TENNESSEE ACTING CAMPS & CLASSES
Camps and classes for Tennessee kids, teens, and adults that have a special focus on acting in the theatre. Many of these Tennessee 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.
Nashville Theatre School
Nashville, TN area
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
During the Spring and Fall we offer production classes for Ages 5-18. Students audition, rehearse and perform popular Broadway Musicals. Past shows include Hairspray, Jr, Seussical, Jr, Legally Blonde, Jr, Bye Bye Birdie, and many Disney musicals as well.
During the Summer, NTS offers Summer Intensives and Summer Workshops in June and July for ages 6-18. We also offer mornings camps for students ages 4-7.
NTS also offers private voice instruction and musical theatre dance classes.
NTS is very focused on the importance of good dance technique for musical theatre dance. All dance classes begin at the ballet barre and focus on a ballet curriculum that is geared toward musical theater dance. After barre technique we move to the floor to work on musical theatre dance combinations.
YEAR-ROUND CLASSES
MUSICAL THEATRE
Musical Theatre training is at the heart of what we do at NTS. Our program features major productions and Musical Theatre technique classes in both Spring and Fall, a 2-week summer intensive in June and 3 weeks of Summer Workshops.
PRIVATE VOICE
Every performer has a voice all their own. We provide expert-level training to help students learn and refine their technique while developing their unique personal style.
DANCE
Every great stage performer has a foundation in dance. We start with classical training to build the technique and vocabulary needed to thrive and have fun with challenging show choreography. Our Musical Theatre classes focus on singing, dancing and acting, with a focus on ballet technique, which is the base for all forms of dance.
Website: https://nashvilletheatreschool.com
Tennessee Performing Arts Center
Nashville, TN area
Summer Musical Theatre Camps at TPAC offer 5-day camps for ages 8-11 and 12-14. Led by TPAC teaching artists, participants will practice singing, dancing, and acting and discover the excitement of performing on our James K. Polk stage. TPAC’s Musical Theatre Camp will engage participants in a fun, creative environment that promotes empathy, teamwork, and self-confidence through the performing arts.
Website: https://www.tpac.org
The Bijou Theatre
Knoxville, TN area
Looking to expand your skillset this summer? Want a chance to perform in one of the oldest theatres in Tennessee? If so, the Bijou Theatre Summer Camps and Workshops are the perfect opportunity for you – with new offerings for students ages 9-17. Join us for a fun-packed summer filled with making new friends, learning new talents, and making lots of great memories!
The Bijou Young Friends Summer Musical Camp
Ages: 9-12
Focus: Vocal Techniques, Dance Basics, Acting Basics, Musical Theatre, Improv.
The Bijou Musical Boot Camp
Ages: 13-17
Focus: Vocal Techniques, Advanced Lyrical Dance Routines, Acting Techniques, Stage Direction
The Bijou Musical Boot Camp isn’t for your average student, it’s specifically designed for students who live, breathe, and dream all things Broadway. Students will be challenged with advanced acting, dancing, and singing lessons while preparing a performance featuring songs from musicals.
Students will need to have prepared 16-32 bars of any musical theatre song before camp begins with a backing track.
The Bijou Young Friends Summer Acting Camp
Ages: 9-12
Focus: Theatre Basics, Improvisation, Playwriting, Scene Study
Website: https://knoxbijou.org
Nashville Children's Theatre
Nashville, TN area
NCT Drama School classes foster confidence, critical thinking, creative problem solving, collaboration, and so much more. Plus, they’re super fun!
Kids Company
Ages: 8-11
In Kids Company, you will learn theatre vocabulary and build foundation skills in the actor's toolbox of body, voice, and imagination. Emphasis is placed on working as a team, developing expressive communication skills, and learning how to commit to imagined circumstances. Working with a script, the class will culminate in a production.
Junior Artists Company
Ages: 11-16
In Junior Artists Company, you will truly hone your skills over this 12-Week period, performing in a fully produced theatrical production.
Emerging Artists Company
Ages: 14-18
This rigorous acting class will build on your past experience and current competencies to develop vocal technique, physical commitment, script analysis, and the actor's imagination. These skills will then be applied to high-level scene work. This class is by Audition Only.
Musical Theatre Technique
Ages: 11-16
It’s time to sing, act, and dance...all at the same time! Are you ready to take your triple threat game to the next level?
