Kids Acting Classes and Schools in NJ

So your little one has decided to become the next iCarly? Ready to jump on the Zack and Cody cruise ship? Before you run out to get head shots taken, why not enroll them in acting school and let them decide if the big screen is indeed where they’d like to be?  NJ offers a great assortment of studios, big and small, that’ll give your kids a taste of life on-stage.  If your child’s schedule is booked through the school year, don’t fret–most schools offer summer camp programs, too.  So roll out the red carpet, focus the spotlight, and let your star shine!        

Note: Many of these schools also offer music lessons and film-making classes, but that’s another post! Tuition varies immensely based on child’s age, length of class, location and number of sessions per week.  Please refer to individual websites for further information.

Acting-A-Part Theatre Company and Movie Studio (Ridgewood, Sparta and Morristown)

Imagine “Beauty and the Beast” with five Belles, one Beast, and no Gaston. Huh? This is what happens when Acting-a-Part Theatre Company tailors plays to meet the dramatic desires of their students–and the kids adore it!  Plays are re-written to allow every little Princess-wanna be to play that part, and for the younger crowd, lines are fed to performers during the show. The result? No stage fright, no fighting over parts, and a wonderful, welcoming entry into the world of performance. Classes for 3 years old and up. Call 973-879-3651 or 973-729-6434 for more information.

Papermill Playhouse (Millburn)

The world-famous New Jersey theater has more than great productions up its sleeve—it also has a wonderful selection of acting classes for kids aged 4 to 12 (Junior Players) and 13 to 17 (Youth Theater). Fun and unusual choices like Improvisation, Storybook Theater and Comedy Club, and there’s even a conservatory class called “Getting Into the Business” taught by a youth talent agent. Call 973-376-4343 for more information.

 The Community Theatre at Mayo Center for the Performing Arts (Morristown)

Over 250 children annually participate in this performance-based theatrical training program, but don’t let those numbers frighten you--a nurturing and supportive atmosphere allows your star to build stage confidence and shine!  Classes are taught in musical theatre, acting and voice, and each 12-week class leads to a grand end-of-season performance. Once your tike becomes a teen, they may join the Center’s musical ensemble group which travels New Jersey performing free at community events and fundraisers. Philanthropy and performance experience–great concept! Bonus: Need-based scholarships available. Classes for 5 years old and up. Call 973-539-0345 ex. 6582 for more information.

The New Jersey School of Dramatic Arts (Bloomfield)

Worried your burgeoning star has much more, or much less, experience than other actors his or her age? Here’s your solution! Unlike most studios that offer age-based classes, this school uses interviews and auditions to match its students to acting,  musical theater, improvisation and TV/film training programs courses based on skill level and experience. The multi-level program builds stage knowledge step-by-step, leading to comprehensive stage training. Also, the school fields frequent casting requests from commercial, film and theater companies, giving your child a chance to start building that acting resume! Classes for 1st graders and up.  Call 973-566-9700 for more information.

Performers Theatre Workshop (Livingston)

Tired of trucking their two kids around New Jersey and NYC to give them the full scope of acting lessons needed, Esther and Howard Kravitz, Juilliard graduates and longtime educators and performers, established their own school. In its 15 years of existence, the Performers Theatre Workshop (PTW) has increased its student enrollment more than ten times over, and is now acclaimed as one of the foremost performing arts schools in New Jersey. A relaxed, noncompetitive environment pervades the school, and, perhaps due to their own experience as parents of young actors, PTW truly offers a sense of family.  Close friendships with fellow actors result, so watch out–your kid’s next slumber party may turn into a scene from “Glee”! Classes for 3 years old and up. Call 973-992-3034 for more information.

Peachcraft Studios (Summit)

What happens when a top L.A. casting director establishes an acting school? Peachcraft Studios, that’s what! Kate Kennedy’s 20 years as a casting director in the Feature Film and Major Network Television Industry led her to create her own acting technique with amazing results. Her students have gone on to book roles on Broadway and Off-Broadway; in major and independent feature films, episodics, pilots, national commercials, and, of course, school plays! Another cool touch? Actors work on-camera and are guided through their process by viewing in order to measure and evaluate their work. Classes for 6 years old and up. Call 908-673-1485 for more information.                                                        

Talent Academy of Rockaway (Rockaway)

If the stage calls, but singing isn’t your protege’s thing, Talent Academy of Rockaway may be your place as they offer two separate tracks: Musical Theater or Dramatic Theater. Professional actor Gregory Korostishevsky teaches techniques for TV, film and theater, drawing on his own experience in more than 50 national commercials, Broadway productions, movies (he starred in “Men of Honor”) and television (“30 Rock.”) The result? His students regularly win Grand Prizes at the “World Championships of Performing Arts” in Hollywood, and parts in Broadway shows.  Ready the roses! Classes for 3 years old and up. Call 973-664-0030 for more information.