St. Petersburg, Florida, boasts a vibrant acting community fueled by local theaters, improv troupes, and performing arts schools. Whether you’re an aspiring comedian looking to land your first laugh or a young performer dreaming of Broadway, the Sunshine City offers an array of classes to hone your craft.
From improv comedy nights downtown to serious scene study in intimate studio settings, there’s a training program for every age and interest. Below, we’ve organized the top acting classes and studios in St. Petersburg into categories – so you can easily find the perfect place to take the stage. Dive in, discover your passion, and get ready to shine!
Improv & Comedy Training
Spitfire Comedy House
Location: 1920 1st Avenue S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
Classes Offered: Ongoing classes in improv, sketch comedy, and stand-up for all experience levels. Students learn classic improv games, scene-building, and comic timing in a fun, supportive atmosphere. Weekly drop-in workshops and multi-week courses help performers build confidence and quick-thinking skills on stage.
Age Groups: Primarily adults (18+). Open to beginners and seasoned performers alike – anyone wanting to sharpen their wit or overcome stage fright is welcome.
Notable Instructors: Led by a team of veteran improvisers, including owner Zach Mouriz (a local improv mainstay) and other Spitfire house performers. Instructors bring experience from comedy hubs like Chicago and NYC to guide students through the “yes, and” of improv.
Tuition: Varies – Typically priced per course or drop-in session. Multi-week class series are offered year-round, and you can “sign up anytime” as new sessions start frequently.
Website: spitfirecomedy.com
Acting Studios – Scene Study & Technique
Station 12 Studio
Location: Green Light Cinema (downtown St. Pete), 221 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Classes Offered: Scene study and acting technique workshops in an intimate indie cinema setting. Classes are often 8-week sessions focusing on truthful storytelling for stage and screen. Students work on scenes and monologues in front of the big screen, benefiting from playback and feedback in a real theater environment. Improv exercises and Meisner-based techniques are also incorporated to develop authentic performances.
Age Groups: Teens and adults (primarily adult actors). Ideal for serious acting students and working professionals seeking to sharpen their craft. Beginners with commitment are welcome, and seasoned actors will find an engaging “gym” to keep their skills honed.
Notable Instructors: Founded by veteran film/TV actress Eugenie Bondurant, known for roles in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 and more. Bondurant brings 25+ years of Hollywood experience to her classes, supported by instructors like Mary Rachel Quinn and others from the local film and theater scene. This expert team has been “training actors in authentic performances for 30+ years”.
Tuition: Session-based – Costs depend on the length of the course (typically multi-week semesters). Station 12 runs seasonal enrollments (e.g. fall, spring sessions), and pricing is provided upon inquiry or registration each term.
Website: Facebook: Station 12 Studio (updates and registration info)
Acting Studios – On-Camera & Audition
American Stage Theatre Company – Acting & Improv Classes
Location: 163 3rd Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (Downtown Theater District)
Classes Offered: A wide variety of programs through the American Stage Drama School, serving kids, teens, and adults year-round. Offerings include “Through the Lens: Acting for the Camera” – a class focused on film acting techniques (students even create a short film for their reel). There are also stage acting courses, audition intensives, scene study, and a robust improv program (Comedy Nights for adults and an Improv Club for teens). For youth, American Stage offers musical theater, acting classes, and summer camps that build performance skills in a professional theater setting.
Age Groups: All ages. Youth classes are grouped by grade (elementary, middle, high school), and adult classes range from beginners to experienced performers. Whether your child is just starting to “play pretend,” or you’re an adult looking to nail that next audition, there’s a class for you.
Notable Instructors: Taught by American Stage’s roster of professional actors and teaching artists. Education Director José Avilés oversees youth programs, while industry veterans like Cranston Cumberbatch (film actor) teach on-camera courses. Improv classes are led by Davina Reed, American Stage’s resident improv teacher since 2018. Students get exposure to working directors and actors from one of Tampa Bay’s most acclaimed professional theaters.
Tuition: Moderate to Varied – Adult class prices typically range from about \$200–\$300 for multi-week sessions (with some shorter workshops at lower cost). Youth camps and classes are priced per program (e.g. a week-long summer camp was around \$225 in recent years). Scholarships and financial aid are available to ensure accessibility. Check the website for current class schedules and pricing.
Website: americanstage.org (Drama School section)
Youth & Family Acting Programs
Broadway Arts & Dance Academy (BADA)
Location: 3101 22nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713 (North St. Pete – Tyrone area)
Classes Offered: A performing arts academy offering classes in acting, musical theatre, dance, and voice for children and teens. Drama classes at BADA teach young actors stage fundamentals, from character development and scene work to singing and dancing in Broadway-style productions. Students can take combination classes (act, sing, dance) or focus on specific disciplines. The academy produces recitals and musical shows, giving kids performance opportunities in front of live audiences. As their motto says, they aim to bring the joy of performing arts to all ages and also “prepare students for a career on the stage.”