Broadway Buddies
Ages: 6-7
Is your student headed to Broadway? This is where they start! Singing and dancing open up a whole new way to express thoughts and ideas. Students explore moving as a group and choral singing in this charming introduction to musical theatre.
Audition Technique
Ages: 11-16
Join us for an exciting journey to refine your audition technique and maximize your chances of landing the roles you've been dreaming of!
Website: https://nashvillechildrenstheatre.org
Act Too Players
Franklin, TN area
Our youth education programming is designed to give each student the opportunity for a well rounded performing arts education. We are located in Franklin, TN and within easy access to Brentwood, Spring Hill, Nashville, and Murfreesboro. We pride ourselves in being one of the most respected training programs for youths interested in the performing arts.
FULL PRODUCTION CLASSES
Our youth programming in our theatre production classes are developed to give each student a well-rounded experience of theatre from the very beginnings of the rehearsal process to performing in a fully produced show with lights, set, and sound! This class offers a high energy experience for students of all types and all experience levels.
This is our most popular program! These classes do fill quickly. If the class is full, go ahead and sign up on the wait list. If a spot opens up we will email you before charging the registration fee.
ACTING CLASSES
Whether you are an experienced performer looking to hone your acting abilities or someone who is wanting to try acting for the first time--our classes are perfect for you. Our classes are designed to help with monologues, scene development, character development, improvisation, & audition techniques. This semester we are also offering a couple of classes in acting for the camera.
SUMMER CAMP
ct Too Players have worked hard to create a premiere summer theatre program to meet the creative needs of youths ages 3 to 18 while providing practical hours for easy scheduling for parents.
Each summer, Act Too Players offers a combination of weeklong day camps, mini-sessions, and our full production summer intensives taught by the best in the Nashville theatre industry. Every student gets the opportunity to rehearse with the best directors, musical directors, and technical staff. Our goal is to instruct your child on the art of theatre while providing a fun, safe, environment. Our theatre summer camps are ideal for Franklin, Brentwood, Spring Hill, Nashville, and Murfreesboro but have students as far as Alabama enrolled in our program.
We pride ourselves in our well respected prestigious training program and look forward to giving your star the best theatrical experience in Middle Tennessee.
MUSICAL INTENSIVES
Our intensives will encompass the entire theatrical experience including auditioning, choreography, music, vocal work, staging, with some prop and set work throughout the intensive. This is our immersive theatre experience for all levels of theatre. It is the goal of the Act Too Players staff to provide a professional environment from rehearsals to working with the industry best in lighting and sound at the Franklin Theatre.
Our Summer Intensives will culminate in a fully staged musical production of each show to be performed at the beautiful, historic Franklin Theatre.
DAY CAMPS
Our weeklong summer day camps meet each day from 9:00am until 3:00pm (except Friday). In camp each day, your child can expect to learn the fundamentals of theatre in a safe and fun environment It is our hope that each week a student learns more than a show or some dance moves but learns a little bit about themselves and how to successfully work with others. Act Too Players will provide a snack and drink during the morning. Lunch will be each day around noon (provided by student). During the lunch hour we will show your child movies that are related to the course. Act Too Players will also provide materials for the classes.
On Friday, students will meet at the Franklin Theater to prep for their 11:00am showcase to which you can invite all of your family and friends. After the showcase, you will be able to take your child with you.
MINI-SESSION CAMPS
Our mini-session day camps meet each day. In camp each day, your child can expect to learn the fundamentals of theatre in a safe and fun environment It is our hope that each week a student learns more than a show or some dance moves but learns a little bit about themselves and how to successfully work with others.
On Friday, students will meet at the Franklin Theater to prep for their 11:00am showcase to which you can invite all of your family and friends. After the showcase, you will be able to take your child with you.
VOCAL CLASSES
Our vocal performance classes are aimed at providing instruction through different music styles. Voice training basics taught through the learning of solo and group numbers. These classes give students a strong foundation in vocal performance within a small (maximum of 10) class setting.
Website: https://www.acttooplayers.com
Classes at Centennial Theatre Academy
Nashville, TN area
Metro Parks Theatre Department is offering after school classes this Fall! Centennial Theatre Academy is a place for kids ages 8-14 to learn all about theatre, from acting and directing to the technical aspects of putting on a production. Students will spend class time discovering and developing their theatre talents, and will have a chance to showcase what they learn in class in a performance setting.
