Top Acting Schools & Classes in San Antonio, Texas (Directory Guide)

San Antonio’s theater and film scene is thriving with opportunities for actors of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner seeking confidence or an experienced performer honing your craft, the Alamo City offers a range of acting schools, studios, youth programs, improv workshops, and university training programs.

Below is a comprehensive directory of approximately 30 top acting schools and classes in San Antonio and the surrounding metro area, organized by category for easy browsing.

Professional Acting Studios & Training Programs

These acting studios and academies offer professional training for stage and on-camera acting. Many serve a wide range of ages (teens to adults) and experience levels, with classes taught by industry professionals.

Performing Arts San Antonio (Be Scene Acting Studio)

Location: 10127 Morocco St., San Antonio, TX (Project Cowork studio space)
Training Offered: Intensive film & theater acting workshops, audition intensives, scene study, on-camera techniques, and youth theatre productions. Originally founded as a theater program, now focused on professional film acting classes (in-person Houston & San Antonio, and online).
Ages/Levels: Offers programs for age 10 through adult, from beginners to advanced actors. Adult/teen film acting workshops and youth theatre productions are available.
Notable Instructors: Co-founded by Hollywood actors Paul Tinder and Vaughn Taylor-Tinder, who bring L.A. and New York training to San Antonio. Classes often feature guest casting directors and industry pros.
Tuition: Workshops vary (e.g. recent 4-week on-camera workshop was $175). Non-profit organization with tax-deductible membership (PASA is a 501c3).
Contact: Website: besceneacting.com (Performing Arts San Antonio / Be Scene Acting) – offers class schedules and online enrollment. Email: besceneacting@gmail.com.

Texas Actors Workshop

Location: 12500 NW Military Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78231
Training Offered: On-camera film acting, improvisation, and commercial acting classes. Emphasis on creativity, technique, and professionalism for TV/film acting. Also offers Skype/online lessons for convenience.
Ages/Levels: Serves children (as young as 6) through adults, beginner to professional. (Students have included a 6-year-old in classes). All levels are welcome, and students can progress to advanced scene study.
Notable Instructors: Led by John McAteer, a veteran acting coach who has helped 200+ actors get agency representation. Administered by Tommy Deibel (since 2005). John McAteer’s program is known regionally – “hands down the best in the region” according to testimonials.
Tuition: $45 per class for adults, $35 per class for children. An initial deposit of $180 (adults) or $140 (kids) covers the first 4 sessions. Pay-as-you-go thereafter with no contracts or auto-billing. Referral discounts available.
Contact: Website: texasactorsworkshop.com – includes class schedule, FAQs, and contact form (email: texasactorsworkshop@yahoo.com).

The Rose Theatre Co.

Location: 11838 Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, TX 78230 (Elms Shopping Center, upstairs)
Training Offered: Acting classes for all ages and skill levels, including children’s theater classes, teen and adult acting, audition prep, and summer camps. Focus on stage acting, live performance, and even stand-up comedy and musical theatre in a cozy black-box setting. The Rose prides itself on original plays and “acting classes for all ages”.
Ages/Levels: Kids, teens, and adults are all welcome – classes are offered in age-appropriate groups from beginner to advanced. Small class sizes (often <10 students) for personalized coaching.
Notable Instructors: Founded by Jessie Rose and Chris Manley in 2009. Jessie Rose (Artistic Director) leads many classes; guest artists occasionally host workshops. Students of The Rose have gone on to study in NYC, Chicago, L.A., etc..
Tuition: Moderate – e.g., adult acting courses are offered in multi-week sessions (a recent adult class was advertised at $200 for 8 weeks). Youth camp and class pricing varies by length. Note: As a community theater, they keep prices accessible (and offer sibling discounts for kids’ camps).
Contact: Website: https://ctxlivetheatre.com/local_theatres/rose-theatre-company (may be intermittently updated). Email therosetheatreco@yahoo.com for class schedules and enrollment. The Rose is active on Facebook/Twitter for announcements.

