2023 New Guide to Best Youth Theater Groups & Acting Classes.

YOUTH ON STAGE

Grosse Pointe, MI

Grosse Pointe Theatre’s Youth on Stage program has been an annual offering to the community since 2001. The program teaches youth, ages six to fourteen, basic acting and performance techniques through their participation in classroom sessions and in live performance under the guidance and direction of seasoned actors and directors from Grosse Pointe Theatre and guest artists. The program offers an opportunity for parents and older siblings to participate in the Youth on Stage shows by helping with sets, costumes, props, makeup and back stage crews. Grosse Pointe residency is not a requirement. Youth on Stage provides a safe, cooperative environment where boys and girls can develop a positive self-image while learning various aspects of theatre

ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE

Washington Twp, MI

All The World’s A Stage pairs the talent of professional artists with the theatrically inclined youth in the area. Located in Washington Township, ATWAS serves the region with a wide variety of workshops, classes, and productions. Through both arts & non-arts community partnerships, we not only increase theatre arts program accessibility but serve diverse  populations, including at-risk & underserved. A dedicated staff of theatre arts professionals, a supportive Board of Directors, and a commitment to the philosophy that theatre arts has the power to transform and make positive change, we impact quality of life. Whether teaching specifically to the theatre arts discipline, or utilizing the transformative elements of the art form, our programs making life skill connections in support of our mission.

WARREN CIVIC THEATRE

Warren, MI

The Warren Civic Theatre’s goal is to produce, promote, and educate our community in all aspects of the theatre arts ​using professional and amateur, local and national talent. Additionally, we are committed to a policy of inclusion. As such, many of our productions incorporate “Open Casting”,
​where ANYONE who auditions for that show will be given a role.

RICHMOND COMMUNITY THEATRE

Richmond, MI

Richmond Community Theatre has been unique in scheduling classical and original plays that are not frequent community fare. Richmond Community Theatre has promoted and fostered performing arts and has continued the commitment for quality theatre. All of our auditions are open and if you would like to become a part of our history, we welcome you! You can become a member of Richmond Community Theatre and become a volunteer in the many areas of the theatre, from the front of the house to behind the stage and everything in between.

STAGECRAFTERS BALDWIN THEATRE

Royal Oak, MI

Through its Youth Theatre (SYT), Stagecrafters is committed to creating opportunities for young people and their families to participate in the theatre arts. Stagecrafters Youth Theatre (SYT) is committed to educating and nurturing children, ages 8-18, through positive experiences in all aspects of the theatre arts. Their focus is on educating our youth members during their formative years, and providing a positive and lasting experience for their families as well. Their goal is to cultivate a life-long love of theatre in our members. SYT members perform in live theatrical plays and musicals, typically two productions per season. We ask parents to volunteer some time during dress rehearsals and during performances. 

RINGWALD THEATRE

Ferndale, MI

The Ringwald opened our doors to our Ferndale location at 9 Mile & Woodward in May of 2007 with Fatal Attraction: A Greek Tragedy and quickly became a mainstay of Detroit’s theatre community. After 14 years at Woodward and 9 mile, and with a newly-formed partnership with Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center, The Ringwald opened their home inside the center in the fall of 2021. The Ringwald’s mission is to engage diverse audiences through fresh, risk-taking theatrical experiences. Seasons will include productions focusing primarily on newer works, previously un-produced scripts, and innovative interpretations of seasoned classics.

FARMINGTON HILLS YOUTH THEATRE

Farmington Hills, MI

The Farmington Hills Youth Theatre offers exciting, fulfilling theater experiences for children and youth, with four full productions a year, as well as acting classes and camps. The Farmington Hills Youth Theatre is proud to serve our community’s needs with a program that encourages both beginners as well as seasoned actors to develop the life-long skills that build self esteem, confidence, and the ability to work with others.

SUNSET THEATRE COMPANY

Bloomfield Hills, MI

Sunset Theatre Company is a performing arts academy. Classes include; Musical Theatre, Acting, Voice for Musical Theatre, Dance for Musical Theatre, Imagination Theatre, Storybook Theatre, Improv Comedy and Preprofessional Performance opportunities. Sunset Theatre Company’s mission is to instill in students a passion for the arts. To create passionate, confident, conscientious, artistic, and thoughtful students in a creative, challenging, and nurturing environment.

