25 Best Acting Classes in CALIFORNIA (Top Rated)
Oh, to be an actor on a big stage or movie screen…what a dream!
Manifesting an acting break is one thing, but taking steps to make them happen is another.
Aside from acting in front of your friends or a mirror, you take it to the next level by attending classes mentored by acting professionals.
That way, you can take pointers from an insider on how to be camera-ready and flawless on and off-screen.
Scroll through the article to find the best acting classes for you in California.
Make your dreams a reality and become one of the biggest stars in Hollywood in no time!
And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Yoga Classes in California.
Acting Classes in Los Angeles, California
1. 3-2-1 Acting Studios (Top-Rated by Agents)
3-2-1 Acting Studios is the perfect place for kids, teens, and young adults with dreams of becoming big stars!
The studio is the top recommended acting studio by talent agents and casting directors because of its individualistic approach to nurturing natural talent among its students.
The classes are taught by the studio’s working professionals and acting coaches resulting in their high success rates!
Their personally curated 3-2-1’s Acting Career & Showcase Program provides young hopeful actors with the opportunity to transition from a student to a working professional successfully.
The studio has six age-specific acting programs focusing on commercials and improvisations, scene study and audition techniques, and much more.
Address: 3131 Foothill Blvd, La Crescenta-Montrose, CA 91214
2. Brian Cutler Actors Studio (Stand Out in Casting)
There’s a lot of competition in Hollywood or performance arts in general.
You should stand out immediately during the casting call, regardless if it’s for small or big acting gigs.
Brian Cutler Actors Studio has an advanced and demanding curriculum that will challenge you to become a great actor.
The studio has three categories for its classes: acting classes for younglings and adults, master classes, and pop-up classes.
They provide specialized training for on-camera work in film, television, and voice-over.
The studio firmly believes that stars shine brightly during simple and authentic moments.
Go ahead and book a class to try out the genius imparted by Brian Cutler.
Address: 1007 N Cordova St, Burbank, CA 91505
3. Elizabeth Mestnik Acting Studio (Top-Rated Program in LA)
Sometimes, the prices for taking acting classes deter you from taking the leap.
But if you want to explore your options in LA, you can head to Elizabeth Mestnik Acting Studio to take a peek at what makes them the best choice.
The studio is rated as the top acting program in LA by CBS and Backstage, and the studio is grounded by its own Meisner Technique.
The studio follows the course that Sandy Meisner developed and William Esper refined.
They focus on strengthening actors’ imagination, expanding their emotional range, and pinpointing what makes them unique.
The studio has many classes you can choose from, including the Meisner Technique class; scene study class; beginner’s acting class; actor’s life and business; movement program; speech for the actor class; playing Shakespeare, and on-camera auditioning.
Address: 4713 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91602
4. Andrew Wood Acting Studio (Yale-Educated Founder)
A graduate of the MFA Directing program at the Yale School of Drama and with a Ph. D. in Literature from Stanford University, Andrew Wood founded his studio to share what he has learned while at Yale School of Drama.
Their approach has three phases: extracting the significant facts about the character’s situations, developing a POV or framing, and executing the character’s priorities.
Students must participate in their 10-week essentials course to be eligible for the advanced workshop.
They have a lot of alums who landed outstanding acting breaks, such as Gavin Leatherwood in the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina series and Evan Bittencourt in the Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists series.
You can visit their studio at 1122 N Gower St., Los Angeles, for an initial interview with Andrew.
Address: 1122 N Gower St, Los Angeles, CA 90038
5. Lifebook Acting Academy (Core Value: Be Yourself)
“No one can play the role better than you.”
That quote is just one of the core values of Lifebook Acting Academy.
The academy believes that they are more than just a school; it is a community of artists that help each other to achieve their lifelong dreams.
Their all-levels and advanced classes provide students equal opportunities to learn and hone their skills in acting.
They provide lessons for scene study, improvisation, auditioning, acting technique, career coaching, short film production and screening, showcasing, cold reading, getting an agent/manager, and much more!
Class tuition starts at $85 for any one class to a three-month unlimited class bundle for $995.
Address: 4348 Tujunga Ave, Studio City, CA 91604
6. Speiser/Sturges Acting Studio (Coached by A-Listers)
Sometimes, following the footsteps of your idols can lead you to where you want to be.
If you want to be coached by Will Smith, Ursula Corberó, Jennifer Lopez, Gerald Butler, Mandy Moore, and other A-lister stars, you book a class with Speiser/Sturges Acting Studio!
The star-studded studio has been in the industry for more than 30 years with LA’s top acting coaches, Shannon Sturges and Aaron Speiser, so they know a thing or two about what they’re doing.