Nova Arts Acting Studio

Location: 7126 Eckhert Rd, San Antonio, TX 78238 (Nova Arts Studio facility)
Training Offered: Well-rounded screen acting and musical theater training. Nova Arts offers classes in Acting for Film/TV, Musical Theatre performance, self-tape audition technique, and even career planning for young actors. They run summer camps and workshops (sometimes with casting directors) and provide on-set coaching. The mission is to develop the next generation of creative artists with a focus on excellence and diversity.
Ages/Levels: Youth and teens are the primary focus (many classes for ages ~8–18), but Nova Arts also has adult workshops. They have a Rising Star Scholarship program to support passionate young actors. Students range from beginners to those already booking work – “Our students have national commercials, TV shows, films…”.
Notable Instructors: Directed by Laura “Abigail” Cisneros (Miss Abi), a film/stage actress and former middle school theatre teacher. She holds a BFA in Theatre (Film Acting & Directing) and has trained with Broadway and Hollywood professionals. Abigail’s background as a performer (winner of a citywide vocal competition and lead in many musicals) informs her teaching. The studio often brings in industry guests and local directors for specialty workshops.
Tuition: Semester-based classes; for example, a 10-week film acting course might cost around $250. Summer camps (week-long) are in the $200–$300 range. They offer installment plans and the aforementioned scholarship for financial assistance.
Contact: Website: nova-arts-studio.com – features class info and an FAQ (confirms location and common questions). Email novaartsacting@gmail.com or call 210-548-8173 for inquiries.

Acting Studio 101

Location: Rolling Oaks Mall, 6906 N Loop 1604 E, Suite 1147, San Antonio, TX 78247
Training Offered: In-person acting classes for kids, teens, and adults, as well as Zoom/online options. Acting Studio 101 covers acting fundamentals, on-camera acting, scene study, and even singing in some classes. They host seasonal programs (e.g., summer acting & singing classes) and regular courses that build confidence and audition skills (including self-taping practice).
Ages/Levels: Serves ages 8 and up – youth classes (often 8–12, 13–17 groups) and adult classes. Welcomes beginners enthusiastically, but also offers advanced students training and even opportunities to meet talent agents (they’ve hosted showcases resulting in students signing with agencies).
Notable Instructors: Studio Director Diane Marie oversees programs (she’s the contact mentioned on their site). Instructors are working actors and directors; the studio often posts on social media about student successes and “big wins” in bookings. The vibe is very encouraging and family-like – they highlight that “everyone is able to learn from one another and guide each other” in class.
Tuition: Offers a $48.75 trial class to start. Ongoing classes are monthly tuition – roughly $195/month for standard acting classes and $260/month for specialty classes. (These are online rates; in-person is similar.) They often run multi-class discounts or holiday specials.
Contact: Instagram @actingstudios101 and Facebook are very active with announcements. No dedicated website, but the Rolling Oaks Mall directory lists a phone (210-482-9457). Best to message via social media or visit the studio to register.

Acting Up Creative Drama Academy

Location: 12002 Bandera Rd. Ste. 104, Helotes, TX 78023 (NW San Antonio area)
Training Offered: Creative drama and acting classes aimed at building confidence, public speaking skills, and social presence. Acting Up uses improvisational games, storytelling, and scene work to help students overcome stage fright and develop acting skills in a fun environment. They also offer unique programs like “Acting Up for Educators” (TEA-approved continuing education for teachers) and even birthday party workshops with drama games.
Ages/Levels: Ages 2 to 102! – literally all ages. They have early childhood creative drama for toddlers and preschoolers, kids’ after-school classes, teen workshops, and adult acting/presentation classes. Many students are beginners or “reluctant” public speakers whom they turn into confident communicators. Advanced acting students (e.g., aspiring actors) can also benefit, but the academy’s strength is in nurturing newcomers.
Notable Instructors: Founded by Gigi Parker Hudnall, who has been teaching drama in San Antonio for over a decade. Gigi and her staff (Nora Jarrell, Doreen D., etc.) focus on creative drama as a tool for personal growth. Acting Up is affiliated with ComedySportz San Antonio as well (their contact email was once listed via CSz) – this connection underscores their emphasis on improv and fun.
Tuition: Classes are typically set up in sessions (fall, spring, summer). For example, a 6-8 week kids’ session might be around $100-$150 (as noted in some past ELFS class info). Drop-in adult classes or one-day workshops vary. They strive to keep costs affordable for families.
Contact: Website: actingupcda.com – you can find class offerings and even sign up/pay online. Email gigi@actingupcda.com or call 210-268-8797. (Check the site for Helotes and Boerne class options as they sometimes partner with local schools/churches for satellite classes.)