Centennial Academy Fall Break Camp
Metro Parks Theater Division is offering a Fall Break Camp, taking place during Metro Nashville Public School's Fall Break. Students will learn all about the theater production process, both on and off stage. We will create our own script, the costumes, props and set, and the week will culminate in a production showing off our acting and tech skills!
Website: https://www.nashville.gov/departments/parks/cultural-arts
Expression City
Brentwood, TN area
Theatre and Music Classes for All Ages
Come learn from working actors who are knowledgeable in the art and business of acting. We work with students who are new to the craft as well as seasoned actors who want to perfect their skills. You’ll enjoy safe, non-judgmental coaching and encouragement to work authentically, make mistakes, and learn from honest feedback.
Musical Theatre at Expression City
Our talented instructors are working actors knowledgeable in both the art and the business of acting. In our weekly classes, we work with students of all ages as well as all skill levels. But whether in camp or in class, students enjoy safe and encouraging coaching to hone their craft while also benefitting from non-judgmental yet honest feedback.
Musical theatre is also a great way to improve:
• Confidence
• Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Public Speaking
Website: https://expressioncity.com
The Actor’s School
Nashville, TN area
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or have an untapped passion you’d like to pursue, The Actor’s School will give you the skills, confidence, and experience you need to succeed. Our acting classes in the Nashville area are structured on techniques that will help you advance in the real world, taught by people who have been there. All of our instructors work in the film or entertainment industries in various capacities and wish to share their valuable
ACTING FOR THE CAMERA
In this workshop, Alan focuses on the realities of acting in front of a camera whether it is for a film, a soap opera, a situation comedy, a commercial or a music video. As acting for the camera is very different from acting for the stage, it is essential that anyone wishing to pursue a career as an actor learn the hows and whys of acting for the various mediums.
Alan uses frequent performance in front of the camera for all students to help them become more comfortable and relaxed with the on-camera process. Having spent twelve years in Los Angeles, six years in New York, and a great deal of time in Chicago and Nashville, Alan teaches his students how to get started in the business as well as finding work in all of the major markets.
Class sizes are kept small to allow for greater personal attention. Students work with scripts from films, sit-coms, soap operas and commercials as well as participate in improvisation exercises.
Alan’s approach not only enhances the seasoned talent’s performance with additional training, but also provides those with little or no acting experience a non-threatening environment for acquiring the skills that will prepare them for future performance in front of the camera.
Website: https://actorsschoolusa.com
Nashville Acting Studio
Nashville, TN area
At Nashville Acting Studio classes provide a space for actors to grow in their ability to tell these stories, through script analysis, emotional preparation and character work. The classes use material from film and television in an intensive scene study format.
In our classes we focus on both the craft of acting and the business of working in this market. The classes will help actors understand the art of working on camera. For actors already working on camera, the classes will help you hone and refine your craft to deepen what you’re already doing and expand your future prospects in the industry.
We begin with a foundation in script analysis (a detailed Script Analysis Worksheet is provided to all students) and camera appropriateness. Students move on to work on emotional life and vulnerability, covering sadness, fear, anger and happiness. They follow that with working on masculinity/femininity, power, character and comedy.
We have three cameras in every class, which allows our students to work on the craft of storytelling while refining the technical side of actually telling the story on camera and for camera.
We offer a foundational class and advanced classes, all strict scene study and all with on camera work, though only one class is all on camera all the time, working with the three camera concept.
Foundational classes
Students learn the NAS method, focusing on script analysis and camera appropriateness. This is where the NAS community begins. Students are introduced to the NAS script analysis worksheet and how to use it while working in class on scenes from television and film.
Intermediate classes
Our Thursday night class continues student’s work with script analysis and on camera work. This class also has an audition workshop one class a month.
Advanced classes
Students are working on advanced principles of emotional life and beyond, all while working on camera in an otherwise traditional scene study. All the work is coached from the monitors, as you find on set.
Young Actors classes
We offer classes for kids and teens ages 8-18. These classes are fun and intense. We use our NAS method and adapt it so that it is age appropriate. We also offer a unique space in these classes, letting the parents come in for a Q and A once a month. This business can be confusing and difficult to navigate – we try to help parents with that so they can make the best decisions for their kids.
Non Performing Members
After auditing, you can sign up for Non Performing Memberships. For a monthly fee you may attend all adult classes that NAS offers (that's 6 classes to attend every week). The membership also places you at the top of the wait list for a spot in class. Memberships are limited.
