20 Best Acting Programs in Dallas, TX (2023 Updated)
Dallas has emerged as a major hub for the performing arts, offering a vibrant and diverse range of acting programs for aspiring thespians of all ages and abilities. From prestigious conservatories and studios to community theaters and specialty schools, Dallas provides exceptional training opportunities to develop one‘s talents and pursue a career on stage or screen.
This blog post highlights the 20 best acting programs in Dallas in 2024, outlining the unique strengths and offerings of each. Whether you‘re looking to launch your professional acting career or simply explore acting as a hobby, these programs offer world-class education, experienced faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and abundant performance opportunities.
1. KD Conservatory
With its comprehensive curriculum spanning acting, filmmaking and drama, KD Conservatory is widely considered one of Dallas‘ top acting schools. KD Conservatory prides itself on providing students with practical, hands-on training opportunities, allowing them to hone their skills through school plays, film projects and workshops.
The faculty is comprised of working industry professionals who mentor students and help prepare them for careers in entertainment. The state-of-the-art facilities also give students access to cutting-edge technology and resources. KD Conservatory maintains strong networks in the Dallas/Fort Worth performing arts community, connecting students to potential auditions, jobs and collaborations.
2. Tbell Actors Studio
Located in the Dallas Arts District, Tbell Actors Studio provides professional training focused on Stanislavski, Meisner and Method approaches tailored to each actor’s strengths. Founder Tony Bell has coached Oscar, Tony and Emmy winners and imbues students with the highest standards of the craft.
Tbell offers scene study, cold reading, audition preparation, mock auditions with industry guests, intensives and one-on-one private coaching sessions. The faculty prioritize meeting the individual needs of each student with compassionate yet rigorous training. Tbell prepares students for careers on stage and screen by equipping them with industry insights and entrepreneurial acting skills.
3. Sherrill Actors Studio
Founded by renowned acting coach Catherine Snodgrass Sherrill, Sherrill Actors Studio takes an intensely customized approach, regarding "acting as a lifelong journey of self-discovery and growth." With Meisner and Method training, students tackle impactful contemporary material focusing on emotional depth and vulnerability.
Sherrill‘s faculty are working actors, directors and writers who mentor students extensively. The conservatory-style program accepts just 15 new students per year for its two-year training, emphasizing detail-oriented technique and truthful moment-to-moment response grounded in the given circumstances of text. Students regularly participate in conservatory projects, readings and short films, preparing them for dynamic careers.
4. Dallas Academy of Music and Performing Arts
The Dallas Academy of Music and Performing Arts offers comprehensive education in music, dance, musical theater and drama. Programs range from early childhood classes focused on creativity and confidence-building to advanced conservatory-level training for teens.
The Academy produces over 20 musical theater productions annually as learning experiences for students. With academy classes and private lessons in voice, piano and a variety of instruments, students receive well-rounded performing arts instruction from esteemed faculty. The Academy further prepares students by hosting talent agents and casting directors for professional feedback.
5. Lakewood Conservatory of Fine Arts
With instruction in music, dance, theater and visual arts, the Lakewood Conservatory takes a multifaceted approach to performing arts education. The faculty consists of professional actors, directors, producers and instructors with a wealth of industry experience. Theater offerings range from acting fundamentals to advanced scene study, voice and movement, musical theater choreography and technique, and acting for the camera.
The Conservatory also provides opportunities for students to participate in stage productions, solo and duo acting competitions, theater festivals and professional mentorship programs. With its comprehensive curriculum and devoted instructors, the Lakewood Conservatory empowers students to develop their talents and pursue their artistic passions.
6. E. Arrtistic Studio Productions
Led by founder Edwin Amuzie, E. Arrtistic Studio Productions offers professional-level training focused on technique and industry readiness. With decades of experience performing, choreographing and directing, Amuzie mentors students with an emphasis on work ethic, skill development and entrepreneurial artistry.
The rigorous curriculum enables students to thrive as all-around performers. Programs cultivate vocal power and control, dance precision and expressiveness, and compelling stage presence and storytelling. Top students have opportunities to participate in E. Arrtistic‘s professional theatrical productions. The studio also regularly hosts industry professionals to provide students with constructive feedback and audition opportunities.
7. The Playground Acting Program
The Playground Acting Program adopts a hands-on immersion approach where students learn by doing. With an array of courses focused on foundational techniques like Stanislavski and Meisner as well as specialized skills like voice and movement, on-camera acting and more, The Playground provides comprehensive actor training.
Students participate in numerous performance opportunities through student films and plays. By applying their classroom education to actual acting experiences, students gain invaluable real-world skills. The Playground also connects advanced students to talent agents and casting directors for professional auditions and feedback. Graduates praise the program for fully preparing them for successful acting careers.