Youth Theater & Acting Programs

San Antonio has a rich variety of programs dedicated to children and teens, from after-school drama classes that build life skills to pre-professional youth theaters producing full plays and musicals. These programs emphasize confidence, creativity, and skill-building for young performers.

Drama Kids International – San Antonio

Location: Classes held at various community locations throughout San Antonio (community centers, schools, churches – check their site for a location near you). Office based in SA for coordination.
Classes: Weekly drama classes for children and teens (grades K-12), plus summer camps. Curriculum focuses on speech, creative movement, improvisation, and short scenes to develop speaking skills and imagination. They also offer “Acting Academy” for grades 6-12 and “Take 2” performance workshops for experienced students.
Ages/Levels: Grades K-12. Broken into age groups: lower primary (5-8), upper primary (9-11), and Acting Academy for middle/high school (12-18). All levels welcome – Drama Kids is great for beginners and shy kids, but advanced students also gain by honing leadership and presentation skills.
Approach: Uses a proprietary, award-winning curriculum to “focus on the positive development of critical life skills like public speaking, creative thinking, and collaboration” through drama. It’s not about prepping for Broadway, but about having fun and growing confidence. Classes are high-energy and build toward a short showcase each semester for family and friends.
Tuition: Typically charged per semester. A 10-week session might cost around $200 (prices can vary by location and length). They offer sibling discounts and occasionally early registration discounts.
Contact: Website: dramakids.com/san-antonio-tx – includes a “Find a Class” tool and registration. Email and local director contact info are on the site. (No phone numbers here per instructions.)

Christian Youth Theater (CYT) San Antonio

Location: Rehearsal and class headquarters often at “The CYT Black Box” in New Braunfels, plus satellite classes in San Antonio (varies by session). Performances at local theaters.
Classes: Year-round theater arts classes divided into Fall, Winter, Spring sessions (8–10 weeks each). Courses include drama/acting, voice, dance, as well as backstage skills like makeup, costumes, and tech. Every session ends with a high-energy Showcase where each class presents an ensemble piece. CYT also produces full-scale Broadway-style musicals each session, which students can audition for.
Ages/Levels: Ages 4-18. Classes are grouped by age: typically 4-7 (wiggleworms), 8-12, and 13-18, so material is tailored to the students’ level. Open to beginners through advanced – no prior experience required to join classes, though auditions for shows can be competitive.
Notable: CYT is the nation’s largest youth theater program. The SA branch upholds a supportive, family-friendly environment consistent with its Christian values, but kids of all backgrounds are welcome. It’s a great program for those who want both training and performance – kids can take classes and simultaneously be in a production.
Tuition: Approximately $200-$250 per session (varies by length of session/class type). This fee covers weekly classes for the term (and includes the showcase participation). There are additional costs if a child is cast in a ticketed production (production fee, costume fee). Scholarships or discounts may be available for families in need.
Contact: Website: cytsanantonio.org – families can create an account to register. The site lists current classes, show auditions, and staff contacts.