CLARKSTON VILLAGE PLAYERS

Clarkston, MI

CVP Youth Theatre offers a summer theatre workshop starting with auditions in May and culminating in a full scale production the last two weeks in July. Look for Audition dates and more info on our website  www.cvpyouththeatre.com. Our mission is to inspire a love of theatre and performing arts in children ages 10-18 in an accepting and supportive environment.  Developing self confidence and the sense of belonging through performance, each child gets to shine. We cultivate an atmosphere of respect, empathy, focus and fun that makes our program second to none. We’re a family at CVP Youth Theatre. The friendships formed here last a lifetime.  We educate, train, prepare, but most importantly support each and every child so they can realize their true potential.

DRAMA KIDS

Birmingham, MI

Drama Kids has a copyrighted, specifically designed curriculum that challenges kids to continually develop their speaking, acting, and leadership skills. Our program is for both the budding Broadway star as well as the shy introvert. It is our aim to give every child the gift of self-esteem and confidence. Students have fun while learning how to speak out clearly and develop critical thinking skills through imaginative improv games, mini-plays, movement, and speech activities — and much more! I am looking forward to meeting you personally and welcoming you and your child into the Drama Kids family!

ACTING OUT KIDS COMMUNITY THEATER

Clawson, MI

Acting Out Kids Community Theatre offers classes, workshops, productions and events at a variety of local community centers, public libraries, schools, churches, etc. all around Oakland County, Michigan.  Kids from all cities are always welcome to participate! 

THE ACTORS WORKSHOP

Madison Heights, MI

The Actor’s Workshop is an acting, film and art studio, serving as a resource center for actors and filmmakers since 1984. Specializing in training actors for film and stage, our focus is on artistic development. We also provide a variety of services for filmmakers: from hosting rehearsals, casting assistance to production support services. Through the years we’ve trained thousands of actors and film artists.

THE COMMUNITY HOUSE

Birmingham, MI

All camps are held at The Community House located at 380 S Bates St., Birmingham, MI 48009. For questions or concerns regarding summer camps held at The Community House, please contact the Birmingham Community House at 248-644-5832. Register for all the following BCH Summer Camps here.

VILLAGE YOUTH THEATRE

Birmingham, MI

The youth theater of the Village Players was founded in 2007 to provide a variety of theatrical experiences to youth ages eight to eighteen. Its mission is to offer theatrical programs that inspire and challenge young actors to develop their artistic talents and their self-confidence, self-awareness, compassion and leadership and teamwork skills. Youth in our program can be involved onstage as actors or behind the scenes as members of the production team. VYT’s experienced production staff provides artistic education and direction in a fun-filled and professional environment. The youth theater presents two musical productions annually. Youth ages eight (8) to eighteen (18) are invited to audition for our shows. We also run a four-week Summer Theater Arts Camp open to rising-third graders (3rd grade) through rising tenth graders (10th grade). Additionally, VYT offers various theatrical workshops throughout the year.

MICHIGAN ACTORS STUDIO

Ferndale, MI

Michigan Actors Studio is one of the premiere acting schools in the country. A state-licensed school based in Metro Detroit,  MAS offers an encouraging and supportive environment. We offer in-person and virtual classes, private coaching, and workshops in Acting, Voice Over, Improv, and Stand Up for adults as well as acting and improv classes for kids and teens. Whether you are serious about studying the craft or simply looking for something fun and interesting to do, we’ve got you covered. Our teachers are fun, friendly working professionals who are committed to the growth and development of our students from all backgrounds and experience levels. We look forward to welcoming you to our diverse community.

MILFORD THEATRE COMPANY

Highland, MI

This class is going to give your young aspiring thespian a toolkit for their future in the performing arts. This course should help gain confidence in themselves and enhance their social and emotional learning.  It will be a great chance to make friends and learn about theatre. We will be doing units in movement, storytelling and emotion. At the end of this class there will be a showing of what the students learned. This class will hopefully be able to help your child grow for their bright future in theatre!

SHAKESPEARE ROYAL OAK KIDS ACT!

Royal Oak, MI

This six-day learning experience for students entering grades 1-8 offers instruction in Shakespeare, safe sword-fighting and stage combat, and comedic improvisation from qualified, professional teaching artists. Students then perform in an hour-long showcase to be presented for friends and family in Starr Jaycee Park.

SHAKESPEARE ROYAL OAK TEEN ENSEMBLE

Royal Oak, MI

SRO Teen Ensemble is our extraordinary high school-age outdoor experience. During the two-week program, students delve into character development, explore safe stage combat and sword fighting techniques, prepare costume designs, and learn all aspects of presenting a Shakespearean production.