8. Drama Kids
As one of the nation‘s largest after-school drama education programs, Drama Kids offers dynamic theater training for ages 4-18. Through creative lessons and new material every semester, students build confidence and public speaking abilities while learning about all aspects of putting on productions. Core programs like Creative Drama equip them with essential theater knowledge and skills, while advanced classes provide opportunities for student-directed performances.
Drama Kids faculty are professional actors, directors and educators specially trained to nurture young talent. The program partners with local theaters and arts organizations to give select student productions a community stage. For over 20 years, Drama Kids has used engaging instruction and enriching performance experiences to unlock thousands of children‘s creative potential across Dallas/Fort Worth.
9. Young Actors Studio
Led by director Linda Seto, the Young Actors Studio provides professional training focused on preparing young performers for careers on stage and screen. Seto and her staff mentor students ages 4-18 in foundational and advanced techniques including the Meisner approach. Youth learn through hands-on scene work, improvisation exercises, cold reading practice and applying acting principles.
The Young Actors Studio further prepares students by organizing talent showcases attended by top agents and casting directors from Los Angeles, New York and regional markets. Many alumni have been signed by talent agencies and book national commercials, television shows and feature films. With its customized training and industry connections, the Young Actors Studio opens doors for emerging young stars.
10. Stomping Ground Comedy Theater & Training Center
For those interested in exploring their comedic talents, Stomping Ground Comedy Theater offers top-quality improv and sketch comedy training for all levels. Programs range from Improv 101 fundamentals to advanced performance ensembles where students develop original sketch revues. Stomping Ground also hosts several resident improv and sketch comedy troupes that deliver regular public performances.
Taught by professional comedians and improvisers, classes focus on cultivating quick wit, stage presence, collaboration and creative confidence. Students regularly apply their new skills through low-pressure performance opportunities in front of supportive audiences. With its immersive hands-on training methods, Stomping Ground helps unlocked students’ innate comedic abilities.
11. North Texas Performing Arts
North Texas Performing Arts, located inside Willow Bend Center of the Arts, facilitates performing arts education for all ages and backgrounds. Their triple-threat philosophy incorporates instruction in acting and musical theater, dance, and vocal music so students receive comprehensive training. Programming spotlights both skill-building and practical application through numerous performance opportunities each year.
NTPA also dedicates resources to providing community outreach and making arts education accessible to underserved populations. The NTPA Repertory Theatre creates partnerships with charity organizations where proceeds from certain performances support local causes. For those seeking well-rounded performing arts development alongside meaningful community engagement, NTPA is an ideal choice.
12. Dallas Children’s Theater
With a mission to inspire young imaginations and promote literacy through engaging theatrical experiences, Dallas Children’s Theater has enriched the lives of families across North Texas. Year-round productions include beloved musicals, classic literature adaptations, world premieres and kid-friendly shows based on popular children’s books. Professionally designed costumes, sets and effects fully immerse young observers into imaginative worlds.
In addition to mainstage shows, Dallas Children’s Theater administers the TEAMS child actor training program, summer acting camps, and educational initiatives in schools across Dallas/Fort Worth. Dallas Children’s Theater brings young people into the exciting world of theater both onstage and behind-the-scenes, providing development opportunities from early childhood through their teenage years.
13. Repertory Company Theatre
For over 50 years, the Repertory Company Theatre has delivered quality theater experiences with a commitment to nurturing community talent and bringing new works to the stage. In addition to popular comedies, dramas and musicals, Repertory develops partnerships with local schools and new playwrights to showcase original productions.
Repertory further invests in the next generation through its summer teen conservatory for rising 9th-12th grade actors. During this intensive program, teens learn foundational and advanced techniques while rehearsing an entire play for six public performances. Repertory faculty mentor student artists to tap into emotional truth and respond intuitively, preparing them for future theater pursuits. Its enduring legacy demonstrates Repertory’s exceptional theater training spanning all age groups.
14. Improv Dallas
Comedy buffs can develop their improvisational skills at Improv Dallas, regarded as one of the top programs for improv technique and performance opportunities. Students master basics like spontaneity, active listening and teamwork before applying heightened skills like character development, relationship dynamics and scene escalation. Core curriculum utilizes a “learn by doing” approach where students participate in improv games and scene work during instruction.
Improv Dallas also facilitates jam sessions where students improvise with different groups to improve rapid idea generation and ensemble awareness. For those interested in joining the Improv Dallas repertory company, advanced courses and intensives prepare students for auditioning and delivering original comedic performances. Graduates have continued careers in comedy, theater, television, education and numerous other fields requiring quick thinking and imagination.