The Magik Theatre – Camps & Classes

Location: 420 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78205 (Hemisfair Park) – plus some classes at Magik’s north location or partner schools.
Classes: After-school and weekend theater classes and seasonal camps. Magik’s Academy offers sessions in acting, musical theater, improv comedy, dance, and even behind-the-scenes skills for kids and teens. For example, Spring Classes might include “Comedy & Improv” or “Storytelling through Dance” for various ages. Summer camps are popular, with one-week themed camps (e.g. “Seuss on Stage” or “Heroes & Villains”) where students put on a mini-show.
Ages/Levels: Grades 1–12 for most programs. (They sometimes have kindergarten programs too). Students are grouped by age bracket (e.g. 6-8, 9-12, 13-18). All experience levels are welcome – Magik emphasizes that whether your child loves acting or is completely new, there’s a program for them.
Notable Instructors: Classes are taught by Magik Theatre’s professional staff and actors. As San Antonio’s professional children’s theater, Magik brings a lot of expertise – “professional, accessible, literature-based theatre and education since 1994.” The instructors are passionate about youth development; they even incorporate social-emotional learning into the curriculum to help kids grow on and off stage.
Tuition: Typical pricing: an 8-week after-school class around $200; week-long camps around $250. They often offer early-bird pricing for camps and occasionally scholarships via their donors.
Contact: Website: magiktheatre.org – see “Education – Camps and Classes” section. You can register online. For questions, email the education department (contact info on site). Magik’s downtown location also means classes can include a tour of the theater stage!

Wonder Theatre Academy (formerly Woodlawn Theatre Academy)

Location: 4522 Fredericksburg Rd., Ste. A-90, San Antonio, TX 78201 (Wonderland of the Americas Mall)
Programs: Year-round musical theater training for youth. The academy offers “Leg Up” technique classes in stage acting, musical theatre dance, and vocal music, divided by age and skill level. They also produce full-scale youth productions (about four per year) where students rehearse and perform Broadway Jr. shows with costumes and sets. Additionally, an elite “Premier” performance troupe is available for advanced students (by audition). Summer camps in musical theatre are offered for various ages as well.
Ages/Levels: Ages 5 through 18 (high school seniors). Classes and shows are typically grouped for elementary, middle, and high school. Beginners are absolutely welcome – the motto is “programming for every child at every skill level.” Students can start with basic “Leg Up” classes and eventually progress to advanced performance opportunities (Premier troupe, lead roles, etc.).
Notable Instructors: Wonder Theatre Academy, since its inception in 2012, has been led by experienced theater educators (formerly under Woodlawn Theatre). The Artistic Director is Chris Rodriguez and a team of choreographers, vocal directors, and acting coaches. Many instructors are performers from Wonder Theatre’s mainstage productions, giving students a chance to learn from working professionals. The academy’s success is evident – alumni have gone on to college theater programs and professional gigs.
Tuition: Group classes are usually monthly tuition (e.g., around $60–$75 per month per class). Production fees for shows apply when participating in a full production (to cover costumes, etc.). They offer need-based scholarships and sibling discounts. Summer camp weeks cost roughly $200.
Contact: Website: wondertheatreacademy.org – provides class schedules, production audition info, and online registration. Email info@wondertheatre.org for academy questions. (The Wonder Theatre is the non-profit formerly known as Woodlawn Theatre.)

Second Act Productions

Location: Second Act Performance Center, 20318 Huebner Rd., Suite 125, San Antonio, TX 78258 (Stone Oak area)
Programs: A community theater and performing arts program for youth and adults in Stone Oak. Second Act offers theater classes and workshops that teach acting techniques and musical theatre fundamentals, all while instilling confidence and a sense of belonging. They produce plays and musicals, giving students and community members a chance to perform (recent productions include comedies, murder mysteries, and Broadway revues). It’s described as “a place not just to perform, but to grow.”
Ages/Levels: All ages – truly. Kids, teens, and adults have opportunities here. They run children’s theatre classes and also stage shows that involve adults. For example, they’ve done productions like Epic Proportions and Forbidden Broadway with mixed-age casts. Youth classes are often after-school, while adults might rehearse in evenings. It’s community theater, so beginners through seasoned actors are all welcome to participate and learn.
Notable People: Founded by Kelly Lepeska, who has 40+ years of theater experience and a passion for inclusive community theater. Kelly and her volunteer staff provide a welcoming environment in Stone Oak. Students often refer to the supportive “Second Act family” – everyone has a part to play, onstage or off.
Tuition: Modest. Children’s class sessions might be around $100 for a multi-week course (as noted in some community posts). If cast in a show, there could be a small production fee. The philosophy is community-oriented, so cost is kept relatively low. (They also rely on ticket sales from shows.)
Contact: Website: secondactsa.com – contains info on upcoming classes and productions. Email kelly@secondactsa.com for enrollment or audition inquiries.

