Is your child ready for the spotlight or suffering from stage fright? Acting classes can be a great way to help children break out of their shell or explore new talents. Read up on some of the best theater classes for kids in the DMV.
Key takeaways
- The bigger picture: Theater classes focus on different skills that can help your child become more social, daring or creative.
- The details: While many classes produce a show, others focus on different stage-related skills.
- The more you know: Classes for small children introduce key concepts even if they do not perform an entire play.
Washington, DC
The Theatre Lab
This award-winning theater program encourages students to take risks and develop their creative spirits. The Theatre Lab offers several school year and summer courses to help students develop confidence and acting skills. This organization was a finalist for Washington Parent Picks best DC day camps.
- Address: 900 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC
- Best ages: 8-16
- Cost expectation: Prices vary based on level and type of production
- Tip: Consider taking your child to an adult production at the Lab so they can get a feel for the experience.
The Keegan Theatre
An imaginative way for young kids to develop creative skills and social skills. Activities include interactive events surrounding featured Keegan plays and immersive play production activities.
- Address: 1742 Church St. NW, Washington, DC
- Best ages: 6-10
- Cost expectation: Up to $20 for single day events, $500 per week of summer camp
- Tip: See if Keegan has any programs at your child’s school.
Maryland
Imagination Stage
Take your kids inside their favorite stories at Imagination Stage. While younger kids can take part in educational musical production courses, older students can explore social issues in the Theater for Change program. Imagination Stage was the winner of Washington Parent Picks best theater and performance venues.
- Address: 4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda
- Best ages: 6 and up
- Cost expectation: Prices vary based on program
- Tip: Use Theater for Change as an opportunity to discuss and learn about your child’s social and political value system.
Drama Learning Center
Providing theater education for nearly 40 years, the Drama Learning Center offers programs that allow students to learn about all aspects of the production process.
- Address: 9130 Red Branch Road Suite 1, Columbia
- Best ages: 4-18
- Cost expectation: $300 to $700 for younger kids, $810 to $875 for teen programs
- Tip: Consider starting with a shorter “bootcamp” program to help your kids get a feel for the stage before diving into a full production.
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Virginia
Traveling Players
A great place to develop a variety of acting skills, Traveling Players’ curriculum encompasses character creation, stage combat, improv, comedy and play reading. Classes are offered in a variety of formats from traditional performance to Dungeons & Dragons Improv.
- Address: 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons
- Best ages: 4 and up
- Cost expectation: Prices vary based on program type
- Tip: Improv can help kids develop social skills and think on their feet.
Lopez Studios
With various levels and focuses, Lopez Studios is a great location for students looking to develop specific skills or dive into more niche theatrical interests. Students from Lopez Studios have gone on to perform in Off-Broadway plays and in Netflix series.
- Address: 11425 Isaac Newton Square, Reston
- Best ages: 4 and up
- Cost expectation: $425 per month
- Tip: Explore the different class types to see what your child might be interested in.
Northern Virginia Performing Arts
Teaching a number of skills from dance to scene study to film, NoVAPA puts well-trained and impressive young actors center stage in a variety of shows in different genres.
- Address: 18980 Upper Belmont Place, Leesburg
- Best ages: 5 and up
- Cost expectation: $300 to $1,000
- Tip: Consider bringing toddlers to a Parent & Me Dance class.
Alexandria Children’s Theatre
A welcoming environment for children of all levels and backgrounds, ACT encourages children to come together and get on stage. Scholarships are available for all winter programs.
- Address: 3700 Burgundy Road, Alexandria, and 1200 N Quaker Lane, Alexandria
- Best ages: 4-14
- Cost expectation: $1,200
- Tip: Encourage your child to step out of their shell at camp and try new things.
Moonlit Wings
Give your kids a chance to soar at Moonlit Wings. With drama classes inspired by popular stories and stage interpretations of films like “KPop Demon Hunters,” Moonlit Wings is a fun and unique theater experience.
- Address: Locations vary based on program; private in-home classes available. Check the website for more details.
- Best ages: 7-14
- Cost expectation: $1,440 for two-week programs, $720 for one-week programs
- Tip: If your kids love Moonlit programs, consider booking an acting workshop for their birthday.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can kids start theater classes in the DMV?
Many DMV programs welcome children as young as 4, including Drama Learning Center, Traveling Players and Lopez Studios. Classes for the youngest students introduce key concepts through play, even when they do not stage a full production, so there is a starting point for nearly every age and comfort level.
How much do theater classes for kids in the DMV cost?
Prices range widely. Single day events can be as low as $20, while multi week camps and intensives run from about $300 to $1,440 depending on the program and length. Several studios note that costs vary by level, and some, like Alexandria Children’s Theatre, offer scholarships.
Which DMV theater programs are best for a shy or first-time child?
Look for welcoming, low pressure options. Alexandria Children’s Theatre accepts all levels and offers scholarships, The Theatre Lab focuses on building confidence, and improv classes at Traveling Players help kids think on their feet and grow social skills without the pressure of memorizing a script.
Are there award-winning children’s theater programs in the DMV?
Yes. Imagination Stage in Bethesda won Washington Parent Picks for best theater and performance venues, and The Theatre Lab in Washington, DC was a finalist for best DC day camps. Both are strong, recognized choices for families new to youth theater.
Do DMV theater classes teach more than acting?
Yes. Beyond performance, programs cover stage combat, improv, comedy and play reading at Traveling Players, and dance, scene study and film at Northern Virginia Performing Arts. Drama Learning Center walks students through every part of the production process, from rehearsal to the final show.
More ways to keep DMV kids creative
A theater class is just one way to help your child shine. If you are building out a season of enrichment, explore our roundup of the best arts and enrichment programs in the DMV, branch into hands on creativity with the best kids art classes in the DC area, or turn stage skills into a full summer with our guide to the best summer camps and programs in the DMV. You can also see which local favorites families voted for in Washington Parent Picks.
