Whether you’re drawn to the Meisner technique, want to perfect your self-tape audition, or dream of performing on shows like “Abbott Elementary” and “Bad Thoughts,” San Antonio offers aspiring performers a variety of high-quality training options. Let’s explore some of the top acting classes in the region.
When you’re picking the perfect acting class, you should first check out the instructor, making sure they’re experienced and have a great reputation with excellent reviews. Consider the class size—smaller classes are usually better because you’ll get more one-on-one time and chances to perform. Finally, confirm that the techniques they teach (like Meisner or on-camera work) align with your career goals. You want a class that is appropriate for your level, but one that will challenge you.
1. Nova Arts Acting Studio
Nova Arts Acting Studio is on a mission to develop the next generation of creative artists, as represented by its students, who have gone on to book major productions including the TV series “Abbott Elementary” and the national tour of “Annie.” It offers classes like Acting for Film, Theatre Audition Prep, and Self-Tapes, both online and in person, as well as career coaching for the actor. Nova Arts has a yearly scholarship opportunity that covers $1,000 of acting classes, and its classes are open to everyone age 7 and up.
2. Be Scene Acting
Offering classes in both San Antonio and Houston, Be Scene Acting brings quality training to the heart of Texas, taught by seasoned actors Paul Tinder and Vaughn Taylor. The studio offers a blend of Meisner and Method techniques to ensure that students are emotionally connected on camera and fully present in auditions. With classes like On-Camera Training, Audition Prep & Self-Tapes, the Business of Acting, and Scene Study, Be Scene Acting takes a holistic approach to an acting career, utilizing its combined 40-plus years in the industry.
3. Green Room Acting Studio
Green Room Acting Studio offers Zoom classes for kids, teens, and adults. Its students have gone on to star on several shows on Nickelodeon and Disney, as well as in other big-name films and TV shows. Its classes include training in commercial/voiceover work, self-tape auditions, and foundations in traditional and Method acting for all age levels.
4. Drama Kids of San Antonio
According to its website, Drama Kids “offers unique and fun-filled drama programs used across the USA and around the world to help children and young adults develop: Confidence, Creative Thinking, Public Speaking Skills, Self-Esteem, Acting Abilities, Leadership and Teamwork skills.” Offering both camps and weekly classes, the studio focuses on confidence-building and performance games before moving on to more demanding actor training and performing.
5. Second Act Productions
Second Act Productions offers workshops in scene study, monologue work, singing, and audition prep. It also puts on live productions, giving students an opportunity to perform live in front of a paying audience. Owned and run by Kelly Lepeska, Second Act’s focus on confidence-building makes it “a place not just to perform, but to grow.”
6. The Magik Theatre
This beloved youth theater offers literature-based acting camps and classes year-round, transforming some of the most popular children’s books into living, breathing performances. Its mission is to create theatrical experiences that ignite imagination, spark curiosity, inspire empathy, and foster a lifetime love of learning in young people. Young actors not only have the opportunity to perform scenes from beloved children’s stories (like the winter break mini-camp based on “A Charlie Brown Christmas”), but also gain behind-the-scenes stage experience.