Acting & Drama for Teens & Adults
Berkeley Parents Network >
Reviews >
Classes & Lessons >
Acting & Drama Classes >
Acting & Drama for Teens & Adults
Feb 2009
I'm an adult Cabaret style singer. I would love to find an acting
class geared toward singers of Cabaret and musical theater. I
posted this same question about a year ago and got a few leads but
nothing concrete. Wondering if anyone out there knows about such a
class!! Thanks
I know a woman who teaches an acting class for singers in Walnut
Creek. Currently she teaches a class for kids/teens but she may
teach an adult class as well, and she certainly is available for
private coaching. Her name is Bharbara Sinclaire-Foxcroft and
she teaches at California Theater Arts in Walnut Creek --
www.ctarts.com
Tara
You should check out classes at ACT. They have a cabaret
performance class starting at the end of March. (maybe not up
your alley since you're already a cabaret singer) No classes
running right now that are specifically ''acting for singers'',
but I know I've seen it.
http://www.act-sf.org/site/PageServer?pagename=conservatory_studio_schedule
Try Berkeley Rep too:
http://www.berkeleyrep.org/school/adult_index.asp
Both of these places are in the middle of their winter class
sessions, but will have new offerings in a couple months. Good
luck!
Jessica
hi, you might check out bobby weinapple's acting for singers class.
i don't have personal experience with this particular class, but
have worked with bobby before and can highly recommend him as an
acting teacher, though classes are not cheap! his website is:
www.robertweinapple.com
actor
Jan 2009
My 15 year old daughter really enjoys acting but isn't
really into musical theater. There seem to be plenty of
musical theater companies for young people, but I'm having
trouble finding a youth drama company or other organization
where she could act in a regular theater production. Is
anyone aware of a place where someone who loves acting but
not singing can perform? Prefer the Oakland/Berkeley area,
but SF is OK too. Thanks!
Ready to Act
Our daughter had a good experience, from 6th grade to 11th
grade, a few years ago, attending after-school acting
classes at ACT in San Francisco. Their classes meet in an
ACT building less than 2 blocks from the Powell St. BART
station.
Marty
Cal Shakes
has a great year round program and summer classes for youth. My
nine year old daughter has taken several classes and this summer she keeps
reminding me that she wants to do the five week course. They have great
teachers and the kids love it.
Stage mom
Both my children (now aged 12 and 17) have had great
experiences participating in
Young Actors Workshop. It is
run by a wonderful drama teacher, Sooz Worthing. It is
open to kids in grades 6 through 12. During the school
year there are Fall and Spring sessions that meet Monday
and Wednesday from 4-7pm and some Saturdays, as well as a
5 week summer session. It's also a warm and supportive
social environment. It is located at the Park Day School
Community Campus, on Ridgeway near Piedmont Ave. in
Oakland.
Drama Mama
My name is Jack Baur and I am a new Teen Librarian with the
Berkeley Public Library. In about 2 weeks I am going to be
starting a Teen PlayReaders program at the library, Tuesday
afternoons from 4:00-5:30. The idea behind PlayReaders is
to explore theater through - you guessed it! - reading
plays, switching off parts frequently and keeping things
fast and fun. It should be a great opportunity for your
daughter to try out a bunch of different roles and meet
local kids who are in the local theater scene and who might
know more about what's going on.
PlayReaders will also hopefully perform annual or biannual
scene showcases so that teens can show off their acting
chops to the broader community. This is more of a long-term
goal; I have to get the group running first, but if there is
interest from them it's a direction that I would like to head.
The first meeting of PlayReaders *hopefully* will be in the
Community Room on the third floor of the Central Library at
Shattuck and Kitteridge on February 2nd. If you have any
questions, please feel free to contact me. My e-mail
address is jbaur@ci.berkeley.ca.us, and my office phone
number is 510-981-6287.
Jack Baur
Teen Services Librarian - South and Claremont Branches
Berkeley Public Library
Jan 2009
My 13 year old daughter has minimal drama experience but is
now interested in exploring that venue. My concern is that
most drama classes and camps will primarily focus on
the ''stars'', and that I'll be paying the same money but my
daughter will be relagated to the backround roles with less
attention to her development.
Does anyone have any ideas for where my daughter might best
expand her drama interest?
I am willing to travel anywhere in the east bay, but we
live in Lamorinda.
Thanks!!