DEBORAH’S STAGE DOOR

Detroit, MI

Deborah’s Stage Door trains pre-schoolers through adults in dance, voice, piano, guitar, acting, musical theatre, gymnastics/tumbling and cheerleading! Whether recreational or serious study, all students are welcome to learn in a healthy and exciting atmosphere.

THE JEWISH ENSEMBLE THEATRE

West Bloomfield, MI

Located in Downtown Walled Lake, Michigan, The Jewish Ensemble Theatre (JET) is one of the longest running professional, Equity theatres in the state. JET provides main stage productions in its immersive theatre for adult audiences from spring until late fall. In addition to professional live theatre, JET’s Dorfman Family Foundation Youth Theatre tours area schools each year with four, anti-bullying shows for K-12th grade audiences. To date, over 800,000 students have taken part in these programs. JET also is proud to partner with the Detroit Institute of Arts each year to produce The Diary of Anne Frank, which is now in its 25th year.  In 2020, JET launched its national tour of this production with student matinees in Phoenix, Arizona. No other theatre in the world has produced The Diary of Anne Frank more than JET.

STARLIGHT YOUTH THEATER

Waterford, MI

The Starlight Theater / Oakland Theatre Arts Guild is determined to be a positive force in our community by presenting the finest in theatrical entertainment, by providing classes in Acting and Theater Arts, and by promoting the talents of local performers.

GO U IMPROVE ACADEMY

Ferndale, MI

These classes are open to anyone, from any background with any skill set.  Everyone new starts at Intro 1. It’s perfect for aspiring improvisers and actors, as well as business professionals looking to use the tools of improv in their trade. It’s equally perfect if you want to meet new people, or hone those public speaking skills. Every improv education starts somewhere – yours starts here. Learn the fundamentals of improvisation, basic games, scene work and skills. Get used to being on stage and working with others in safe, supportive environment.

THE STUDIO GROUP

Long Beach, CA – Farmington Hills, MI – Las Vegas, NV

At The Studio Group, we provide new talent with all the necessary tools and know-how needed to compete for contract and casting opportunities. The Studio Group specializes in on camera development, training, casting, head shot photography services, audition listings and representation services with top agents and managers. We are proud to present and offer everything a beginner needs to properly launch a professional career in the exciting world of TV and film.

THE ACTORS LOFT

Royal Oak, MI

The Actors Loft works with actors of all levels. their programs allow you to fully develop and maximize your skills as an actor.  It will better prepare you for auditions, for stage and film.  You will be equipped with the tools needed when entering the highly competitive entertainment world.  Acting work is filmed on a RED Scarlet camera , one of the best cameras in the industry.  Your footage can be used to build your Demo Reel!

Peanut Gallery Players

Rochester Hills, Mi

Peanut Gallery Players aims to foster the development of the performing arts through enthusiastic theatrical training of children. it is their mission to create, produce, and perform works that offer children in the surrounding area (and throughout the State) the opportunity to perform, as well as an extensive training program. They also strive to be a model of excellence in theatre which will enhance and benefit the lives of young people in the community.

MATRIX THEATRE COMPANY

Detroit, MI

The Matrix School of Theatre engages young artists ages 5-18 in playwriting and performance. Through Matrix’s sequential curriculum and unique learner-centered approach, young people in the metro-Detroit area have the opportunity to create new works that call attention to crucial issues in their lives. Participants improve their literacy and language skills as they collaboratively write and perform original plays that entertain as well as educate. Students can also expect to acquire confidence in themselves, their own ideas, and their ability to affect positive change. Our multi-arts programs take place on-site at the Matrix Theatre and in Detroit schools, engaging 1,500 youths throughout the year.

MICHIGAN OPERA YOUTH CHORUS

Detroit, MI

The Detroit Opera Youth Chorus is a permanent children’s ensemble for metropolitan Detroit youth interested in vocal musical theatrical art. It provides exceptional choral music and theatrical performance instruction in a professional environment to young people. Founded in 2007, the Detroit Opera Youth Chorus (Formerly MOTCC) presents an annual winter concert in December and produces its own fully staged children’s opera each spring at the Detroit Opera House. Past performances have included the Detroit premiere of Seymour Barab’s The Maker of Illusions, the Detroit premiere of Cary John Franklin’s The Very Last Green Thing, Malcolm Williamson’s The Happy Prince and Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore. In March, 2014 Hans Krása’s Brundibár was presented with Ela Stein Weissberger, a Holocaust survivor and original cast member, who participated in the production.

