OREGON ACTING CAMPS & CLASSES

Camps and classes for Oregon kids, teens, and adults that have a special focus on acting in the theatre. Many of these Oregon acting education programs also focus on singing, dancing and music. Most programs present a performance on the last day of classes. Most of the camps are day camps, but some are residential.

Contact each individual organization via their website for updated program date, place, and registration information.

 

Oregon Childrens Theatre
Portland, OR area

At OCT, we believe that theatre skills are life skills. With a wide variety of classes for ages 3-18 and multiple locations, OCT is a place where everyone is celebrated for their individuality regardless of their skill level.

We provide high-quality, year-round arts education, encouraging students to imagine, learn, and grow both as performers and individuals. Our teaching artists foster joy, creativity and imagination by meeting each student right where they are.

With classes for kids ages 318, ranging from beginners to college-level training, located in multiple convenient locations throughout the Portland metro area, theres a class designed to engage students at every experience level. Whether your child is looking for a fun way to express themselves or looking to take their theatrical training to the next level, OCT has classes for everyone!

First Act
ages 36
Our First Act classes are designed to bring out the best in your child. Exposing kids to a wide variety of imaginative opportunities, these classes not only engage and inspire the youngest performers, but build confidence, resilience, and collaboration skills.

Second Sttage
ages 712
Second Stage classes build on previously-learned skills, designed to bring a new level of acting education to your childs repertoire. Classes target age-appropriate theatrical skills to develop and refine your childs abilities.

Teen Acting Academy
ages 12+
Our Teen Acting Academy offers advanced training for teens, targeting specific areas of learning and building on previously learned abilities, take their skills to the next level. Acting Academy is a great option for teens interested in auditioning for Mainstage productions, the Young Professionals Company, or other professional opportunities.

Young Professionals Company
ages 14+
The award-winning Young Professionals Company is made up of dedicated theater studentsages 14 and upwho seek advanced training through exposure to a wide range of college-level workshops, professional development, resources, and information.

Each season the YPs perform three professional shows, selected by teens and produced through support from OCT. Teens receive advanced training and mentorship from local theatre professionals, including directors and designers, while creating thought-provoking and inspiring theatre for teens and adults.

Participation in the YP Company requires an annual audition, application, and enrollment in at least two Teen Acting Academy classes each year.

Website: https://www.octc.org

 

Acting for Kids & Teens
Portland, OR area

Acting for Kids & Teens is a state-of-the-art acting studio in Portland, OR offering classes, workshops, voiceover lessons, audition assistance and private coaching. All of our coaches are working actors who empower kids every day to show up in their voice, while growing their confidence and life skills in a supportive community where they are heard.

On-Going Acting Classes Registration is OPEN!
At AFKT we teach acting for TV & Film specifically. Our weekly ongoing acting classes use a combination of games/activities and focused scene work that will teach the fundamentals of acting for TV & Film. We will cover everything from character development, how to create original material, improv and study TV/Film auditioning techniques and etiquette.

Our classes center around developing truthful characters, listening to the work and each other, and creating an open space for our young artists to shine.

Classes are grouped by age and are perfect fit for experienced and novice creators! New students are welcomed any time.

7 - 11 yrs
For the younger actor who cant wait to get in front of the camera and explore their inner creative artist! Great for confidence building, free-flowing creativity and getting comfortable with performing.

11 - 14 yrs
This class focuses on TV/Film scenes from favorite shows that 11 14 kiddos will love performing. All levels will find their way to the beginnings of an acting career and being a lifelong artist. This class is power packed with artistry!

Teens 13+
Whether you are an experienced actor or have been dreaming of acting, our teen acting classes offer the opportunity to deep dive into the world of acting. Everything from TV/Film scene study, improv to learning to work as an ensemble. Not to be missed!

Acting Camps & Events
Dont have time for weekly classes or want to add on to your AFKT training? We offer on-going workshops and events (many free) that help support and supplement your creative endeavors and help bring a reality and encouragement to the work. Come on inthe water is fine!

Private Acting Sessions
Feeling like you want to slow down and get a handle on this acting stuff? Maybe you want to analyze your script or break down goals for your career? Schedule a private acting session with one of our professional acting coaches. You will LOVE working one-on-one and getting specific with your questions. We are always here! In-person or online.

Acting camps and workshops are a wonderful way to learn specific acting techniques, try out a new skill, meet industry professionals and explore the business of acting. Acting for Kids & Teens host multiple workshops and camps through out the year.

