The Music City has more going on than honky-tonk; just ask Reese Witherspoon, who went to school in Nashville, Tennessee, before becoming the household name she is today. From seasoned instructors with years of industry experience to well-connected schools that have helped launch successful acting careers, Nashville has plenty of opportunities to help actors grow and thrive.
Nashville Acting Studio stands out as one of the city’s top places for actors to develop and perfect their skills. Led by Caroline Locorriere, a seasoned actor with extensive experience across theater, TV, and film, the studio offers a range of classes for both beginners and advanced performers. With a focus on scene work, character development, and audition preparation, the studio’s faculty are dedicated to providing hands-on, personalized training.
The 4th Wall Acting Studio is known for its immersive, no-nonsense approach to actor training. Run by actor-director William Scott Arnold and director-choreographer Katy Arnold, the studio offers classes that dig deep into emotional truth and authenticity, pushing students to break through their comfort zones. Its curriculum balances foundational techniques and on-camera work, giving students the tools they need to succeed in film and television. The studio’s strong focus on individualized feedback ensures that each actor receives personalized attention, making it a great option for those looking to take their craft to a professional level.
The Actors Bridge Ensemble is a woman-led theater company that embraces diversity and produces theater focused on social justice. But it also offers a dual-track actor training program that allows students to delve deeply into the Meisner technique, before deciding if they’re better suited for the Improvisation Track or the Scene Study track. In addition to this core curriculum, the Actors Bridge Ensemble offers a series of elective classes for actors looking to augment their track. Its productions often explore important social issues, giving actors the opportunity to work on material that is both challenging and meaningful.
For younger performers and families in Nashville, the Theater Bug is a beloved institution that offers top-notch training for kids and teens interested in acting, writing, and building confidence. Classes cover a wide range of topics, including improv, scene study, and musical theater, all taught by experienced instructors who understand the unique needs of young performers. Graduates of the Theater Bug leave with lifelong skills in communication and teamwork.
Belmont’s program is a standout in Nashville’s academic scene, offering students a comprehensive education in both theater performance and production. With state-of-the-art facilities and a faculty of seasoned professionals, it provides rigorous training in acting techniques, voice, movement, and stagecraft. The program is also known for its robust production schedule, giving students ample opportunities to perform in front of live audiences.
As one of the city’s top magnet high schools, Nashville School of the Arts offers an intensive theater program for young actors aiming to pursue the craft seriously. The program combines rigorous academic coursework with hands-on training in acting, stagecraft, and performance. Students participate in multiple productions throughout the year, allowing them to hone their skills in front of live audiences, and are even given the opportunity to train alongside professionals from the renowned Nashville Repertory Theatre.
TSFA offers a variety of courses geared toward aspiring professionals, taught by working actors with decades of experience. Course subjects include voice, speech, dialects, scene study, script analysis, TV and film auditioning, monologues, improv, and commercial auditioning. Teachers have a unique philosophy about cameras in their classes: They believe cameras inhibit an actor’s willingness to take risks. As such, they keep the cameras out of their scene study classes (though they are used in audition workshops).