PBA TRAINING SPORTS & PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL

Detroit, MI

PBA Training Performing Arts and Sports School provides acting classes for ages 6 and older (no age limit). The classes will be broken down into 3 segments; each segment is 15 weeks long. Through improvisation, monologues, and exercises, the students will understand and learn the tools needed to begin an acting career where they will focus on character and script analysis. Students will be provided with the appropriate materials for class and scenes. If students feel that they should be placed in a more advanced course, that student will have to audition for the instructor of the desired course. Students wishing to audition must provide their own scene to perform.

FOREVER AFTER PRODUCTIONS

Plymouth, MI

Forever After Productions provides quality performing arts education and family friendly entertainment for the families of Southeast Michigan.  We provide theater classes – Premiere for ages 3-5 years, Ovation for ages 6-9 years and Encore for ages 10-14 years.  We also offer a great variety of summer camps for ages 3 to 15 years and perform exceptional Junior productions throughout the year.  Forever After Productions strives to create a fun, exciting and meaningful experience for all the individuals whose lives we touch.   Check out our website www.iheartforeverafter.com, Facebook page and Instagram page (foreverafter_productions) for further information.

PLYMOUTH COMMUNITY ARTS COUNCIL

Plymouth, MI

PUPS is an experimental theater program that is actor-centered.
All actors will have a role in final production.
​Weekly Sunday “rehearsals”include theater workshop-style instruction, teambuilding and acting exercises, improv, etc. as well as specific
​character role practice. Registration required
​(online through our website, by phone or in person). Need-based scholarships are available.

SHAKESPEARE IN DETROIT STEAM

Detroit, MI

Shakespeare in Detroit collaborates with elementary, middle and high school educators to teach students the Science of lighting a production, the Technology of sound design, the Engineering or construction of a form/costume, the Art of classical performance and the Mathematics of building a set, along with tools and curriculum for the development of soft skills such as communication and confidence. In addition, students’ literacy competencies are increased through the exploration of iambic pentameter with improved reading and comprehension abilities and a focus on syntax and modulation. These are all transferable skills that the youth will be able to take with them throughout their primary education experiences and into post-high school academic and professional careers. 

“SPOTLIGHT ON YOUTH” – THE VILLAGE THEATER GALLERY AT CHERRY HILL

Northville, MI

Spotlight on Youth (SOY) exists to create an extraordinary youth centered theater experience and to advance theater as a means of educating, challenging and inspiring young people. SOY seeks to become a model for excellence in theater, striving to lead in quality productions for young people, in theater training, and in generating opportunities for using theater in education and community development. We seek to create a cultural center for youth and families, where programs and activities will celebrate diverse art forms, ideas and cultures. SOY is open to ALL youth age 5 and above – no experience required. Join the fun of SOY by auditioning for a show or enrolling in a summer theater camp – SOY “casts” all youth that audition and finds a meaningful role for each youth in the show. Camp – limited enrollment – all are welcome!

THE PLAYERS GUILD OF DEARBORN

Dearborn, MI

The StarShine Theatre Workshop is a partnership between The Players Guild of Dearborn and Neighborhood Services Organization (NSO). NSO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit human services agency celebrating its 61st anniversary serving Metro Detroit’s most vulnerable citizens. The NSO mission is to change lives through innovative human services that harness the power of choice, continues to impact children, youth, adults, and seniors they serve. StarShine Theatre is a five-day workshop to teach special needs youth about theatre and to give them the opportunity to perform on stage. The workshop started in 2009 and has continued every year since with the exception of 2013 when the Guild was undergoing extensive renovations.

PLANET ANT PERFORMING ARTS

Hamtramck, MI

The Planet Ant Training Center is part of Planet Ant Theatre, Inc.; a 501(c)(3) non-profit professional theatre and performance venue that seeks to build community by facilitating artistic expression and collaboration in theatre, music, film and other visual and performing arts; to promote artistic freedom and expand stage access; and to enrich individual artists through training, coaching and networking

2nd STREET PERFORMING ARTS

Wyandotte, MI

2nd Street Performing Arts Center is the premier performing arts community gathering space for Southeastern Michigan. Our mission is to provide the communities we serve with a space to experience the performing arts, dance, music, and visual arts.

NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE GROUP

13 N Washington St., Ypsilanti

SPOTLIGHT ON YOUTH

Canton, MI

CHELSEA AREA PLAYERS

Chelsea, MI

FLINT YOUTH THEATRE

Flint, MI

DEXTER COMMUNITY PLAYERS

Dexter, MI

WILD SWAN THEATER

Ann Arbor, MI

RIVER RAISIN CENTER R3C YOUTH

Monroe, MI