15. Cathryn Sullivan‘s Acting for Film
Led by veteran acting coach Cathryn Sullivan, Cathryn Sullivan’s Acting for Film specializes in preparing actors for success on camera. Located on a working film lot, students gain authentic training through industry immersion. The curriculum focuses on breakdown, script analysis and finding truth in acting choices through technique integration.
Sullivan mentors students one-on-one to develop personal depth and character embodiment skills crucial for compelling film performances. Students also participate in extensive on-camera exercises using professional equipment to become comfortable and confident in front of lenses. Numerous alumni have landed roles in award-winning movies and television shows, demonstrating the programs‘ exceptional ability to launch on-screen careers.
16. Breitling Performing Arts
For comprehensive performing arts instruction spanning dance, music and theater, Breitling Performing Arts offers acclaimed programming for all ages and skill ranges. From beginner ballet and jazz to advanced technique courses, the dance division empowers students to develop poise, precision and captivating stage presence.
The music department facilitates lessons in various instruments and voice, recitals, masterclasses with renowned artists, and even a recording program to gain studio experience. Finally, the theater division stages over ten productions annually alongside acting classes focused on impactful storytelling. Breitling’s multifaceted curriculum, esteemed faculty and abundant performance outlets allow budding performers to thrive.
17. The Dallas Conservatory
Regarded as one of Dallas’ most reputable performing arts schools, the Dallas Conservatory lives up to its name with intensive arts instruction from esteemed faculty. Programs include dance genres like ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary and hip hop alongside musical theater, stage acting, film acting and voice. Students also gain well-rounded industry knowledge through courses in costume design, directing, playwriting and more.
While training the next generation of artistic talent, the Conservatory also serves as a cultural pillar through its commitment to excellence and artistic merit. The state-of-the-art Anne V. Caggiano Performance Hall hosts student showcases, acclaimed touring productions, special engagements with professional dance companies in residence, and other community programming that inspires a shared passion for the arts.
18. Genesis Children’s Theatre
Dedicated to unlocking the creative potential of young people, Genesis Children‘s Theatre facilitates introductory, intermediate and advanced theater training for ages 3-18 alongside abundant performance opportunities. With offerings in acting technique, voice and diction, choreography, technical theater and more, students gain comprehensive exposure to developing captivating theatrical productions.
A unique highlight of Genesis Children’s Theatre is its emphasis on fostering camaraderie and ensemble skills through collaborative student-directed shows. Every learner contributes in meaningful ways onstage and behind-the-scenes, encouraging ownership over creative projects. For families seeking dedicated children’s theater instruction focused on community minded values, check out this local gem.
19. Voices Carey
Regarded as Dallas‘ premier vocal training center, Voices Carey empowers singers of all ages and abilities. With a welcoming approach centered around nurturing individual talent, the school offers private voice lessons alongside musical theater acting instruction. Founder Tonya Carey and her team exhibit thoughtful, tailored mentorship that helps students overcome obstacles and access their unique instrument.
Voices Carey further prepares students for performance careers by facilitating student showcases for agents and managers across Dallas/Fort Worth. These low-pressure opportunities enable singers to receive constructive industry feedback as they develop their style and sound. From beginners looking to discover their voice to songwriters seeking elevated technique, Voices Carey has delivered transformative training to over 5,000 DFW vocalists.
20. East Dallas Arts
Fulfilling its mission of making visual and performing arts accessible in the community, East Dallas Arts offers diverse creative programming for all ages and skill ranges. Whether exploring painting, ceramics, dance, digital media or theater, students work with professional teaching artists to receive high-caliber instruction tailored to their developmental needs. Classes strike an engaging balance between art history lessons, foundational techniques and hands-on creation.
East Dallas Arts further impacts the community through partnerships with local nonprofits and schools to facilitate art therapy, public exhibitions that celebrate homegrown talent, team-building workshops for businesses and more. For families and individuals looking to get involved with the flourishing Dallas creative community, East Dallas Arts serves as a welcoming artistic hub.
This list highlights the immense breadth and depth of acting programs available to performers in Dallas and its surrounding communities. From educational performing arts studios focused on nurturing budding young talent to rigorous conservatory programs training industry-ready professionals, acting students have exceptional opportunities to unlock their potential.
I encourage all prospective students and parents to thoroughly research the different offerings, educational approaches, faculty expertise, and environment of each acting school. Identify the program that best aligns with your goals, learning needs and artistic interests. By selecting the right fit, you can ensure an enriching, transformative acting education that helps you achieve success on and off the stage. Break a leg with your acting pursuits in Dallas/Fort Worth!