It's true that for most programs, a kid often has to
start with supporting roles at first, however my son has
been doing drama camps and programs during summers and
schoolyear for the last 5 years - he's 14 now, and has
always had a total blast and learned a lot, sometimes in the
chorus or in small roles, sometimes getting bigger ones. And
even those in the chorus are usually on stage quite a lot. I
HIGHLY recommend both the programs he's been involved in
(both in Berkeley:
Stage Door - no audition
necessary (www.stagedoorconservatory.org) and YMTC - by
audition (www.ymtcberkeley.org).
laurie
Take a look at the
Contra Costa Civic Theater (CCCT).
It's got a great summer program where the kids do scenes,
skits and theater games so there really aren't any so-
called ''stars.'' All different levels of talent... it is
very well run and my 13 year old daughter loves it. You
are probably looking at ''A'' camp because of her age.
Anon
Oct 2007
Hi,
I'm looking for information to help guide my 16 year old
daughter towards her college career, as well as
information for musical theater oppoturnities in the east
bay. Her love and skills are in musical theater. Only
recently has she started thinking about her future and
college direction.
Our local theater has an amazing program, but nothing for
teenagers in spring. She will be talking to the program's
director, but I'd like further information. I know that
there is valuable information out there, but I don't know
if it's hype or real. I wish I had been a better stage mom
for her.
Advise, wisdom, warnings?
Looking for help
Hello, I wanted to respond to your question about great
musical theater in the area. Your timing couldn’t be more
perfect! I am a parent of a teenager who loves to sing and
act. I have lots of information about all the options in
our area. I am total impressed with the professionalism
of the one he is currently involved with the
Youth Musical
Theater Company. This weekend will be the opening of their
next production, Man of La Mancha, which will be performed
at the Longfellow Middle School Auditorium on October 26-28
and November 2-3. You might have seen the article about
YMTC and MAN OF LA MANCHA in last Friday's Berkeley Voice,
if not you can still check it out now at:
http://www.contracostatimes.com/berkeley/ci_7223269?nclick_check=1
One thing that I wanted to be sure to tell you is it that
Man of La Mancha is just the beginning of their new season
and expansion. I mean it when I say that your timing
couldn’t be more perfect. My son has loved every minute of
his three years with the group. YMTC is entering a period
of a lot of growth that I am very excited about. I think
that the theater that YMTC does is fantastic. They offer a
variety of classes and workshops, and are trying to bring
more professional artists into their activities, offer more
mentorship and structure to students interested in the
technical aspect of theater, and most thrilled about their
move into a relationship with the Julia Morgan Theatre
Center as their future artistic home.
They and I are very excited about all the growth and
invite you to join and help them get even better! There
are lots of ways for you and your daughter to do so:
1) Come see Man of La Mancha
2) Let them know that you might be interested and
supportive of what YMTC does? Maybe you might like to
attend an informational event-with food, and a performance
by some of the students and the artistic director.
Obviously I am crazy about this group – I am happy to talk
to you or any other parents who are interested in hearing
about it or you can go to their website at:
www.ymtcberkeley.org or e- mail them directly
at :info at ymtcberkeley.org, or call 510-595-5514.
jessica
Four thoughts.
First, there is a bay area wide theatre association called
Theatre Bay Area, with a website at
www.theatrebayarea.org>.
Check out the member organization weblinks for audition
announcements:
http://www.theatrebayarea.org/comm/memco_links.jsp
Second, be careful about time commitment for your daughter.
I've been through this with my two son's, one an actor and
the other, a tech. Rehearsals prior to opening are a major
time commitment of as much as 40 hours per week, or much
more, especially during final tech week. During the six
week run, your kid can turn into a zombie, especially with
lead role responsibilities.
Three, it is one of the best experiences of their lives.
They are surrounded by high quality people who are wonderful
role models. They work on a team to get the show together
and successfully get through the run. They have live fire,
very demanding contributions to make. It is a commercial
endeavor. Not much in an AP whatever class or an SAT prep
course matches it.
Four, if you get through one or two shows and she wants to
continue, then consider a fine arts high school. Only in
those settings do you have the school and the arts activity
all in one place, so that transportation and other
administrative overheads are eliminated. The downside is
they live away from home. The upside is that she will be
able to both complete high school and devote enough time to
her art. For musical theater, I recommend Interlochen Arts
Academy near Traverse City, Michigan. www.interlochen.org.
Why Interlochen? In a single word - magic.
Good luck,
Nathan
In response to the parent looking for Musical Theater
opportunities for her teenager - you should seriously look
into Youth Musical Theater Company (YMTC). My son has
spent 5 years working with this innovative and dynamic
independent youth theater company, and it has been a
tremendous learning and professional experience for him.
