2 years old with imagination based activities and build towards the teen company (12-15 years olds). Younger programs help students develop skills for self expression and story-telling by weaving in connections to literature and well known works. Older students develop complex works that include Greek Myths, Shakespeare, and American Classics. More focused offerings include musical theater and Shakespearian workshops.

Class Types: Shakespeare, musical theater, creative play

Lisa R:  The Atlantic Acting School believes that creating new works is fundamental to the acting experience. Therefore all classes incorporate storytelling, writing, acting and improvisation. Classes run on a semester basis and culminate in a performance. Full-day kids' camps and audition-based workshops for teens are offered in the summer.

Class Types: Creative play/acting, audition preparation

Lisa R:  Instruction is tailored to the individual in these full-day Saturday classes for serious young actors. Students in the kids program for grades 2-5 do not need previous experience in acting, but should be willing to commit to a long day packed with stage combat, musical theatre and on camera work. Programs for older students utilize the Strasberg method and allow students to specialize in film, musical theater, or performance.

Class Types: Acting, Stage Combat, Musical Theatre and On Camera

Lisa R:  Whether your child is interested in acting, musicals, voice-over, on-camera work or something else in the performance world, A Class Act NY can help pull it all together while keeping the experience fun and educational. With a roster of casting directors, talent agents, and professional performers acting as instructors, every class is a memorable experience. Every six and 12-week class session culminates in a final presentation that is attended by talent agents and managers.

Class Types: acting, musicals, voice-over, on-camera

Lisa R:  Broadway Bound Kids seeks to inspire and empower kids through the performing arts. Professionally taught classes lead kids through the process of writing and performing their own original scripts, music, and choreography. Students can sign up for after school or Saturday classes or further hone their skills in multi-month workshops. Popular two-week summer camps that culminate in the performance of a popular musical fill up quickly, so sign up early.

Class Types: Musical Theater

Lisa R:  Utilizing the Stanislavski, Strasberg, Chekov and Meisner techniques, many graduates of the Children's Acting Academy have gone on to perform professionally on Broadway and beyond. Particular focus is placed on learning how to concentrate and relax in front of an audience. Group classes set aside time for individual instruction. On camera technique is taught during the spring trimester of all classes.

Class Types: Creative Drama, Broadway Dance, Musical Theatre, Beginning TV, Improv.

Lisa R:  This non-profit children's theater program brings together kids from all backgrounds to learn and create high-quality, professional level performances. Students are eligible for a range of scholarships, with many going on to be accepted to one of New York's performing arts high schools. Programs seek to teach kids to practice kindness and strive for excellence.

Class Types: Broadway, drama

Lisa R:   Classes at American Dance & Drama seek to bring out the potential in every student that walks through the door. A 'triple threat class' includes instruction in dance, drama and vocals that has landed other NYC kids spots on Broadway and TV. The American Repertory Theatre Ensemble involves many students in performances and backstage activities. All classes culminate in a fun performance.

Class Types: Broadway, On-camera, vocal

Lisa R:  This Bronx organization, committed to creating a "vibrant, inclusive community through innovative and comprehensive services and programs" houses a school for performing arts with rotating offerings. Most seasons, kids can sign up for a 12 week musical theater workshop where they are introduced to popular musicals and theater games. Bronx House partners with other groups, such as Riverdale Children's Theater, to put on other, audition-based annual performances.

Class Types: Musical theater, creative play