Acting Classes for Kids

Never underestimate the importance of selecting the right acting classes for your kids. An acting teacher should be someone you trust to guide your child through the vulnerability and emotional highs and lows that come with honing their acting skills.

For younger children, find someone supportive who encourages play and silliness and doesn't try to restrict the children's creativity and individuality. Yes, there are rules to follow on a film set or in theater, but the most important thing at this age is that there is no 'right' or 'wrong'.  The teacher should be open to silly choices and fun unexpected moments that make a scene awesome.    

As your child reaches their teens, if acting is turning into a serious career choice, it's important for them to learn more of the specific needs of filmmakers and theater directors.

Research the instructor of any classes you are considering. Look at their professional work history and whether they have acted or directed film and TV before. Of course, a great coach doesn’t have to be an actor or director so if they are not, research how students from the course have faired in the industry over the years. Look at testimonials from past and present students. If they have celebrity alumni, check how long those actors actually trained at the school.

Find out whether the kids acting class is on camera. Many of the better foundation work classes are not on camera, however it is important to take on-camera classes also to know how your performances are translating on screen. Look over the material used in class and analyze how the coach breaks down the scenes to ensure it is compaitble with your preferred style of acting. Ask whether they focus on a specific method and the degree to which they are immersed in the ‘technique’. You don’t want your child to end up being force-fed a bunch of theory to which they don’t relate.

Most classes allow new students to ‘audit’ (observe) a session. Take advantage of this and ask the students about the class when it’s finished. Make sure the teacher is encouraging but firm. A coach who praises average actors may lead the child to false beliefs in their ability. You want someone who will be honest when your kid does weak work and help them improve, but also compliment you when you’ve rocked a scene. Beware of teachers who are ego driven because their focus often lies with being right rather than nurturing the students craft and talent.

Aim for a class where your child is in the bottom half of the class talent-wise. Being the best actor in a class does wonders for your kids ego but will slow their progression. Most actors perform better when working opposite a great actor, so be selfish and ensure your kid is always surrounded by more advanced performers. If you can’t tell what level your talent is at in comparison to the rest of the class, you’re probably right where you need to be.

The skill of the other students is important, because if everyone is talented it is more likely that some of them may become successful. This is a key part of networking in LA, because actors often help each other with referrals for representation and auditions. is often evolves into actors writing and producing their own work, which naturally leads to hiring friends.