You can still attend YMTC's current production, ''Man of La
Mancha,'' on Friday, November 2, 8:00 pm, Saturday,
November 3, 3:00 pm, or Saturday, November 3, 8:00 pm at
Longfellow Auditorium, 1500 Derby Street, in Berkeley, if
you want to see what kind of extraordinary production this
troupe is capable of. Upcoming YMTC events include a
winter workshop and a production of ''Into the Woods,'' next
summer. For more information on the kind of training and
experience they offer, check out their website at
www.ymtcberkeley.org.
YMTC mom
The Youth Musical Theater group in Berkeley that's
doing ''Man of La Mancha'' right now is great for high
schoolers. The actors who've had a lock on the leads for
the past three years are seniors, so there will be more
opportunities coming up.
There are also some good local community theaters.
Altarena is auditioning for ''Chicago'' soon. Contra Costa
Civic Theater is auditioning for ''Cocoanuts''. Pinole
Community Players does musicals, so does the Willows in
Concord and Alameda Civic Light Opera. Check out all their
websites.
The families I know who are seriously interested in
theater subscribe to a service that announces the tryout
opportunities. However, you can also just get on the email
list for theaters and they will notify you.
I love to sing
September 2006
I'm looking for an afterschool theater program for a 13 year old girl. She had
been in ''Kids take the Stage'' in Alameda but it has canceled its fall program.
Any other ideas for musical theater opportunities for a 13 year old? Thanks
Mary
I just enrolled my son in Lafayette's Town Hall Theatre Encore program,
which is for
kids 11 to 14 years old. They are doing the Music Man this session.
Classes start
this week (Sept. 14), so I don't know if you'll get this information in
time to sign up.
I spoke with people active in drama in the lamorinda/walnut creek area
and they
spoke highly of the director for this session, Joel Roster. They will
probably have a
spring program if you can't getin for this session. Here is a link to
the theater's
education programs:
http://thtc.org/education
I can't personally recommend this program yet, as my son hasn't started
rehearsals.
It should be worth checking out, though. I like the idea that it is just
for middle-
school and freshman kids.
anon
My daughter took a Stanislavsky Method Acting class at On Camera
Acting. They are great with kids and she couldn't stop talking
about how much fun she had. The website is www.oncameraacting.org
Sarah
I don't know of any regular after-school programs, except through AEF
(Alameda
Education Foundation).
To try out for a show, check out Alameda Children's Musical Theater. My
daughter
did their summer camp and has been singing and dancing non-stop since
then.
During the year they have shows in the Fall (currently ''The Truth About
Cinderella''),
Winter (around January/Feb, I think) and Spring (March-April). In the
summer they
have a variety of camps.
Their website is a little out of date, but you can find their contact
info:
http://acmtkids.org/index.php
--another mom of performer
Berkeley Rep. and California Shakespeare Theater both offer
after-school youth classes
R.K.
Berkeley Rep School of Theatre offers classes for youth, teens,
families, and adults!
Classes for teens include an Audition Lab, Hip Hop
Theatre, Stage Combat: Rapier & Dagger, a Teen Performance Lab
of Macbeth, and a Master Acting Intensive specifically for
teens.
Kids 'N Dance 'N Theater Arts has musical theater. They have 2 age groups 6-10
and 9-14. They have 3 locations: 3841 Macarthur Blvd. in Oakland 531-4400, 3369
Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette 925-284-7388, and 24 Orinda Way in Orinda at the
Rec Center. They do full performances on stage and provide all of the costumes,
props and scenery. They are doing Oklahoma and Beauty and the Beast right now
and will start a new session in January. They also offer a Kids on Camera class
at the Orinda Rec. Center. Their website is www.kidsndance.com
anon
Aug 2006
My daughter loves to act and would really like to get any
kind of part in a film. I'm willing to support her efforts
to find something in the Bay Area, but I really have no
idea how to proceed and avoid scams. She found a website
called www.castingaudition.com, which lists roles--does
anyone know anything about it, or have other tips for my
aspiring actress? Any information would be greatly
appreciated.
Not a stage mom
I know a lot about this as I am a member of SAG. Go to
http://www.castingconnection.com and join. There is a
subscription fee but it's worth it. Indie film directors
list their casting notices there. The films range from
student films to professional productions. The student films
are great experience and will help your daughter to build
her resume. Your daughter should do well since teens are in
high demand!