Age Groups: Pre-K through Teens, and even some offerings for adults. Preschool and elementary-age children can start with creative movement and beginner drama, while middle and high school students participate in more advanced acting troupes and musical theater productions. There are also adult dance/fitness classes for those young at heart.
Notable Instructors: BADA is owned and operated by two former Broadway performers, so students learn from professionals with real stage experience. The staff’s collective résumé includes Broadway shows, national tours, and professional dance companies, bringing top-notch expertise to each class. Instructors like Jessica (theater director) and others have both performance and teaching credentials, ensuring a nurturing yet disciplined environment.
Tuition: Monthly tuition or session fees – BADA operates on a school-year schedule with monthly class fees (averaging around \$60–\$80 per month per class, depending on length/frequency). Some programs and private lessons have separate pricing. Discounts are often available for multiple classes or siblings. Annual recitals may involve additional costume or production fees. Contact the academy for the latest rate schedule (“Rates & Policies” are published on their site).
Website: broadwayada.com
St. Petersburg City Theatre – Youth Programs
Location: 4025 31st St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712 (Lakewood Terrace area)
Classes Offered: A range of youth theater programs at St. Pete’s longest-running community theatre (est. 1925). City Theatre offers summer theater camps and seasonal workshops where kids and teens rehearse and perform full productions. The “Little Theatre” program invites elementary-age children to explore acting through fun, themed showcases (recently even a pajama party–themed Shakespeare for kids!). For teens, the theatre runs a Teen Ensemble that puts on more advanced plays and musicals, guided by theater professionals. An Apprentice Program also exists for teens to learn backstage skills. All training is very production-focused – students learn by doing, culminating in performances for family and friends.
Age Groups: Youth & Teens. Programs typically serve ages 7–18. Summer camps are often divided by age group (for example, 7–12 and 13–18) to tailor content appropriately. The Teen Program and Apprentice Program serve high school students. (City Theatre currently does not hold regular adult acting classes, focusing instead on youth and community productions.)
Notable Instructors: Classes and camps are led by City Theatre’s experienced directors, actors, and guest artists from the local theater community. Education staff and longtime volunteers mentor the kids – many instructors have decades of community theatre experience. The theatre’s network, including partnerships (such as with The MAR St. Pete), brings in specialists for things like improv, voice, or dance as needed. Students get to work in the City Theatre’s historic playhouse, learning from those who know it best.
Tuition: Moderate. Summer camp tuition is typically in the range of a few hundred dollars per session (e.g. a two-week full-day camp might be around \$300-\$400). Shorter workshops and the Teen Ensemble often have lower fees or only production dues. As a nonprofit community theatre, City Theatre strives to keep programs affordable and sometimes offers scholarships or discounts for siblings. Check their current camp brochure or call for up-to-date pricing and any financial aid opportunities.
Website: spcitytheatre.org (See “Learn With Us” for youth programs)
College & University Acting Programs
Eckerd College – Theatre Arts Program
Location: 4200 54th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711 (South St. Pete – Eckerd College campus)
Classes Offered: A comprehensive undergraduate degree program (B.A. in Theatre or BFA partnership) at this private liberal arts college. Eckerd’s theatre curriculum allows students to develop skills in acting, directing, design, and technical theatre while earning their degree. Courses range from Acting I & II, Voice and Movement, and Improvisation, to stagecraft, costume design, and directing. Students interested in musical theatre can take voice and dance as part of a broad performing arts education. The program produces several plays and musicals each year, giving college students practical stage experience. Small class sizes mean aspiring actors get plenty of individual coaching and stage time.
Age Groups: College (Adults) – Primarily traditional college-age students (18–22) in the degree program, though Eckerd welcomes non-traditional students as well. (For community members, note Eckerd occasionally offers auditing or continuing education options, but the main theatre classes are for enrolled Eckerd College students.)
Notable Instructors: Eckerd’s theatre faculty are active theater professionals and scholars. Professors like Gavin Hawk (head of acting/directing) and Cindy Totten (acting and movement) mentor students, alongside guest directors for productions. The college has a unique partnership with Circle in the Square Theatre School in NYC, allowing select students to study in New York for part of their training. Alumni of the program have gone on to perform regionally and even internationally, a testament to the faculty’s guidance and the program’s quality.
Tuition: As part of a four-year college degree, tuition is set by Eckerd College (approximately in the mid-\$40,000s per year for full-time tuition, before scholarships). Eckerd offers substantial financial aid packages, and performing arts scholarships may be available for talented theatre majors. For those seeking professional actor training through a degree, the investment includes comprehensive liberal arts education alongside conservatory-style theatre training.
