Teen Acting Classes (11 through 17)

About Course

We are thrilled to welcome your child to our Intro to Acting for Teens course! This class is designed to build foundational acting skills while nurturing self-confidence, creativity, and collaboration. Through a blend of engaging games, structured lessons, and performance exercises, students will explore what it means to be an actor—both on stage and in front of the camera.

Course Overview & Goals

Over the course of ten weeks, students will:

• Gain confidence performing in front of peers and on camera

• Learn how to use their body, voice, and imagination as tools for performance

• Develop characters and explore emotional expression

• Practice on-camera techniques used in TV and film

• Create original material for audition and demo reels

Each class provides a structured, supportive space for teens to explore their creativity while also gaining practical industry knowledge.

Weeks 1–4: Building the Actor’s Foundation

Week 1: Fresh Starts & Acting Basics
Students connect through fun icebreakers and group games while learning about the actor’s primary tools: body, voice, and imagination.

Week 2: Comfort Performing & Teamwork
Students deepen comfort with performing by exploring mime, emotion, and storytelling in ensemble games like “Emotion Roulette.”

Week 3: Character & Imagination
Students create original characters and interact in imagined environments—strengthening improvisation and storytelling abilities.

Week 4: Emotion Mastery
We explore how emotions drive character choices. Through games and group discussion, students learn to express and recognize emotions without relying solely on dialogue.

Weeks 5–10: On-Camera Acting & Industry Preparation

The second half of the course transitions into TV and film acting, giving students hands-on experience with the techniques used by professional screen actors at their own pace. Here’s what they can expect:

On-Camera Technique:
Students will learn the key differences between stage and screen acting—like how to act naturally in front of a camera, the importance of stillness and subtlety, and how to “hit their mark”. We’ll film mock scenes to give them experience watching themselves perform on screen.

Script & Sides Work:
Students will learn how to break down a script for TV auditions, understand their character’s objective, and bring a scene to life in a compelling, believable way. Cold reading and scene partner work will also be introduced.

Self-Tape Auditions:
In today’s industry, many auditions are submitted via video. Students will learn how to create strong self-tapes—from framing and lighting to slating and delivering natural, confident performances. They’ll practice creating self-tape auditions throughout the remaining weeks.

Audition Coaching & Demo Reel Development:
We guide students through the full process of preparing for auditions, including choosing age-appropriate material, refining delivery, and responding to direction. By the end of the course, each student will have filmed one or more polished audition clips suitable for a starter demo reel—a valuable tool for young actors looking to audition for local productions or agencies.

Feedback & Personal Growth:
Students will receive gentle, constructive feedback throughout the on-camera portion. The goal is not just technical improvement but also helping students discover what makes them unique as performers.

Why Acting? Why Now?

Whether your teen dreams of being on stage, on screen, or just wants to build confidence, acting is an incredible tool for self-growth. This course empowers teens to:

• Communicate clearly and authentically

• Take creative risks and think imaginatively

• Collaborate with others respectfully and effectively

• Develop poise and confidence for real-world situations

What to Bring and Wear

• Comfortable clothes they can move in

• A water bottle

• For Weeks 5–10: They may be asked to bring a phone, tablet, or recording device (optional) for self-tape practice. All filming is done in class under instructor guidance.

Ages: 11 through 17

Duration: Ongoing