All In One Productions (Performing Arts Studio)

Location: 19239 Stone Oak Pkwy, Ste. 202, San Antonio, TX 78258 (Stone Oak)
Programs: Dance, singing, and acting “all in one” performing arts studio. AIOP offers a wide range of classes: ballet, jazz, hip-hop, acrobatics, voice lessons, and acting classes. They specialize in preparing kids for musical theater and even have competition dance/performing teams that travel. Acting-wise, they run drama classes and musical theatre workshops for various ages, plus fun summer camps covering all aspects (dance, voice, acting, even stage makeup). They’ve even started offering an Adult Acting & Improv class for grown-ups who want to join the fun.
Ages/Levels: Ages 3–18 for youth classes (with group classes divided by age/skill). Preschool combo classes through advanced competition teams for teens. The new adult classes mean parents can get involved too. All levels are welcome; the studio’s philosophy is to make every child feel like a star, whether recreational or pre-professional.
Notable Instructors: Founded by a former professional cheerleader for the Spurs and Houston Astros (according to social media), the staff includes experienced dancers and vocal coaches. For acting, the instructors teach stage presence and character basics, often integrating with dance/vocal coaches to put on showcases. The studio opened around 2020 and quickly earned praise – “One of my kids is on the competition team and it’s totally her happy place”.
Tuition: Monthly tuition per class (prices range, e.g., $50-$70/month for a weekly class). If a student takes multiple disciplines (dance+acting, etc.), there are package deals or caps on tuition. Competition teams have additional fees for costumes and competition entry. Summer camps are offered (with deals via Groupon sometimes).
Contact: Website: allinoneproductions.studio – includes class schedules and an easy online registration system. Also active on Facebook/Instagram @allinoneproductions2020 for updates.

Crystal Sea Drama Company (CSDC) – Homeschool Theatre

Location: 8414 Speedway Dr., San Antonio, TX 78230 (near Castle Hills)
Programs: A pre-professional youth theatre program primarily for homeschooled students (though others can join). CSDC offers daytime theater classes and production workshops. This includes acting technique classes, improv, technical theater training, and full production rehearsals. They mount several plays per year, often classics or faith-inspired works, with high production values for a youth group. It’s an intensive program for serious young actors to develop their craft in a Christian environment.
Ages/Levels: Middle school and high school students (roughly ages 12-18). They occasionally have had classes for younger (like 10-11) and even an adult play reading group, but the core is teens. Many students join with some experience or strong interest in theater; beginners are welcomed if committed. The program can function like a conservatory for homeschoolers – classes on weekdays and shows throughout the year.
Notable: Founded in 2006, CSDC has a strong track record (over 15 years). It’s led by Dawn and Scott Mielke and other dedicated drama coaches. They have earned recognition in the community – one parent credited 5 years of improv training there for turning her shy child into an excellent communicator. CSDC often collaborates with other community theaters and participates in the National Christian Forensics and Communications Association (NCFCA) for drama.
Tuition: Because it operates as a full program, tuition might be structured per semester or per class. For example, a semester of drama classes could be a few hundred dollars. (One reference mentions $100/month range for classes, but this varies.) They do require commitment – production fees apply for shows, and parents often volunteer.
Contact: Website: crystalseadrama.org – provides info on classes, show archives, and how to join (they have an “Enrollment Packet” each year). CSDC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and contact info for the directors is on the site.

Improv & Comedy Acting Schools

For those interested in improvisational theater and comedy, San Antonio offers training to help you think on your feet. Improv classes are not only great for aspiring comedians but also help actors sharpen their spontaneity and listening skills.