Website: https://actingforkidsandteens.com

 

Oregon Conservatory of Performing Arts
Medford, OR area

OCPA is the longest-running educational teen and children's theatre program in the Rogue Valley. It got its start in 1998 when two local high school teachers felt there was a need to offer kids theatre experiences beyond what was found in the public schools, where the arts were being curtailed or eliminated. The two brought together a number of artists and teachers to introduce their concept, which evolved into the Oregon Conservatory of Performing Arts. We offer our Spring Break Camp, Summer Camps, as well as virtual and in-person theatrical training throughout the year. Our teachers are actors and educators from the public school system, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and other local theatre companies, with impressive experience and advanced degrees in theatre and education.

All students ages 13 and above may enroll in our Certificated Programs that are offered at the Initial Mastery and Advanced Mastery levels. Before enrolling, prospective students may want to consider program options, admission requirements, and most importantly their individual goals. OCPA Certificated Programs are geared toward pre-college preparation for teen and adult students and those looking for short-term training leading to immediate employment, admission to other professional training programs, or higher education.

Website: https://www.oregonconservatory.org

 

Northwest Childrens Theater
Portland, OR area

The mission of Northwest Childrens Theater and School is to educate, entertain and enrich the lives of young audiences. NWCT produces four Mainstage shows per year and administers one of the largest theater schools on the west coast.

Whether youre new to theater or youre ready to enhance your acting, singing, and dancing skills, theres something for everyone at NWCT!

To date, Northwest Childrens Theater and School has provided high-quality theater arts and education experiences to over one million children, families and students. The company continues to grow and change to meet the needs of the communities it serves, and a long-term lease on its historic home further ensures NWCTs place in the city. Unprecedented regional awards and national recognition are a testament to leadership dedicated to pursuing the highest artistic and educational standards in the companys history.

First Stage Classes (Ages 4 6)
include creative play, imaginative adventures, silly songs and movement, all with the purpose of creating a show together. Families and friends are invited to the final performance, held during the last 15 minutes of the final class.

Explore Classes (Ages 6 9)
combine adventures, imaginative world-building, and role-playing to immerse students in theater. An informal demonstration will occur during the last 15 minutes of the final class.

Skills Classes (Ages 8 10 or 10 14)
are for students who want to learn more about a specific theater skill like comedy styles, musical theater, stage combat, and technical theater and design. An informal demonstration will occur during the last 15 minutes of the final class.

Plays & Musicals (Ages 7 11 & 10 14)
are all about putting on a show! Campers audition, rehearse, and perform. Everyone gets a part! Families and friends are invited to the final performance held on the last day of class.

Website: https://nwcts.org

 

Portland Center Stage at The Armory
Portland, OR area

Teen Council & Teen Academy

Immerse yourself in the confidence building fun of learning performance skills in a stimulating, supportive environment. Our classes are taught by top theater professionals who are excited to share their passion and experience.

Teen Theater Academy builds skills and confidence, while deepening the connection to the inspiring world of theater. Our teaching professionals, drawn from Portlands theater elite, provide pre-professional theater training focused on scene work, monologues, musical theater, devising and more. With many offerings in Summer, Teen Academy also offers classes throughout the school year.

Teen Council is composed of high school students who want a deeper involvement with professional theater and opportunities to take part in advanced theater experiences. Activities involve attending monthly workshops led by PCS professionals and select performances of our productions. Participation is always free and ongoing.

Adult Classes
Taught by a diverse pool of talented professionals from throughout the region and beyond, our Adult Classes provide recurring opportunities for anyone interested in learning more about the living stage and other storytelling art forms.

Website: https://www.pcs.org

 

BEAT Children's Theatre
Bend, OR area

BEAT offers a variety of classes to help the student actor develop in all areas of performing. BEAT also offers camp classes during the summer and also during school breaks.Please see our website for our scheduled classes and camps.

Did you know that theatre education provides so much more than how to perform on stage Through acting and improv games, creating characters and stories, young people learn all about how to collaborate with other, to take turns, to express themselves and to embrace all that they are in the most wonderful way.

Website: https://www.beatchildrenstheatre.org

 

Ashland Childrens Theatre
Ashland, OR area

Ashland Childrens Theatre offers a variety of theatrical experiences for children and teens throughout the year, including classes, workshops, and performances.

Ashland Childrens Theater offers fun-filled theatre classes for ages 4-17, providing children a theatrical home filled with heart by creating a safe and creative place where they can express themselves, make friends, and acquire theatre skills.

Please our website for a full listing of our classes and workshops.

Website: https://www.ashlandchildrenstheatre.com

 

S.K.I.T. Theatre
Keizer, OR area

SKIT CLASSES FOR TWO AGE GROUPS
Make an entrance with SKIT Theatre!