The students start in their technique class and then transition into scene study classes.
Their twelve-lesson course will challenge you to develop and train your concentration, imagination, and relaxation through exercises and improvisation.
Address: 1728 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035
Also see our article on Movies Filmed in California.
Acting Classes in Riverside, California
1. Riverside Children’s Theatre (Magic of Theatrical Acting)
As they say, “you have to start them young.”
If your kids, younger cousins, or friends dream of becoming an actor someday, you have to support them and enroll them in classes that will help them improve their skills.
Riverside Children’s Theatre (RCT) has been introducing the magic of theatrical acting since 1957.
The theater has a mandatory Saturday school program with an annual tuition of $550.00 for the first child and $50 less for each subsequent child.
The child will attend an acting/drama, dance, music, and tech class during the Saturday program.
RCT is perfect for kids who want to get serious about theater arts early on or have fun with friends.
Address: 19069 Van Buren Blvd. Ste 114-393 Riverside, CA. 92508
2. Valverde School of Performing Arts (Discipline and Community)
The Valverde Family aimed to provide students and their families with a place to learn about performing arts.
That’s why they established the Valverde School of Performing Arts (VSPA) in 2005.
The school emphasizes that students should focus on the discipline of their choice and that it is important to share their skills and talents with the community through annual showcases.
The school has had more than 4,500 performing arts students in over 11 years, teaching 16 different disciplines and a total of 47 productions.
They have gifted instructors and coaches that oversee the theater, music, and dance departments related to their forte.
Through rigorous training and insightful lessons, students are taught how to be confident with their talents.
Address: 8217 Rochester Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
3. SoCal Performing Arts Academy (Stand Out with Private Lessons)
The main goal of the acting lessons at SoCal Performing Arts Academy is to help you stand out.
They offer private, one-on-one lessons that are specially customized to your goals and skills you want to improve.
They provide an introductory course to acting and a thorough lesson on how to nail auditions, prep for a role, and market yourself as a capable actor.
As much as you want to enroll in classes immediately, you need to check their prices.
The school has a $100 monthly plan that includes a weekly 1.5-hour lesson and $35 for each class if you are still undecided or want to explore acting.
If you’re looking for a place to start your acting journey, whether as a hobby or something you want to pursue professionally, Socal Performing Arts Academy is the place to be!
Address: 2790 Cabot Dr Ste 140 The Shops at Dos Lagos Corona, CA 92883
4. The Actors Workshop (35 Years of Credibility)
With 35 years under their belt, The Actors Workshop is a credible place to start your acting training.
There are a bunch of The Actors Workshop alums that you can see in classic and modern TV shows and films, including Kristy Swanson, Brian Krause, Sarah Lancaster, Schae Harrison, and others.
They have a state-of-the-art digital broadcast studio where students can learn acting for film and TV.
It is a beginner-friendly school where you can test the waters to see if acting is a good hobby or career suitable for you.
They offer classes twice weekly, both day and night, for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students.
Address: 23436 Madero Suite 230, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
5. The Tweedlie Center for the Arts (Equal Opportunities for All)
If musical theater is what you’re leaning into, then The Tweedlie Center for the Arts (TCA) is an excellent choice!
Stacee Tweedlie Willis, the owner and creative director, opened the school to help kids wanting to learn about theater art become more confident with themselves and their gifts.
The school provides equal opportunities to kids who excel and those who would only sometimes be considered for leading roles.
The theater believes that it is more than talent that helps you achieve your dreams; it’s who you are as a person, who you want to be, and who you’re becoming.
Currently, TCA is not accepting auditions and will only hold classes in the fall of 2023, as Stacee Willis will be directing the CBU. Youth Theatre production.
Address: 10020 Indiana Ave Suite 211B, Riverside, CA 92503
Also see our article on Movie Theaters in California.
Acting Classes in San Francisco, California
1. The San Francisco Acting Academy (Private Classes & Top Instructors)
The San Francisco Acting Academy opened its doors to passionate, aspiring actors in 2001 to provide new and experienced actors with a safe space to improve their skills.
Top casting professionals, actors, and teachers in the San Francisco Bay Area joined together to help actors compete more in the SFBA scene.
They keep their class sizes to a minimum, which is perfect if you want a private, semi-exclusive class, especially if it’s your first time!
Having a small number of people in a class allows the instructors to provide equal opportunity for the students to showcase their acting skills in front of the room and camera.
The instructors offer courses best suited to their skills, allowing them to impart valuable lessons to the students.
One of their instructors is Tina D’Elia, an award-winning solo performer, casting director, and co-screenwriter.