Website: eckerd.edu/theatre
St. Petersburg College – Theater Arts Program
Location: St. Petersburg College (SPC) – Gibbs Campus, 6605 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710 (program activities at multiple SPC locations)
Classes Offered: A dynamic Theater Arts curriculum as part of SPC’s Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree. Students can take courses in acting, stage production, set and costume design, and even theater management. The program is designed for those who want to either start working in theater or transfer to a university B.A/BFA program. Classes include Acting I & II, Stagecraft, Theater History, and participation in college productions. Performance opportunities: SPC stages several productions each year (often in collaboration with local theaters or at the SPC Clearwater campus auditorium), giving students a chance to act, sing, or work backstage. With strong ties to community theaters like American Stage and freeFall Theatre, SPC students sometimes intern or perform with professional companies as part of their training.
Age Groups: College (Adults) – Open to any student pursuing college credit in an A.A. program (often ages 18+). Many students are recent high school grads, but the community college environment also welcomes adult learners and career changers who want to study theater. Non-degree seekers can potentially take individual theater classes through continuing education if space allows.
Notable Instructors: SPC’s theater faculty includes award-winning instructors such as directors Scott Cooper and Chris Rutherford. They have professional experience and connections in the Tampa Bay theater scene. Two SPC theater professors have been honored with local arts awards, reflecting their excellence in teaching. Guest directors and designers from the community often participate in college productions, mentoring students during shows. The program’s collaboration with groups like Hat Trick Theatre and American Stage means students sometimes work directly under industry pros.
Tuition: Affordable – As a public state college, SPC offers low tuition (approximately \$111 per credit for Florida residents at the lower division level). This makes the two-year A.A. theater program an economical pathway to gain acting and stage experience. (A full 60-credit A.A. degree costs a fraction of a university program.) Financial aid and scholarships (including performing arts scholarships) are available. Community workshops or non-credit courses, when offered, have nominal fees.
Website: spcollege.edu/performing-arts/theater
Other / Multidisciplinary Studios
The MAR St. Pete – Performing Arts Incubator
Location: Mobile/Multiple – Formerly at 2309 Central Ave, now partnered with St. Petersburg City Theatre (31st St S location). Mailing address: 740 4th St N #185, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
Classes Offered: A unique performing arts incubator offering classes across disciplines – acting, improv comedy, musical theatre, dance, playwriting, even specialty workshops (past events included “Dance in the Dark” and songwriting sessions). The MAR (short for “Mistakes Are Required”) provides space for creators of all kinds. Before relocating, it hosted everything from adult acting courses to collaborative writing labs. For example, an Adult Acting class taught by founder Heather H. earned rave reviews from participants, and a kids’ “Scene & Song” workshop combined acting with singing for young performers. Currently, The MAR has teamed up with City Theatre to resume its slate of classes – including plans for new adult improv and songwriting classes in the renovated theater lobby. Keep an eye on their announcements as they roll out updated programming.
Age Groups: All ages. The MAR’s offerings have ranged from youth after-school workshops to adult classes and all-ages community events. Family-friendly programs and teen open-mic nights have been part of their calendar, alongside strictly adult sessions (like improv comedy nights). Going forward, expect a mix of youth and adult education as they integrate with City Theatre’s community.
Notable Instructors: Heather Hamar, co-founder of The MAR, leads many classes – she’s an experienced acting coach and director passionate about nurturing local talent. The MAR also hosts guest instructors: professional actors, dancers, and musicians from the Tampa Bay area who share their expertise. Through partnerships, instructors from City Theatre and other arts groups will join in (for example, City Theatre’s team for youth workshops, and local comedians for improv). The incubator’s collaborative model means students often learn from a variety of talented coaches in each discipline.
Tuition: Varies by class/workshop. The MAR has offered both multi-week courses and one-off workshops. Prices have been accessible, aligning with its community mission – e.g. a single-session class might be \$10-\$20, while a multi-week course for adults could be around \$150-\$200 total. Some events are free or donation-based, especially those supported by grants. As they relaunch programs, updated tuition info will be posted on their site/social media.
Website: themarstpete.com
Conclusion
St. Petersburg’s acting scene is brimming with opportunities – from laugh-out-loud improv nights to rigorous actor training grounded in technique. Whether you’re a child taking your very first bow or an adult determined to nail that next audition, these local classes and studios are ready to help you grow. The programs above highlight the supportive arts community that calls St. Pete home.
Many students find that these classes offer not just skills and stage time, but also friendships and creative confidence that last a lifetime. So go ahead – step into the spotlight at a nearby theater, join an improv troupe’s circle, or enroll in that acting intensive you’ve been eyeing. Your local acting journey awaits, and with the wealth of knowledge and encouragement in this community, you just might discover a starring role in your own story. Break a leg!