Best acting classes for NYC kids

Best acting classes for NYC kids

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Perhaps it has something to do with their physical proximity to Broadway, or all the celeb sightings, but Big Apple babes seem to crave the spotlight. Happily, the city is home to myriad programs aimed at thespians of all ages.

Applause
184 E 76th St between Third and Lexington Aves (212-717-0703, applauseny.com). 16-week sessions $695–$1,725; price depends on child's age.
If your kid got bitten by the acting bug early, sign her up for the Broadway Babies class. Essentially a parent-and-baby show-tunes sing-along, the class accepts students as young as four months! Older kids can learn to dance, harmonize and memorize scripts in courses such as "Broadway Stars" and "Superstars." Ages four months to 17 years.

Atlantic Acting School
76 Ninth Ave at 16th St (212-691-5919, atlanticactingschool.org). Eight- to 10-week sessions $325–$400; price depends on number of weeks and child's age.
Not into musicals? This educational offshoot of the Atlantic Theater Company—the lauded troupe cofounded by David Mamet and William H. Macy—teaches kids the Stanislavsky-inspired technique Practical Aesthetics. The course covers scene study, playwriting and how to form your own troupe. Ages 4 to 18.

Brooklyn Arts Exchange
421 Fifth Avenue at 8th St, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-832-0018, bax.org). Ten- to 11-week sessions $170–$220; price depends on child's age.
The most artsy and avant-garde option is Drama Rama class, which promises to bring out a creative streak in even the most straitlaced tykes through improvisation, theater games and more. Ages 5 to 16.

Kids 'N Comedy
Gotham Comedy Club, 208 W 23rd St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (212-877-6115, kidsncomedy.com). Nine-week session $550.
Calling all class clowns—this program not only instructs young comedians in the art of making 'em laugh, it gives them a chance to yuk it up onstage. Ages 10 to 18.

Lee Strasberg Young Actors Program
115 E 15th Street between Union Sq East and Irving Pl (212-533-5500, strasberg.com). 12-week session $850–$1,250; price depends on child's age.
If emotions run high at your house, this class may provide a much-needed outlet. Strasberg famously formulated the Method, a style of acting known for making movie stars develop split personalities (at least temporarily). Ages 7 to 17.

Manhattan Children's Theatre
52 White St between Broadway and Church St (212-226-4085, manhattanchildrenstheatre.org). Eight-week session $200–$275; price depends on child's age.
Chances are your family has seen a show or two by this venerable troupe. If your kids liked what they saw, let the company's pros teach your youngsters the ropes of a career on the boards. Ages 4 to 10.

TADA! Theater
15 W 28th St between Broadway and Fifth Ave (212-252-1619, tadatheater.com). Call for other locations. Eight-week session $195–$270; price depends on child's age.
Students who get their start in a class are eventually eligible for a shot at joining the Drama Desk Award–winning ensemble, which presents original musicals every year and gives kids free theatrical training until they graduate from high school. TADA!'s introductory class covers voice, dance and acting. Ages 3 to 14.