Address: 1830 17th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
2. The Meisner Technique Studio (Focus on Spontaneity)
Sanford Meisner developed the Meisner Technique to develop spontaneous, impulsive, intuitive, and present actors.
The technique incorporated a repetition exercise that teaches students to tap into their gut and react authentically to stimuli.
If you want to know more about this technique, The Meisner Technique Studio in San Francisco specializes in this process.
Their classes anchor on the practices emphasized in the Meisner Technique, such as the repetition exercise, independent activity that allows students to act based on imaginary circumstances, and others.
You can start your journey in the studio either through Formal Training or the Introductory Class.
You can also audit or snoop into the first two classes to ensure that what they teach in the studio suits your needs and goals.
Address: Chapel, Pope Rd, San Francisco, CA 94109
3. New Conservatory Theatre Center (Promoting Education and Activism)
The New Conservatory Theatre Center has been in the business since 1981, led by its Founding Artistic Director, Ed Decker.
The school’s primary goal is to promote premier education, theater experiences, and top-notch productions to the San Francisco youth, queer, and allied communities.
The theater has six primary programs.
These programs include Mainstage, Youth Conservatory, YouthAware, and New Voices/New Work.
These classes focus on providing a voice for the youth to express themselves and spark healthy conversations in the community.
If you want to explore the activism side of acting, the school is a safe space for you.
You and your drama peers can embrace your inner theater geeks here to further personal & societal growth and spark change in your community.
Address: 25 Van Ness Avenue, Lower Lobby, San Francisco, CA 94102
4. Leela (Improvise Holistic Approaches)
The art of improvisation is one of the most vital disciplines in acting.
It is an essential skill that every aspiring and experienced actor should have and hone.
Leela takes on a holistic approach to teaching improvisation to create a supportive, open, inclusive community.
You can enroll in the classes that have been categorized based on your skill set level or the value as an improviser.
Aside from their regular improv class, they also have musical improv classes ranging from levels 1-5 that you can take depending on your skill level and experience.
There is an 11-week program in the school called the Performing Improv Ensemble Program or PIE program that allows experienced improvisers to enhance their talents by becoming members.
Address: 901 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103
5. Shari Carlson Studio (High-Quality Group Coaching)
Known as the instrument coach throughout the industry, Shari Carlson began her journey as an acting coach because she yearned for one when she started her career in Hollywood in the 60s.
The Shari Carlson Studio focuses on providing a high-quality coaching session in a group setting.
If you’re more comfortable taking acting lessons with other students, this studio is an excellent choice.
Their essential compass course has been tried and tested for over 30 years.
You can take begin acting class, an advanced acting class, or a private coaching session with Shari starting from $200; all of these classes will be thru Zoom for now.
Address: 1922 Tice Valley Blvd #2015, Walnut Creek, CA
6. Beverly Hills Playhouse (LA’s Best School in SF)
To spread its goals and teachings, one of LA’s best acting schools opened its doors to the people of San Francisco in 2009.
The Beverly Hills Playhouse offers intensive scene-study classes geared towards neophytes and veterans.
The school uses Milton Katselas’ approach as the core of its courses, which dives into acting, attitude, and career administration.
You can set an appointment to audit their classes for free to get a general feel for how their classes go before you shoot the gun and enroll.
If you proceed with taking the lessons, they usually last up to four hours, with 20-30 students for each class.
You can take up to three classes weekly, but the school recommends two classes per week.
Address: 414 Mason St #502, San Francisco, CA 94102
Also see our article on Private Schools in California.
Acting Classes in Bakersfield, California
1. Bakersfield College (Extensive Performing Arts Programs)
If you’re deciding whether to pursue acting or performing arts in college, you can check the curriculum at Bakersfield College to solidify your gut feeling.
The institution has an extensive performing arts department comprising music, theater, and dance programs.
Bakersfield College believes their students should have a strong foundation in their specific discipline before they set out into the world, hence why they strive hard to prepare students through top-notch instructions and mentorship.
The industry-renowned instructors provide high-quality education in instrumental music, choral studies, jazz studies, commercial music production, marching arts, acting and theater tech, and more.
If you’re tight on the budget, the institution offers these lessons at a more affordable price than private lessons from independent studios.
Address: 1801 Panorama Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93305
2. Bakersfield Youth Fine Arts Academy (BYFA) (Visual and Performing Arts)
When your kids or siblings show interest in performing arts, there’s nothing else to do but support them and get them theater or acting classes.
A great organization in Bakersfield that provides these services is Bakersfield Youth Fine Arts Academy (BYFA).
