Find acting classes in Washington, DC

Q: How much do acting classes cost?

Acting classes cost $25 to $65 per hour on average for group classes or $50 to $150+ per hour to hire a private acting coach. Prices vary depending on where you live and the instructor's experience and reputation. Acting studios that offer ongoing weekly classes typically charge $150 to $350 per month . Acting courses and workshops can cost as little as $200 to as much as $2,800+ , depending on the content, number of sessions, and the instructor's demand. Some acting workshops are short, 1- or 2-day intensive classes focusing on one aspect of the industry, while other programs last 4 to 8 weeks and cover several topics, methods, and techniques. Most studios offer a free trial class so you can get a feel for the teaching style and decide if it's right for you.

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Find acting classes in Washington, DC

Share a few details and we'll show you the best acting classes in your area.

Zip code

Top 10 acting classes in Washington, DC

Students agree: these Washington acting classes are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.

Your Acting Classes questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Lessons.

How much do acting classes cost?

Acting classes cost $25 to $65 per hour on average for group classes or $50 to $150+ per hour to hire a private acting coach. Prices vary depending on where you live and the instructor's experience and reputation. Acting studios that offer ongoing weekly classes typically charge $150 to $350 per month.

Acting courses and workshops can cost as little as $200 to as much as $2,800+, depending on the content, number of sessions, and the instructor's demand. Some acting workshops are short, 1- or 2-day intensive classes focusing on one aspect of the industry, while other programs last 4 to 8 weeks and cover several topics, methods, and techniques.

Most studios offer a free trial class so you can get a feel for the teaching style and decide if it's right for you.

Are online acting classes worth it?

Online acting classes are worth it if you want to pursue acting and are unable to attend acting classes in person. With online video calling platforms like Zoom and Skype, you can now study acting with the best in the industry from the comfort of your own home! Many reputable acting coaches—including those right here on Lessons—now offer online acting classes and teach the same methods and techniques that they teach in the studio.

Do you need acting classes to become an actor?

You technically don't need acting classes to become an actor. However, acting classes can help you gain confidence, learn new methods and techniques, analyze scenes and scripts, and build new industry connections and relationships. Acting classes can also teach you about the business side of acting, which is as important as acting itself.

How long do acting classes take?

Acting class length varies depending on the studio and the type of class. Some studios have 2-hour classes, while others have classes lasting 3 to 5 hours. Depending on the location, acting classes may be offered in several formats, such as ongoing weekly classes, weekend intensive workshops, and training programs that can run anywhere from 2 to 8+ weeks.

What skills do you need to be an actor?

While the necessary skillset varies depending on the type of acting you pursue (think Broadway theater vs. TV commercials vs. film), all actors need a broad range of skills to portray the expressions and emotions of a character so effectively that they temporarily transport the audience to a world where the actor is indeed that character. This often involves:

Memorizing lines and stage cues
Analyzing scripts and scenes
Developing a character's emotions and physical expressions
Working with other actors, directors, and production crews
Adapting to unexpected changes and situations
Speaking clearly and adjusting one's voice to align with the character
Learning and developing different acting methods and techniques
Being comfortable in front of an audience or camera

Reviews for Washington acting classes

Recent success stories from people in the Washington area.

Lucille S.

Christion Ty Edwards is professional, kind and a courteous instructor. I also appreciate his flexibility, patience and his willingness to help in any area needed.

Acting and Performance Coaching

Laura M.

The Ottley Music School has been instrumental in helping my daughter learn to read music and perform appropriate but challenging pieces. The teachers encourage each child to reach their potential while providing top notch instruction. We are happy with the quality of instruction and performance opportunities our child has received at Ottley Music School.

Ottley Music School, Inc.

George M.

I'm learned so much in just my first class!

viaJ studios

Nick C.

It has been a phenomenal experience since the start. Chelsea is a great teacher and has been incredibly helpful and understanding throughout each lesson.

Chelsea Thaler Acting and Audition Coachings

Shravan A.

I signed up for an audition prep session with Allison. The audition was for a role in a show at a major Equity theatre in the DC area. Going into the session, I had a very general idea on how I wanted the scenes to go. Allison helped me hone in on my objective and actions, moment by moment. She also helped me define my characters much more specifically, as I was going in for a part with multiple roles. I felt confident in my scene as if I were ready to perform it for a real audience. The audition went great. You could tell from the director and producer in the room that they really were impressed with what I showed them that day. Since then, I have received several more audition invites from the same theatre. I'll definitely look to Allison if I need some help preparing for a major audition.

Allison Frisch - Private Acting Coach

Megan B.

Her work is so specific. Dina will help you find the most interesting choices so you can stand out in your audition. If you’re stuck in a role, she always has a creative solution. She’s the best.

Dina Thomas Acting

Silas T.

Ankh Rep approaches theatre from an emotional point of view. I’ve been trained technically, but there’s something about approaching a character, a play, a line from an emotional aspect. I find myself enjoying the hidden monologues that a moment of silence gives. I know how to translate all of the trials and tribulations of my life into art. I’ve become more aware of the humanity of a character.

Konveyed Thought

Molly M.

Ms. Alina is so wonderful! My children took lessons from her and one is still taking lessons from her. It was amazing to see how she was able to improve my son’s voice during his first lesson with her. She knows what she is doing. She is kind and patient. I recommend her in a heart beat!