Private Coaching & On Set Coaching
If you are looking to be coached privately, or would like an on set coach, please contact NAS.
On Camera Summer Camp for Young Actors
Every summer Nashville Acting Studio holds a week long summer camp for young actors (ages 10-18) focused on on-camera work ranging from commercial film and television, with exercises on focus, emotional preparation and sensory work. Enrollment opens every February.
Website: https://www.nashvilleactingstudio.com
Actors Point Theatre Company
Hendersonville, TN area
Through acting scenes, games, and exercises, the students will broaden their minds and mental palates for better personal expression in all facets of life. Explore improvisational skills, increase interviewing abilities, and create a stronger impression entering rooms—all while growing in listening, group communication, and focus. 9 weeks of training culminating in a final talent showcase in the last class!
Acting 6th - 8th grades:
This class is designed to be a first acting class while introducing students to more advanced ideas and techniques.
Beginning Acting 2nd - 5th grades:
This is a class we suggest for kids who are interested in the exploration of acting. We strive to help your child build their self-confidence and develop a strong sense of self.
Advanced Acting 9th - College:
Advanced Acting offers an extremely challenging and cutting-edge curriculum. The class covers a vast array of acting styles and philosophies.
Website: https://www.actorspointtheatre.com
Actors Bridge Ensemble
Nashville, TN area
The Meisner Technique gets you out of your head and into the moment. At Actors Bridge, we take students through a step-by-step approach to the Meisner Technique, giving them a strong foundation in being emotionally available, truthfully responsive actors.
Whether you are an actor interested in deepening your craft or someone looking for greater confidence, spontaneity, and intuition in your everyday life, there is a place for you in our dual track Meisner training program.
In addition to our Core Curriculum, we bring theater, movement, dance, voice, and other professional artists to offer elective workshops to our students and the Nashville artistic community. While most of these workshops are open to the public, some may require prerequisite training in our Meisner program.
Website: https://actorsbridge.org
The 4th Wall Acting Studio of Nashville
Nashville, TN area
Our studio was founded as a place for actors to continually build upon their craft in a safe, competitive, professional environment. The emphasis of the studio is to build on each members strengths while overcoming their weaknesses. Actors at any level come to study here with the common goal of pushing their craft to the limit and then pushing it further.
ADULT CLASSES
Adult Classes at The 4th Wall are open for any actor over the age of 18 regardless of level of experience.
The main focus is scene study, character development, & script analysis.
These are ongoing structured classes that are month-to-month. We meet once a week for four weeks per month. All classes use material from film and television.
TEEN CLASS
The Teen Class is taught using the exact same techniques as the Adult Classes….we just have a tad more fun doing it!
This class is open to actors between the ages of 12-17. This is an ongoing class that meets Saturdays. Students will be paired for scene work with fellow class members or with selected studio members from our adult classes.
Although this is labeled as a “Teen Class”, each student is required and expected to take responsibility for their craft & respect the craft of their classmates.
Website: https://www.the4thwallactingstudio.com
Children's Ballet Theater/Memphis Youth Musical Theatre
Memphis, TN area
Workshops/Performances for 2nd-10th Grades
Younger Kids Division for PK-1st grade
Counselors in 11th/12th graders, college students and alumni
Memphis Youth Musical Theater provides coaching, theatrical experience, and joy for performing for children and youth of all experience levels. MYMT offers fall, spring and summer workshops that conclude in an onstage, fully costumed performance of musical theater classics such as The Wizard of Oz, Cinderella, Annie, Matilda, 101 Dalmations, The Sound of Music, and more for grades 2nd-10th grades and Tiny Tots Division.
MYMT uses former troupe members in 11th and 12 grader and college students for counseling opportunities and performing roles. Everyone is cast in the show.
Performers are coached in choreography, acting and vocals. Workshops will be held on Memphis Youth Musical Theater stage and studio each week at our home at 621 S. White Station Rd. Performances are held on the MYMT stage or the St Agnes Hook Theater.
Beginners are welcomed with our veteran performers at MYMT. We are proud of our performing troupe members, and many have honed their chops with MYMT. Our troupe members over the years have gone on to ensemble, solo, and lead roles at St Mary's School, White Station School, St Agnes, St George's, Hutchison, and Playhouse on the Square, to name a few.