We offer after school theatre classes for students in 1st-12th grade.

SKIT-L'S
Students 1st-5th grade

All students study acting, singing, and dancing. Classes are by grade level (1st/2nd, 3rd/4th, 5th). Students must be in 1st grade to participate.

SKIT
Students 6th-12th grade

Students choose two classes to study.

ACTING BOOTCAMP
Learn the fundamentals of acting through theatre exercises and games, scene work, and character study to improve your performances.

IMPROVISATION
Learning comedy and quick thinking through theatre games.

MUSICAL THEATRE
Participants will work on all three areas of study in scenes and songs in group and solo formats (as comfort and experience levels dictate). Through acting, singing and dance, students will truly learn to act in songs and scenes.

STAGE COMBAT
Learn the specialized techniques in theatre designed to create the illusion of physical combat without causing harm to the performers. Learn weapon and non-weapon choreographed moves.

SKIT Theatre offers middle school and high school students the opportunity to audition and perform on stage or work behind the scenes in a full-scale, Broadway-style production performed for the Salem/Keizer community.

Website: https://www.skittheatre.com

 

STAGES Performing Arts Youth Academy
Hillsboro, OR area

By encouraging creativity and recognizing the uniqueness of each child and young adult that come through our doors, STAGES Performing Arts Youth Academy shapes lives in a positive direction.

We offer a strong educational program taught by exceptional teachers who develop classes and workshops that foster a deeper appreciation of performing arts and the technical aspects of theatre. All that come to STAGES will be treated in a kind and respectful manner and practice professional theatre etiquette.

STAGES Offers Classes, Camps & Workshops Year-Round. Please see our website to explore our latest camps, classes and other exciting offerings.

Website: https://stagesyouth.org

 

Majestic Theatre
Corvallis, OR area

The Majestic Theatre is a branch of the City of Corvallis Parks and Recreation Department, dedicated to bringing a wide range of artistic productions and arts education programs to the citizens of Corvall

Our goal is to provide the greater Corvallis community with fun and edifying classes and workshops, taught by both local and visiting experts in their fields.

Please see our website for scheduled class offerings.

Website: https://www.majestic.org

 

Eugene Performing Arts Center
Eugene, OR area

EPAC offers high level instruction in dance, theatre, and performance to kids 18 mos-19 years in Eugene, Oregon and surrounding areas. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment that teaches students resilience, grit, confidence & community. Whether your child wants to be a professional, prepare for a college program, or just have fun, we have a program for them.

We have something for everyone! Whether you are looking to take dance as a fun after school activity, wanting to challenge yourself with competitions, or take the stage in a theatre production, we have a pathway for you.

When it comes to Childrens theatre in Eugene we know there are many options but we wanted to build a theatre that would prepare students for real world opportunities. We believe students should work hard and earn each role. That is why you are paying for acting and musical theatre classes and not to be in the production. This also gives students the opportunity to explore all aspects of the theater including costumes, props, set design and lighting.

All students will have the opportunity to audition for each show but it is not required. They may also work backstage or supporting technical theater aspects.

ACTING

Broadway Babies (music & acting)
Ages 4-6
45 minute class
Imagine, sing and play in this acting and music class made for our 4-6 year olds. A great pre-cursor for our acting and musical theater programs, students will explore their actor tools, play music, sing and create.

Bright Lights (MT & Acting)
Ages 7-9
Combining dancing, singing and acting, students will explore how to present themselves on stage, project confidence and develop characters. Both group and solo work will be explored.

Rising Stars
Ages 10- 12
Students will explore how to present themselves on stage, project confidence and develop characters. Both group and solo work will be explored.

Stage Bound
Ages 13+
Young artists will explore their three actor tools Imagination, Voice, and Body. Students will learn to construct a story, project their voice with confidence, character development, lead and follow in a group and work in an ensemble.

Actors are eligible to audition for our Winter play and Spring Musical. Actors are also able to choose to work backstage rather than on stage doing costuming, sets, stage management, and props.

Movement for Actors
Movement for actors will explore bodily autonomy, characterization in your body, and relaxation techniques. Laban method will be explored. Great class for theater students who need movement technique but arent interested in dance classes.

Advanced Musical Theatre/Acting
Director Invitation Only. Advanced actors will take a deep dive into a variety of techniques including Meisner, Viewpoints, clowning. Students will explore historical theatre and its forms, as well as music theory. Students will perform in the Winter Cabaret show and the June Night of Theatre showcase.