She can also get a talent agent who will send her out for
commercial auditions. The casting connection website has
info on getting an agent.
katherine
To the teen looking for movie roles
First thing you you should do is get a work permit from the
Deapartment of Labor (DLSE) in Oakland or SF. That way you
will be legal to work. You need to get an application and
have it signed by the principal of your school. Then you
take that down to the labor office, and they will issue a
permit. It takes them a few weeks to get it to you.
Good luck,
jamie
Hi,
My daughter is a student of Tami Erin of the On Camera
Acting Film & TV Academy. Tami introduced her to the casting
director of a film called ''Ed Meets His Maker'' that shot in
the Santa Rosa area last April. She landed a small role as
did other young actors Ms. Erin coaches. I recommend getting
in touch with her organization and they can guide you from
there. I know on her website it says she's been a guest
expert on KRON 4 and I think Radio Disney about ''acting in
films and TV for kkds''. The phone is (800) 496-0125 and web
www.oncameraacting.org
Sarah
May 2006
My daughter is looking for a class that will help her to come out of her shell. It
could be in the form of acting or poetry (possibly Slam Poetry). Though she is
new at this and doesn't want to be the only one who is extremely nervous
putting herself out there.
anon
My daughter is very shy, but opened up when she started
taking part in Kids Take The Stage
performances. This
summer they are doing an intensive workshop for one month
followed by a performance. It's a bit pricey but all the
parents who's kids have taken part in previous
performances give rave reviews of the teaching. Go to
their website for more info.
kidstakethestage.com
not a stage mom
July 2001
After giving birth to my second daughter, I am ready to take some time for
myself
and find an acting course somewhere near Berkeley. Is there a good theater or
workshop around here that offers acting classes to adults?
Thanks for your help.
Rebecca
You can find adult acting classes through Julia Morgan Center for the Arts,
the
soon-to-open Berkeley Repertory Theatre's Education Center, and the UC
Berkeley
Extension. In addition (and probably cheaper), there are acting classes
offered
through many local adult schools (I know Piedmont Adult School usually has an
offering and I imagine Berkeley does also). You might also get a copy of
Callboard,
the monthly publication of Theatre Bay Area, to find other offerings that
fit the
bill both financially and geographically (it has both display ads for
classes and
a section of class listings at the back. You can find it at many local
bookstores.
TBA might also have info on their website but I don't know that for
sure.) Finally, I teach a terrific acting class (if I do say so myself!) called
Peak Performance: Theater Techniques You Can Use at Work. It is designed
specifically
for working professionals who want communicate more effectively, think more
creatively
and spontaeously, and work better in teams. It'll be offered again
by UCBX in Spring 2002 at their SF campus. Good luck (or should I say,
"Break a leg").
Janet Keller callbackcom at earthlink dot net
I second the recommendation on the parents website to check out Callboard
magazine. You can also check out the website of Theatre Bay Area, the
service organization for professionally-oriented theatre artists and
companies that puts Callboard out: www.theatrebayarea.org. There are classes
at UC Extension starting in the fall as well. Please feel free to email me
at melhillman at aol dot com as I am the Artistic Director of Berkeley's Impact
Theatre, and I'm more than happy to give you some more details about classes
that fit your schedule and level of experience. I can also add you to our
actors database to which I forward audition notices from theatres all over
the Bay Area on a regular basis.
Mel
I really enjoyed my acting class with Peter Tripp. His number is (510)
236-7098. When I worked with him, he taught at the Watergate Clipper
Club in Emeryville.
D. Banks/ R. Porter
April 2000
Can anyone recommend any local theater groups/acting classes for adults in
the area? I've seen recommedations on the website for children but not
adults, and I'm interested in getting involved in thater again, now that I
have the time... I've also been asked to participate in an indie film
production, and I figure that brushing up couldn't hurt. Thanks! Annie
There are many places that offer these classes in the east bay and in SF.
You should get a
copy of the monthly magazine called "Callboard" available in many
bookstores around here
(Moe's, Cody's, etc.). There are classes for adults at ACT, Willows Theatre
in Concord,
Actor's Ensemble in Berkeley, and many more. I've taught or taken classes
in many of these. Amy
this page was last updated: Dec 29, 2010
The opinions and statements expressed on this website
are those of parents who subscribe to the
Berkeley Parents Network.
Please see
Disclaimer & Usage for
information about using content on this website.
Copyright © 1996-2013 Berkeley Parents Network