Website: https://www.childrensballettheater.com
Playhouse on the Square
Memphis, TN area
Born in 1985, Playhouse on the Square’s Theatre Education Program now serves close to 30,000 children, teens, and adults every year in Memphis, Shelby County, and the Tri-State area. From pre-schoolers to adults, our programs aim to engage, inspire, enlighten, and ignite our community whether as audience members or in the classroom, on and off the stage. Playhouse on the Square wants to be a part of your community! We work with schools, homeschool groups, community centers, and more through a number of different programs, including after-school programming, career days, residencies, touring productions, professional development, and much more. We also offer a wide variety of educational programming at our theatre, including classes, summer programs, and teen programs for our Mid-South community.
Adult and Youth Theatre Schools
Playhouse on the Square’s Theatre School Classes are designed to provide a fun and challenging experience for both the beginner and the experienced performer. Taught by local theatre professionals, our classes give adult students the opportunity to develop and expand their performance skills, including character development, movement, and voice.
Summer Youth Conservatory
Playhouse on the Square’s Summer Youth Theatre Conservatory is open to any student interested in theatre regardless of experience. Participants attend daily classes and workshops in theatre skills and dynamics, voice, dance/movement, and more. Session sizes are limited to allow for maximum individual attention and development. Offering 1-2 week summer camp sessions for rising PreK-K, 1st-2nd, 3rd-6th, and 7th-12th grade students.
Website: https://playhouseonthesquare.org
Germantown Community Theatre
Germantown, TN area
Classes at GCT
GCT offers two courses in the spring and the fall of theatrical programming to our area students. These courses last between 9-12 weeks and allow students to further their fine arts education during elementary to high school years. Each spring there is a class finishing with our annual Books on Stage performance. In the fall the Fairy Tale Trail class performs at Farm Park as part of Halloween Boo-Looza.
GCT Summer Camps
Our educational calendar always kicks off the year with Summer Camps for young artists aged 6 and up. These week long programs will teach children to act, sing, and dance as a part of an ensemble, while also providing the building blocks necessary to progress the knowledge in the performing arts.
Website: https://www.gctcomeplay
Backlight Productions
Brentwood, TN area
At Backlight Productions adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive the opportunity to take part in the performing arts world as valued and respected performers and are given the chance to learn and perform lead roles in productions that they may never have otherwise been able to.
They receive quality training in the arts that improves speech, expression, coordination, and overall confidence. They are taught to commit to long-term projects, work as a team, and they are given a consistent community that they can never “age out of”.
Backlight promotes integration by partnering with local professionals and organizations to incorporate professional artists alongside students in every production. The artists that participate then have the opportunity to take a step back from the spotlight and use their time on stage to instead support and promote Backlight students.
Through these partnerships and through touring productions, more audiences are reached and exposed to these kinds of integrated performances. Audiences of all ages are then inspired and given the chance to better understand a community to which they may never have had much exposure.
Website: https://backlightproductions.org
Roxy Regional Theatre
Clarksville, TN area
Roxy Regional School of the Arts
Since 1995, the Roxy Regional Theatre has been introducing youth to the experience of live theatre and expanding their knowledge of the craft through the School of the Arts, held on Saturdays during the school year. Learn how to enroll your child now.
Summer Playhouse
For six weeks during the summer, the Roxy Regional Theatre hosts a summer theatre program for youth ages 9 to 18. Learn how to enroll your child now.
Website: https://roxyregionaltheatre.org
Springhouse Theatre Company
Smyrna, TN area
Springhouse Summer Camps
The summer camps provide an excellent opportunity for children to learn about drama and art while having fun in a safe environment. There are four camps available: Elementary Drama Camp A, Middle and High School Drama Camp, Elementary Art Camp, and Elementary Drama Camp B.
About Springhouse Drama Camp
Each drama camp runs from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Students of all experience levels are welcome to register. The camps will culminate in a performance each Friday night for friends and family, free of charge.
Springhouse Youth Company
Springhouse Youth Company is a program to train and provide opportunities for young actors. Students will learn skills for auditioning and performing, while putting on a production of their own. Suitable for students brand new to performing and those with experience.
Website: https://springhousetheatre.com
RESOURCES
Of course a website cannot tell you all the information you need to know about preparing yourself to be an actor: unions, contracts, agents, casting, auditions, and the myriads of other things actors should learn about the acting business.
Below are a number of resources that will help you learn about such things to get you on the right road to becoming a successful actor.
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