SWMI Performing Arts + Acting Classes for Kids

acting classes for kids

Let the World be the Stage for your Child with Acting Classes

From a young age, children naturally start performing. As chubby little fingers walk the itsy bitsy spider up its water spout, a smile forms across the corners of their mouths as you cheer them on.

And as they age, a hairbrush becomes a microphone to sing their favorite songs from the tiled floors of your family bathroom.

If you’ve ever sat on the couch as the audience for your child’s in-house performance, you’ve likely wondered where you can find acting classes as an extracurricular activity.

Drama Camp Kids Kalamazoo
đź“·: Opening Act Theatre Company
Acting Classes

Kalamazoo Area Acting Classes

We’ve scoured the Kalamazoo area and found several locations to expand your child’s stage outside of your home with performing arts classes and summer camps.

These locations offer courses in improvisation, musical theater, playwriting, and acting.

There are fun options for all ages (including adults) and varied interests to let kids take center stage.

Crawlspace Comedy Theatre
315 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
AGES: 7 – 13

Holds courses on improvisation for ages 7-13. Classes meet weekly for five weeks in the First Baptist Church in Kalamazoo.

No experience is necessary to join; adult classes are also offered.

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Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
30 Division Ave N, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
AGES: 2+

Head north to Grand Rapids for their School of Theatre Arts; you will find a comprehensive program covering acting classes, sketch comedy, musical theatre, improvisation and dance. Classes start at age two.

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Kalamazoo Civic Theatre
329 S Park St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
AGES: 3 – 103

Known for its theatrical productions, The Kalamazoo Civic Theatre offers its own Academy of Theatre Arts to teach students from ages 3 to 103 in the dramatic arts.

They focus on education and process, rather than the end-stage performance. Classes meet weekly and emphasize inclusiveness; all experiences and backgrounds are encouraged and welcomed.

Civic Theatre Kalamazoo

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Opening Act Theatre Company
61268 Co Rd 657, Lawton, MI 49065
Grades: K – 8

Opening Act Theatre Company in Lawton focuses on telling a good story through performing arts (acting classes, music, and dance). Performances are shown at the Paw Paw Playhouse.

They offer private lessons, summer camps, and after-school classes for grades K-8.

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How Does Theatre Benefit Your Child?

It’s more than memorizing lines.

Whether your child has the “acting bug” or not, dramatic arts’ benefits extend beyond reading a script or learning which side of the stage is left or right.

Emotionally, children are able to express their feelings and gain insights into others’ emotions through observing body language. Self-esteem also grows as students are able to speak publicly with an audience.

What if your child doesn’t want the spotlight? Theatre is about more than playing the lead role. Students learn how to build sets and work as a team in order to create a show.

Oftentimes, the entire family can be involved. Parents can assist with constructing props or costumes for the production.

Local Performing Arts Venues

What better way to support your budding actor than to take in a show? Southwest MI offers multiple spots to see live performances:

Barn Theatre
13351 West M-96, Augusta, MI 49012
Farmers Alley Theatre
221 Farmers Alley, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Farmers Alley
Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
30 Division Ave N, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Kalamazoo State Theatre
404 S Burdick St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Photo with Kids State Theatre Feature Photo
Miller Auditorium
1341 Theatre Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Miller Auditorium Kalamazoo
Paw Paw Playhouse
404 E Michigan Ave, Paw Paw, MI 49079
The Civic
329 S Park St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
The New Vic Theatre
134 E Vine St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

More to Explore



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