ComedySportz San Antonio (Little Improv Theater)

Location: 11950 Starcrest Dr. #210, San Antonio, TX 78247
Program: Improvisational comedy classes at the home of ComedySportz, San Antonio’s longest-running improv show. Training focuses on the core improv principles: team-building, trust, active listening, “yes-and,” and quick thinking. They offer multi-week Improv 101 workshops for beginners, as well as advanced classes in long-form improv and musical improv. All classes culminate in a showcase where students perform scenes and ComedySportz-style games.
Ages/Levels: Adults and older teens primarily. (ComedySportz is known for family-friendly shows, and they have had a teen program in the past.) Classes are usually 18+ or 16+ for enrollment. No experience needed for beginner class; higher levels require the prior course. They also sometimes run a Kids’ Improv camp during summers for ages ~8-17.
Notable Instructors: Taught by ComedySportz team members – experienced improv comedians who perform weekly. The ComedySportz franchise has a tried-and-true curriculum, so students get professional coaching. The “Little Improv Theater” venue is also the performance space, so students literally learn on the same stage where shows happen. The resident troupe “The Denials” hosts open improv workshops every Monday, which class students can attend for extra practice.
Tuition: A typical 8-week improv course is around $200. Drop-in workshops (like The Denials’ weekly jam) are often low-cost or free for students. Corporate improv training and private workshops are offered separately (pricing on inquiry).
Contact: Website: cszsa.com – has info on upcoming classes and show tickets. Email info@cszsa.com for class registration. You can also follow ComedySportz San Antonio on Facebook for announcements about new class start-dates.

(Note: San Antonio’s improv scene also included Bexar Stage, a theater dedicated to long-form improv, which offered classes and shows from 2017 until its closure in 2023. While Bexar Stage is no longer open, ComedySportz and independent groups like The Denials keep improv training alive in SA.)

College & University Theater Programs

For those pursuing formal education in theater, several San Antonio-area colleges offer degree programs in drama. These provide comprehensive training (acting, directing, design, etc.), mainstage production experience, and academic studies in theater history. While enrollment is generally limited to degree-seeking students, their productions and some workshops are open to the community.

Trinity University Department of Human Communication & Theatre (HCT)

Program: Trinity University (a private liberal arts college in SA) offers a B.A. in Theatre as part of its Human Communication and Theatre department. It’s a comprehensive program at a smaller scale – students get one-on-one mentorship. Training covers acting, directing, tech, playwriting, etc., and students are involved in all aspects of stage productions. Trinity puts on several plays each year (often in their Stieren Theater), ranging from classics to contemporary works.
Distinctives: Liberal arts approach – theater students at Trinity often double-major. The program emphasizes critical thinking and creativity, not just performance. There are opportunities to direct student productions or participate in experimental theater projects. Trinity also invites guest artists (e.g., alumni who work on Broadway) for workshops.
Ages/Levels: Undergraduate students (high school grads). Community members can sometimes audition for larger productions if roles aren’t filled, but generally it’s student performers. Trinity’s shows are open to the public, contributing to SA’s theater scene.
Notable Faculty: Trinity’s theatre faculty have strong academic and professional credentials. For example, professors like Dr. Nathan Stith (specializing in directing/acting) and Kyle Gillette (theater history) lead the program. Alumni of Trinity’s theatre program have gone on to careers in film, Broadway, and education.
Tuition: As a private university, Trinity’s tuition is significant (over $45k/year), but theater scholarships and need-based aid can offset this. This is a full degree program, not a pay-per-class setup.
Contact: Website: trinity.edu/Theatre (or via the Human Communication and Theatre dept page). Information on productions and how to get tickets is also on the site. Prospective students should contact the admissions office or the HCT department for program info.