The BYFA specializes in visual and performing arts for the youth and community enrichment through live performances.
They put annual events after their workshop programs to showcase the skills and talents of their students.
The organization is in the process of preparing for a summer workshop in April 2023.
Make sure to practice with your kids or siblings before the audition day!
Address: Bakersfield, CA, USA.
3. Actors Academy Bakersfield (Affordable Lessons for All)
Chasing the dream of becoming a star starts with taking the necessary steps to enhance your talents.
Improving your visualization and execution of your character’s story will help you become a compelling actor.
But if you’re in doubt about whether you can afford to take acting lessons on top of your other expenses, Actors Academy Bakersfield provides affordable acting lessons starting from $20 per lesson.
You don’t have to break the bank to train your acting skills.
You can take vital knowledge from their professional coaches and your groupmates through the classes, which you can apply to your technique.
These classes are for all ages, so you can bring your kids, siblings, and friends to make it a fun experience!
Address: 238 18th St, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Also see our article on Military Schools in California.
Acting Classes in Sacramento, California
1. Sacramento Theatre Company (Classical & Musical Plays)
As one of the region’s oldest and largest arts institutions, the Sacramento Theatre Company showcases classical, musical, and contemporary plays and world premieres.
Aside from these, the theater also offers acting classes that people of all ages can enjoy!
If you’re looking for an acting or theater program to start as a hobby for you and your siblings and friends, you can look into the programs the institution currently offers.
They have after-school and weekend training programs for elementary, middle, and high school students: the Young Professionals Conservatory, Pre-Professional Ensemble Company, Acting Classes, Audition Opportunities, ACTDANCESING Camps, and School Partnership Program that range from $180 to $200.
You can try your hand at their weekend scene study classes for adults, costing $200 for each session.
Address: 1419 H St, Sacramento, CA 95814
2. Studio 24 (TV/Film Acting Workshops)
Knowing that your mentors know what they’re talking about and what they’re doing is a good boost in confidence.
Studio 24 is a trustworthy studio that offers extensive acting workshops and classes.
The studio opened in 2008 and is now one of the country’s largest TV/Film acting studios.
If your interest in acting is in the voice acting discipline, the studio offers classes and coaching in TV, film, commercials, and voice-overs.
Their classes are facilitated by professional directors, actors, and sometimes guest directors for pre-teens, teens, and beginners, intermediate and advanced adults.
If you need coaching as an experienced or advanced student heading out into the world, they also provide career guidance, demo reels, and headshots to ensure you step out with the best branding.
Address: 771 Oak Ave Pkwy #2, Folsom, CA 95630
3. Roseville Theatre Arts Academy (Award-Winning Children’s Theater)
Learning to act on the big stage or in front of the camera should be a fun and fulfilling experience; otherwise, the love for the art will slowly fade.
Roseville Theatre Arts Academy is an award-winning children’s theater that promises to provide insightful and enjoyable classes.
Kids learn valuable lessons in acting, singing, dancing, auditions, monologues, movement, reading, etc.
They have classes specifically for 7-15 years old, 4-7, 9+, 10+, and 15+, and classes for all ages.
They offer academy classes at various times throughout the year, but these classes are not guaranteed to end in a performance.
The theater prioritizes building your kids’ confidence in acting and performing through their classes.
Address: 241 Vernon St, Roseville, CA 95678
4. Capital Stage (Bold & Thought-Provoking Shows)
Starting a hobby when you’re already an adult can be terrifying, especially since you have other things to worry about.
But there’s nothing to be ashamed about embracing your inner theater geek with the Capital Stage community.
The theater presents bold, thought-provoking shows that will entertain, engage and challenge their audience, and you can be part of it, too!
As a professional nonprofit theater company, they will provide you with the platform to share your skills with the community.
Not only will you develop professionally as an actor, but you can also expand your network with the help of professional mentors.
Address: 2215 J St, Sacramento, CA 95816
5. Sacramento Performing Arts Company (Musical Theater for Kids)
If your child is starting to be interested in musical theater, then Sacramento Performing Arts Company is what you’re looking for!
The company has been teaching kids valuable singing and theatrical acting for years!
Their playhouse singers’ lesson category is a weekly rehearsal for a small group of K-6 kids to practice their performing arts and vocal skills.
The spotlight singers’ category is also a weekly rehearsal for grades 7-12 kids.
The company provides lessons focusing on teaching kids the fundamentals of performance arts through acting and singing on stage.
These classes cost $165 monthly, which includes five classes a month and a free bonus class before a performance.
Address: 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA 95818
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Looking beyond California? Check out our article on the best Acting Classes in Texas and Florida.