MUSICAL THEATRE

Broadway Babies (music & acting)
Ages 4-6
45 minute class
Imagine, sing and play in this acting and music class made for our 4-6 year olds. A great pre-cursor for our acting and musical theater programs, students will explore their actor tools, play music, sing and create.

Bright Lights (MT & acting)
Age 7-9
Combining dancing, singing and acting, students will explore how to present themselves on stage, project confidence and develop characters. Both group and solo work will be explored.

Rising Stars
Ages 10-12
Students will explore singing, dancing and acting as well as how to present themselves stage, project confidence and develop characters. Both group and solo work will be explored.

Stage Bound
Students will explore singing, dancing and acting as well as how to present themselves stage, project confidence and develop characters. Both group and solo work will be explored.

Advanced Musical Theatre/Acting
Director Invitation Only. Advanced actors will take a deep dive into a variety of techniques including Meisner, Viewpoints, clowning. Students will explore historical theatre and its forms, as well as music theory.

Dance for Theatre (Tap & Jazz)
Travel through time as we explore dance styles throughout Broadway history. Perfect for theater students who want to dance or have never danced to prepare them for show choreography! Class will split between tap and jazz.

Website: https://eugenepac.com

 

Corvallis School District Summer Theatre Camps
Corvallis, OR area

We provide a platform to enable students to explore and express their creativity and imagination while encouraging them to delight in the theater process and the end-product.

Past classes have include training in dance, stage movement, basic stage combat, lighting and color on stage, pantomime, stage acting, acting on camera, projection and voice work, music performance, the science of theater, stagecraft, play-writing, clowning, devised works and more.

The exciting two week camp will culminate in a student showcase of techniques and projects worked on during camp. Unlike traditional theater camps, STAGES is a skills-based camp and not a performance-based camp. Students work on marketable skills necessary for careers in the theater industry.

This is a two week camp. Registration for campers wishing to enroll in only ONE WEEK is just fine. The weeks are separated in terms of content, so it is not an issue just be sure to select the one week option (and let us know which week, 1st or 2nd) when enrolling!

Website: https://csdtheaters.com

 

Portland Drama Club
Portland, OR area

Create. Inspire. Discover. Fly.

We teach Portland's youth the power in themselves through play, practice, and performance.

It is our goal to provide a creative, safe space for children to have fun and gain confidence while learning the skills necessary to perform for an audience through musical theater. Not only will kids learn movement, vocal, and acting technique - as well as technical aspects of putting on a show - they will learn to work as a team and to form clear points of view. They will learn to encourage others to be silly and feel brave enough to be silly themselves without judgement. While they will absolutely learn to enunciate and speak up, they will also become better listeners. They will learn concentration, hard work, and doing your personal best pays off and is fun!

Skills needed for the theater are skills that they will carry throughout life. Whether it's the benefits of falling down and getting back up again (sometimes literally) or giving kids a voice when they might feel they don't have one; expanding world views through exposure to literature, music, and other cultures; connecting kids to their bodies through movement, feelings, and sound - the benefits of theater in a child's life are immeasurable.

Portland Drama Club lets a child learn through performance right from the start. If you join the Club, you get a part. We learn by doing.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
When kids train to put on a show, they are learning life skills:
Empathy, Teamwork, Patience, Listening, Focus, Hard Work, Awareness, Confidence, Discipline, Personal Responsibility, Body Control, Problem Solving... the list goes on! Theater is social emotional learning in action.

PDC COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Community classes are open to any students in portland and are not associated with a specific school. Our rehearsals are held at our hq - st. david of wales* (2800 SE HARRISON ST)

Website: https://www.portlanddramaclub.org

 

Bridgetown Conservatory of Musical Theatre
Portland, OR area

Triple-Threat Musical Theatre Training from Musical Theatre Professionals! Become Your Potential!

Dance
Bridgetowns team of professional choreographers will provide you with the tools needed for musical theatre movement & dance.

Our team is experienced with teaching performers of all levels and abilities in a welcoming environment.

Learn how to tell stories and convey emotions with your whole body while absorbing dance vocabulary and technique.

Acting
Explore the capacity of your individuality as an actor.

Discover how your body, voice, and feelings can translate a story.

Work with Broadway professionals who can share their experience and training.

Learn that acting isnt just using the words to tell the story but it is about infusing the words with the uniqueness of YOU!

Vocal Performance
It's more than pretty sounds.

It's more than just a lovely melody.

The magic of Vocal Performance is in the marriage of storytelling with the melody of the song - the notes on which the composer has hung the story.

Bridgetown can help you discover the power of good storytelling with the result of a remarkable vocal performance!

