Best Theater and Acting Classes for Kids in Houston

It may not have the clout of Hollywood or Broadway, but Houston boasts a rich and diverse theater scene that offers many acting classes for kids. We’ve compiled this list of 13 acting programs that provide in-person theater and acting classes near Houston for toddlers, kids, and teenagers. Get your young star in on the action with acting and theater classes hosted by Houston's best actors, directors, and educators. Whether they’re destined for on-screen (or stage) greatness, or just greatness in general, acting classes can give your child the tools they’ll need to enhance their confidence, creativity, public speaking abilities, social skills, and so much more. Plus, you’ll get to see the limelight twinkling in your thespian’s eyes as they put their skills and hard work to the test during final productions. 

For many, virtual and private lessons also are available. If you’d like to learn about other types of classes for kids in Houston, from cooking to coding and more, browse our directory of local Class Listings. 

1. Next Actor Studio – Houston

With a focus on film and TV acting, Next Actor Studio welcomes kiddos both in-person (currently only 9 and older) and virtually (younger children welcome) to classes in on-camera acting, improv, and voice acting. An emphasis on proper technique and good habits helps your child gain confidence and comfort in front of the camera as they shoot practice commercials, monologues, and scenes. All performances are taped, allowing for classes and parents to observe progress and opportunities for growth. 

2. Drama Kids International – Cypress, The Woodlands, and more

Located conveniently within local community centers and schools throughout northwest Houston, Drama Kids International features more than 450 fun-focused lesson plans taught by highly trained educators. Most of the drama courses are open to kiddos from kindergartners to 6th graders and are hosted throughout the school year. In the Drama Kids program, your child will be sure to develop important skills in acting, public speaking, and more. 

3. Next Level Acting Studios – Houston and The Woodlands

Led by Deke Anderson, a professional actor and director known for his work on shows like “Friday Night Lights” and “The Resident,” Next Level Acting Studios offers something to gain for everyone, from beginners to experienced actors alike. In-person, virtual, and private lessons are available for those looking to work on core acting principles and improvisation. With mock auditions and camera work, your aspiring star will gain the know-how needed to navigate the film industry. 

4. HITS Theatre – Houston

HITS Theatre, located in the Heights, touts itself as a diverse, inclusive safe space that uses eco-conscious practices. Students from grades K-12 can partake in theater classes with concentrations in acting, singing, dancing, and production. Whether they’re joining in on a show like “Annie Jr.” or exploring options like “Palpable Hits: Stage Combat,” they’ll gain valuable experience as well as social and emotional growth. Scholarships and financial assistance may be available. 

5. Page Parkes Center of Modeling & Acting – Houston

Workshops abound at Page Parkes Center of Modeling & Acting. Beginners between the ages of 5 and 7 will get to jump right in during the Kid Acting and Photo Workshop, which is an introduction to acting techniques, exercises, portfolios, and navigating auditions and interviews. If they find their niche, they can specialize at improv and on-camera commercial acting workshops, or hone skills in an acting series for more experienced thespians that includes a styled photo shoot. 

Main Street Theater offers kids acting classes

6. Main Street Theater – Houston

Founded in 1975, Main Street Theater’s youth program is known for taking beloved children’s literature and turning it into professional-quality productions. A Core Skills class is suitable for beginners between the ages of 4 and 14, while professionally directed plays are put on in the Performance Classes. Drama Day Fridays welcome 6 through 11-year-olds for afternoons of skits, theater skill-building, stagecraft, and more. Wish your children and their friends could learn Shakespeare or musical theater in the comfort of your own living room or back yard? The unique Personalized Pod Class options send a teacher to your home to direct your group of five to ten children in a ten-class theater experience. 

7. Spotlight Acting Academy – Katy 

Spotlight Acting Academy is a boutique studio offering small groups that ensure every student gets the chance to perform. Classes are offered in both filmmaking and acting on camera. Your budding young performer will learn how to make their characters come to life, practice monologues, and get a taste of life on set, while aspiring filmmakers get the opportunity to write, shoot, and edit their own short film, complete with a movie poster and hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment. 

8. A.D. Players Performing Arts Academy – Houston

Whether your youngsters are interested in refining their technique or learning the ropes of musical theater, A.D. Players Performing Arts Academy will help them thrive. This fall, the theme is Uncovering Mysteries, and the courses and performances, geared toward young artists from 3 to 18, will feature famed mystery-solving characters like Sherlock Holmes and Nate the Great. After-school programs are available from the Fairy Tale Friends preschool drama class to the more mature acting techniques lessons. 

9. Stageworks Theatre Acting Academy – Northwest Houston

At Stageworks Theatre Acting Academy, kids of all ages can put on a show while fine-tuning their talents. Acting classes wrap up their semester with a full show, including costumes, set, and—of course—an audience of adoring fans. Auditions currently are being held for productions like “Mary Poppins, Jr.” and “Dear Mrs. Clause.” 

10. Purple Box Theater Kids Academy – Friendswood

Classes, workshops, camps, and productions await eager learners in theater, improvisation, dance, voice, and acting. Purple Box Theater Kids Academy has an award-winning program for 5- to 18-year-olds. Explore Broadway for kids or musical theater offerings like this year’s production of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” or, for those wanting less song and dance, try the theater and acting courses. Private lessons also are available. 

Kids can take acting classes at Express Children's Theater, which is in Houston's Museum District

11. Express Children’s Theatre – Houston

The Express Children’s Theatre is a Museum District staple that prides itself on being “Houston’s oldest and largest multicultural performing arts and education organization dedicated to children and families” as well as presenting 250 shows per season on average. Your child can test out their level of commitment and opt for anything from a single-day workshop to long-term residencies. A lot of attention is given to learning confidence, communication, creativity, collaboration, and capability—dubbed the five C’s of social emotional learning. 

12. Bay Area Arts Conservatory – League City

Whether you’re just getting your toddler into theater or preparing your teenager for auditions, the Bay Area Arts Conservatory has a class to fit the bill. Little tikes from 3 to 6 get an intro to musical theater in the Broadway Babies group, getting them familiar with being on stage and expressing their emotions with their faces and body language (because we all know toddlers have no issues vocally expressing their emotions, am I right?) while more advanced actors can take the next steps up in theater or acting classes, learning the fundamentals like concentration, the craft’s vocabulary, and more. 

13. Wildfish Theatre – Houston 

The Galleria area’s Wildfish Theatre shows off with its learning opportunities that give kids hands-on experience in every aspect of theater, from production to management. A sense of community abounds here, as teen actors are encouraged to be mentors to the younger pupils. Upcoming shows include “James and the Giant Peach Jr.,” and “Bat Boy the Musical.” Kindergartners all the way up to seniors can enjoy courses, and a theater festival is held annually. 

Photos courtesy of the theaters