Top Theatre arts programs for 2026

Theatre arts after-school classes near you

We list kids' acting classes from across the country. Find your city in the list below and browse programs in your area.

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More than just after-school class

For kids who love theatre arts, there are many different ways you can indulge in this passion. See related options below:

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What your child will learn in a theatre arts class after-school

Here is what kids learn in theatre arts after-school. Consult with programs linked to above to discover how each of them teaches these. 

Technical performance terms. Blocking, upstage, downstage, and curtain call, are just a few of the technical terms kids learn in theatre programs after school. They master these as they fully immerse themselves in the acting experience. 

Storytelling. In each dramatic genre kids explore, they tell compelling stories. Instructors will demonstrate how characters, conflict, and desire drive a story forward to try and captivate an audience. Kids also learn about things like comic timing, movement, and gesture, to add depth to a narrative. 

Empathy. This is a core aspect of acting. An actor’s job is to embody a character and empathize with their actions and feelings whether good or bad. Even watching others perform, kids develop empathy for both the performers and the characters they portray. 

Stage presence and projection. Spatial awareness is important while on stage. Kids must be aware of other actors, set pieces, and their own body, and how they fit into a scene. They learn how to build and manipulate a stage presence that is believable and concrete. They learn to project their voices and involve the audience in the play. 

Improvisation. The aspiring actor learns how to listen to and respond to fellow actors. This specific form of acting fun helps kids test and develop their flexibility and wit, two skills that are wonderful to have—and to develop more.

Problem solving skills. Theatre arts programs encourage collaboration in a fun setting, giving kids a chance to solve differences in creative ways. Kids learn to compromise where they can and communicate effectively in order to resolve any conflicts together.

The benefits of theatre arts classes

Here’s a look at the advantages kids gain from after-school theatre acting classes. 

Builds confidence in public speaking. Performing in front of peers, teachers, and/or family members and others is a necessary part of theatre arts classes. During lessons, kids develop a tolerance for the anxiety and stress of performing. This exposure to public performance helps them develop confidence in their presence and experience in public speaking, applicable to other aspects of life.

Stirs their imagination. Creative freedom is integral to theatre arts. As children begin to explore characters, write short scripts, and improvise, they explore their imagination. Instructors create a relaxed setting where kids explore their curiosity and create a fun, free-form, expressive class.

Interactive learning environment. Theatre classes offer kids a break from sitting at a desk or looking at screens. Kids use the space around them to create performances. They interact with peers and instructors, improvise, and “talk out” ideas. It’s a collaborative learning experience that integrates kids fully in an adventure in self-discovery.

Social skills development. In collaborating closely with a group of others, they listen, learn, and share with others. They solve problems together, improvise on the fly, and gain confidence both in themselves and others. Of course, acting also gives them the opportunity to “see the world through someone else’s eyes.” They develop empathy and compassion, learning more about the feelings of others and how to express themselves—and the characters they create—fully.

Improved academics. Creative and critical thinking, problem-solving, and reasoning improve when kids tap into arts. Performing arts like theatre acting helps kids improve in reading, verbal skills, problem solving and creative thinking. 

It’s fun! Kids love acting! They get to exercise, sing, and dance. They get to see what it’s like to be one of those people on the screen.

Inspires future performers. Acting is an irresistible calling for some. Theatre arts class offers kids the chance to test the performance environment and recognize whether or not they are interested in pursuing this career. Instructors give children the building blocks necessary to become skilled actors including character work, improvisation, and audition preparation.

Questions to ask theatre arts after-school teachers

Here are some questions to ask theatre arts programs as you compare options near you.

1. Have instructors been professionally trained or do they have performing experience?
2. What procedures are in place if conflict or tension ensues between group members?
3. Are students required to bring any extra items (costumes, snacks, etc.)?
4. Are there recitals or final performances? And when do these take place?

Discover related camps and programs

Arts camp. Creative expression is limitless. Arts camps listed on ourkids.net provide kids with a multiplicity of creative outlets. We list everything from comedy camps to camps with playwriting.  

Singing camp. Musical theatre requires both stellar actors and singers. Kids in both theatre arts programs and singing classes will master each skill and open the door to musical theatre opportunities. You can also use our site to find singing lessons and music lessons. 

Dance camp. Dance plays another large role in musical theatre. Combining a child’s acting, singing, and dancing abilities will expand their artistic range and open them to more performing opportunities.

Sources and further reading

An in-depth look at the benefits of theatre arts for kids. calgaryschild.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Theatre arts programs are there?
There are 14 programs specializing in Theatre Arts. In addition, there are 7 programs offering theatre arts as an activity. Use the filters to narrow by age and program type, then click on matched programs to see daily activities, dates, rates and registration information.

What are the fees to attend Theatre arts programs?
Fees for Theatre arts programs range from $185 to $3,675 per program (program types and lengths vary). Use the filters here to narrow programs by age and type.

What age do Theatre arts programs start at?
There are programs available for children aged 4 through 18.

Where can parents meet with Theatre arts programs?
Meet with program directors and staff at the Our Kids Camp & Program Expo. The Expo is held annually in February, and is a fun and informative day for parents, kids, and teens. Find event details and free tickets here.