We also offer a variety of workshops throughout the year. Please see our website for scheduled classes and workshops.

Website: https://bridgetownconservatory.org

 

Portland Metro Arts Theatre
Portland, OR area

Theatre teaches the value of teamwork. Working together to be part of something bigger can be very rewarding and help achieve a sense of selfworth. It helps students be constructive instead of destructive. It allows them to lead as well as follow.

Our theatre program is a wonderful way for kids to get comfortable performing and being on stage! It gives students the opportunity to practice dramatic performance, both scripted and improvised, develop characters, persona, and public speaking ability, and work on stagecraft and production.

Classes may not be available every season. Please check the class schedule for current offerings. We frequently add new classes to our schedule.

Website: https://pdxmetroarts.org

 

Imagine Theatre
Happy Valley, OR area

Classes empower students to develop performance skills and gain confidence.

The Imagine Curriculum has clear benchmarks for each class that act as guide posts for students, ensuring they are prepared to move on to the next level of courses. Our Teaching Artists pull from their own wealth of knowledge and experience, and utilize resources like Drama Notebook, to supplement the curriculum and meet the exact needs of our students.

We believe that students learn best through "doing". Because of this, Imagine Theatre emphasizes movement, projects, and active learning in all of our classes. While there is lecture time in every class, it is expected that it is kept to a minimum. Teaching Artists empower students to take ownership of their own learning through personalized lessons and in-class leadership opportunities.

Imagine Classes are for everyone! We actively accommodate the unique needs of each student, and work with families and our community to consistently refine classes and the class experience.

Classes are for those 7-18 year olds, regardless of ability level. 7 year olds must have previously been in an Imagine Theatre Youth Camp to join classes.

Website: https://www.imaginetheatre.org

 

Spotlight Musical Theatre Academy
Lake Oswego, OR area

Spotlight Musical Theatre Academy is dedicated to enriching the lives of children both on stage and off. Our students are placed in one of these three training programs.

LITTLE STARS AGES 4-6
EXPLORE the wonders of the stage with our youngest actors and their friends. This 90 minute class teaches acting, singing and dancing fundamentals and incorporates the wonderful world of imagination that is so vibrantly alive with children this age.

CENTER STAGE AGES 6-16
ENGAGE in three hours of acting, singing and dancing classes every week. This is Triple Threat Training at its best! Our Center Stage Students rotate through these classes in groups of same aged peers, called Act I, Act II, and Act III. Our unique program focuses on teaching children, not material, with amazing results.

CONSERVATORY AGES 14-18
ENHANCE performance skills in this advanced training for highly committed teens. Courses are taught by some of Portland's top theatre professionals, and include in-depth training in a plethora of skills required for a career in the performing arts.

Website: https://www.spotlightmusicaltheatre.com

 

Cathedral Park Performing Arts Collective
Portland, OR area

CPPAC’s Acting & Improv Program consists of a wide range of offerings for youth and adult actors. Children ages 7 and up who wish to learn the foundational tools and techniques of acting can register for our ACTING SKILLS class. Youth in middle and high school (ages 12 and up) can continue to develop their acting skills in our ACTING & IMPROV class. We also offer ACTING & IMPROV FOR LIFE for adults ages 18 yrs+ who would like to brush up on their acting skills, learn new techniques, and build performance experience.

CPPAC offers musical theatre classes year-round for students ages 7 yrs+. Join us during the school year for our MUSICAL THEATRE CLASS and each summer for our SUMMER MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOPS.

Website: https://cathedralparkarts.org

 

Speak And Be Heard
Portland, OR area

Theater Classes for Neurodiverse Children and Their Allies

We are a theater company dedicated to bringing the joy of the theater to neurodiverse populations. We believe that everyone has a fundamental right to communicate and experience the world in a positive and meaningful way.

Our camps and classes
focus on teaching social skills, team work, and problem solving through the art of theater. Children gain valuable social skills and peer interactions through participating in our small group classes. Speak And Be Heard Theater is run by a certified Speech and Language Pathologist who has more than 15 years of experience working with neurodiverse populations including children with Autism, Down Syndrome, Intellectual Disabilities, and more.

Summer Theater Camp for Neurodiverse Children
During camp your child will learn a variety of skills in a fun, silly, and authentic theater based camp experience. Campers will learn about problem solving, perspective taking, conversational skills, imitation, feelings, and teamwork from a certified Speech and Language Pathologist. Camp activities will focus on learning these skills through direct teaching, theater games, group activities, and performing skits and scenes. Children can attend camp for 1, 2, 3, or 4 weeks at a time.

Website: http://www.speakandbeheard.org