Acting
What We Teach
"At The Studio, working with principles of Viola Spolin and Sanford Meisner, we approach acting emphasizing the idea that “acting is doing”"
“Living truthfully under imaginary circumstances”
"Our actors learn to think spontaneously, read body behavior, listen intently and answer directly with moment-by-moment skill. In addition to learning great acting technique, we put on plays with actors often required to play multiple parts in the same play"
"We make something out of nothing, the very essence of great theatre"
At The Studio, working with principles of Viola Spolin and Sanford Meisner, we approach acting emphasizing the idea that “acting is doing”. Improvisational exercises, silence, dialogue and activity all require the actor to have a “purpose in doing” for performing an action. The idea is to move one’s attention away from oneself and onto the other person onstage and thus into the moment. Students work “within the moment” to achieve spontaneity, emotional responsiveness, sensitivity to others, good listening and truthful reacting skills.
To be a good actor, one must cultivate a lot of skills including good vocal projection, clarity of speech, physical expressiveness, a good sense of perspective, emotional vulnerability, a well-developed imagination, the ability to analyze and understand text, the ability to create emotional and physical conditions and the ability to be spontaneous and focused “in the moment”. All these skills are continuously developing during acting classes.
As with any life skill, acting skills help with public speaking, debates, the ability to Improvise “on your feet” in any given situation, to enhance imagination, to understand others motivation and to deeply empathize with others.
Classes We Offer
Children's Acting
Acting classes focus on fun, creative learning through theatre games and guided improvisation.
Students are introduced to the basics of the Meisner technique in an age-appropriate way, learning how to listen, respond, and stay present with their scene partners. Classes also include sensory activities, beginner scene work, and simple audition skills.
Our six-week summer session is a wonderful introduction to acting. Students who continue during the school year have the opportunity to build their skills through one-act plays, scene nights, and other performance experiences.
In addition to building acting skills, this class helps children grow in confidence, improve public speaking, think on their feet, and express themselves more comfortably in a variety of situations.
Teen Acting, Ages 12-18
Teen Acting introduces students to the craft of acting through improvisation, scene work, character development, and foundational Meisner technique. In a supportive and creative environment, students develop truthful, responsive acting skills through theatre games, repetition exercises, sensory work, listening and responding, and scripted scene study.
Designed as a year-long course of study, students build their skills progressively and have opportunities to apply their training through one-act plays, scene nights, and other performance experiences throughout the season.
Many students use their training to audition for and earn roles in school and community productions. However, earning a role is not the end of an actor’s training—it is an opportunity to put that training into practice. Like dance, music, or any serious art form, acting develops through consistent study, thoughtful practice, and performance over time.
The six-week Summer Session provides students with an introduction to the art of acting through improvisation, theatre exercises, and scene work. It offers a fun and engaging opportunity to explore the fundamentals of acting, build confidence, and experience the creative process. Students who enjoy the class are encouraged to continue their training during the school year, where they can develop their skills more deeply through ongoing study, performance opportunities, and consistent practice.
Beyond the stage, students gain confidence, strengthen communication and collaboration skills, and learn to think creatively, listen deeply, and respond authentically in the moment. Most importantly, acting cultivates empathy and emotional intelligence by encouraging students to understand the world through the experiences and perspectives of others—skills that enrich both their performances and their everyday lives.
Musical Theatre, Ages 9-12
Step into the exciting world of musical theatre through acting, singing, and movement! This fun, energetic class helps students build confidence while developing the skills needed to bring stories and characters to life. Students explore improvisation, theatre games, character development, and creative acting exercises that encourage imagination, spontaneity, collaboration, and authentic performance. Group singing is an important part of the class, with engaging musical theatre songs, opportunities for featured solo lines, and expressive choreography that brings each number to life.
As students grow, they learn to portray a variety of characters and often play multiple roles within a production, developing flexibility, creativity, and strong storytelling skills. While formal dance technique is not taught during class, students are strongly encouraged to enroll in a ballet class (preferably at The Studio), as dance training provides an important foundation for learning choreography and becoming a well-rounded musical theatre performer.
Whether your child dreams of performing on stage or simply wants to build confidence, creativity, and communication skills, Musical Theatre is a wonderful place to begin.
Summer Musical Theatre Camp
Experience the wonderful world of Musical Theatre! For three wonderful hours daily for five days, immerse yourself in the three principle art forms that make up “Musical Theatre”! Start fresh each morning with a daily dance technique class beginning with an authentic ballet barre, move to floor stretches and exercises for flexibility, and finish with different dance styles in across-the-floor combinations. The next hour, sing your heart out with a group voice lessons and learn age-appropriate musical theatre songs straight from Broadway, along with choreography to compliment it and (if desired) opportunities for solo singing lines. Have a short 10 minute break to grab a snack, and then it’s on to a whirlwind improvisational acting class, where you have a blast using your own creative brain to make up your “who, what and where”!
Adult Acting: Acting Technique
Explore the art of acting through improvisation, scene work, character development, and the foundational techniques of the Meisner approach. Students learn to create truthful, engaging performances by developing awareness, imagination, emotional connection, and the ability to truly listen and respond in the moment.
Through theatre games, improvisational exercises, sensory work, repetition exercises, and scene study, students explore what makes characters believable and discover how human behavior, relationships, and personal experiences shape a performance.
Acting is a powerful tool for developing confidence, creativity, communication, and self-awareness. Students learn to think on their feet, trust their instincts, collaborate with others, and become more present and expressive—skills that extend far beyond the stage and into everyday life.
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Whether preparing for performance, strengthening public speaking skills, exploring creativity, or simply trying something new, this class offers a supportive and engaging environment for teens and adults of all experience levels.
Adult Acting: The Art of Improvisation
Come play, laugh, and discover your creative side in this fun-filled, supportive class! Working as an ensemble, students explore the art of improvisation through theatre games, creative exercises, and spontaneous scene work.
Learn to think on your feet, trust your instincts, and create engaging characters and situations in the moment—all while building confidence, communication skills, and imagination. Whether you're completely new to acting or have previous experience, this class provides a welcoming, low-pressure environment where there are no wrong answers—only opportunities to explore, create, and have fun.
Leave your inhibitions at the door and reconnect with your playful inner child as you discover the joy of saying "Yes, and..."
Audition Coaching
$35 for 30 minutes
$50 for 45 minutes
$65 for 60 minutes
There is a $5 off per private lesson discount if taking other classes at The Studio.
Individual coaching to help you do your best — for professional theatre, community theatre, school theatre, preparation for collegiate auditions, professional conservatories and more. We can help with any goals you have!
Please contact the Studio for information on available times.
Private Lessons
$35 for 30 minutes
$50 for 45 minutes
$65 for 60 minutes
Private Lessons are available for public speaking, auditioning and any performing art form we teach.
Please contact the Studio for information on available times.