University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) Theatre Arts

Program: UIW offers B.A. in Theatre Arts with concentrations in performance or production. It’s a rigorous program grounded in a liberal arts Catholic university setting. The UIW Theatre puts on multiple mainstage shows (plays and musicals) each year in their Coates Theatre and Cheever Theatre. Students get training in acting styles, voice and movement, stagecraft, as well as theater for youth (UIW is known for an annual children’s show).
Ages/Levels: Undergraduate students (with some MFA faculty involvement from off-campus for specific workshops). UIW frequently casts students, but occasionally faculty or local actors might join productions if a role requires it.
Notable: UIW’s theatre department has a long history in San Antonio. They often collaborate with the community – for instance, costume design students may intern with local theaters. Faculty like Dr. Chuck Squier and Chelsey Moore are both educators and active directors/designers in the region. The atmosphere is very supportive, and class sizes are small. UIW being a smaller private school means lots of stage time for each student.
Tuition: Private university tuition (~$33k/year), with talent scholarships available for theater majors. They do sometimes allow community auditors to take theater classes (like acting I) for a fee, but one must inquire.
Contact: Website: uiw.edu/theatre – includes degree plans and production photo galleries. The department can be contacted via that page for information on performances and auditions.

San Antonio College (SAC) – Theater & Performance

Program: San Antonio College, part of Alamo Colleges, has an Associate of Arts in Theatre program. It provides foundational training in acting, technical theater, and theater history for students intending to transfer to a 4-year program or join the industry. SAC produces several plays a year at the McAllister Fine Arts Center – including dramas, comedies, and an annual musical or showcase.
Ages/Levels: Community college students (often 18–20, but many non-traditional students as well). The program welcomes beginners; many students start at SAC to build experience. It’s open-access education, so it’s a great place for someone to take acting classes without prior experience. Community members not seeking a degree can also enroll in classes for personal enrichment (space permitting).
Notable: SAC’s theater program has been active for decades. It’s known for its student-directed one-act play festival and participation in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF). Instructors at SAC are theater practitioners – for example, Ronnie Watson (dept. chair) has directed extensively, and other faculty are designers/actors in the local scene. The environment is very hands-on: students might act one semester and run crew the next, for well-rounded experience.
Tuition: Community college tuition is affordable – roughly $99 per credit for in-district students. An acting class might be ~3 credits, so under $300 (plus fees). For non-degree seekers, same rates apply. Financial aid and scholarships exist, and seniors 65+ can often audit for free.
Contact: Website: https://www.alamo.edu/sac/academics/program-index/arts/drama/ – provides info on the AA degree. Audition notices for productions are posted on SAC’s Fine Arts Facebook page. Enrollment is through the Alamo Colleges system.

Northwest Vista College – Drama Program

Program: Another Alamo College, Northwest Vista (NVC) has a vibrant Drama program that also offers an Associate’s degree or transfer credits in theater. NVC’s Palmetto Center for the Arts houses a modern black box theater where students perform. Classes in acting, stagecraft, and even film production (through digital video courses) are available. The program often stages at least two main productions a year and student showcases.
Ages/Levels: Similar to SAC, it’s college-level training in an open-admissions environment. Many NVC students are beginners testing the waters of theater. The program is structured to let even first-year students audition and perform early on. They encourage collaboration – theater students work alongside NVC’s dance and music students in some productions.
Notable: NVC’s facilities are relatively new, providing students with a quality learning environment (nice lighting systems, etc.). Faculty, like Professor Nicole Erwin, are passionate and often still involved in local theater projects. The program is smaller than SAC’s, which can mean more individualized attention. NVC drama students have successfully transferred to places like UT Austin and Texas State to complete BFAs after finishing at Vista.
Tuition: Same Alamo Colleges tuition (~$99/credit for locals), making it one of the most affordable ways to get formal acting training.
Contact: Website: https://www.alamo.edu/nvc/academics/programs/fine-and-performing-arts/drama/ (search “drama” or “theatre”). The Palmetto Theater page usually lists upcoming shows. For class info, consult the NVC course catalog or speak to the Fine Arts department advisors.

(Other Alamo Colleges like St. Philip’s College and Palo Alto College offer a few theater courses or drama clubs, but San Antonio College and Northwest Vista have the most established programs and regular productions.)

Using this Directory: We’ve highlighted a variety of acting training options – from professional studios to community youth theaters to college programs. San Antonio’s acting community is supportive, so don’t hesitate to reach out to these organizations for more details. Whether you’re a parent of a budding child actor, a teen dreaming of Broadway, or an adult finally pursuing that acting bug, you can find a place in one of these classes. Break a leg on your acting journey!