San Francisco’s acting community spans prestigious university programs, professional studios, community conservatories, improv hubs, youth ensembles, and specialty workshops.
Below are verified programs with physical locations in San Francisco proper (and immediately adjacent neighborhoods), organized by category. Each entry lists location, classes offered, age groups, notable instructors, tuition, and a clickable website.
College & University Acting Programs
San Francisco State University – School of Theatre & Dance
Location: 1600 Holloway Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132
Classes Offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Theatre Arts, covering acting, directing, design, musical theatre, film, and production
Age Groups: College students (18+)
Notable Instructors: Bruce Avery, Kurt Daw, and other seasoned theatre faculty
Tuition: Approx. \$7,950 in‑state per year
Website: theatredance.sfsu.edu
Academy of Art University – School of Acting
Location: 79 New Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94105
Classes Offered: A.A. and B.F.A. programs in Acting for stage and camera; graduate acting MFAs
Age Groups: College students (18+)
Notable Instructors: Industry professionals under guidance of an Academy Award–winning producer
Tuition: \$1,239 per unit
Website: academyart.edu/acting
City College of San Francisco – Theatre Arts
Location: 33 Gough St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Classes Offered: Associate degree and certificates in Acting, Improvisation, On‑Camera Acting, Stagecraft, Technical Theater
Age Groups: College students (18+)
Notable Instructors: CCSF theatre faculty and rotating guest artists
Tuition: \$46 per unit in‑district
Website: ccsf.edu/theatre-arts
University of San Francisco – Performing Arts & Social Justice (Theater Concentration)
Location: 2130 Fulton St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Classes Offered: B.A. combining Acting, Playwriting, Devised Theatre with Social Justice focus
Age Groups: College students (18+)
Notable Instructors: USF faculty specializing in socially engaged performance
Tuition: \$61,870 undergraduate tuition
Website: usfca.edu/performing-arts-social-justice
College of Marin – Drama/Theatre Arts
Location: 835 College Ave, Kentfield, CA 94904
Classes Offered: A.A. in Drama/Theatre Arts with Acting Fundamentals, Scene Study, Production labs
Age Groups: College students (18+)
Notable Instructors: John Koegel (Marin Theatre Company Artistic Director) and theatre faculty
Tuition: \$46 per unit in‑district
Website: marin.edu/drama
Community & Conservatory Theatre Programs
Shelton Studios
Location: 533 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Classes Offered: Method acting, scene study, voice & movement, audition technique
Age Groups: Adults (18+)
Notable Instructors: Jean Shelton, Robert Elross, Matthew Shelton
Tuition: Contact for program fees
Website: sheltonstudios.org
New Conservatory Theatre Center
Location: 25 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102
Classes Offered: Conservatory classes in Acting, Musical Theatre, Performance; summer camps; in‑school residencies
Age Groups: Kids, Teens, Adults
Notable Instructors: Stephanie Temple, Will Mattingly, Kaitlin Rosen
Tuition: Varies by program; scholarships available
Website: nctcsf.org
The Barrow Group – SF Acting Workshops
Location: Multiple SF venues (see site)
Classes Offered: Weekend intensives in Scene Study, On‑Camera Technique, Improv, Monologue Work
Age Groups: Adults (18+)
Notable Instructors: Seth Barrish, Alyson Schacherer
Tuition: \$150–\$200 per workshop
Website: barrowgroup.org
Asian American Theater Company
Location: 1695 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Classes Offered: Acting, Scene Study, Voice & Movement workshops; Playwriting labs; Staged readings
Age Groups: Teens & Adults
Notable Instructors: AATC ensemble artists and guest facilitators
Tuition: Varies by session
Website: asianamericantheater.org
Professional Acting Studios (Scene Study, On‑Camera, Method)
Studio A.C.T. (American Conservatory Theater)
Location: 30 Grant Ave (Strand Theater), San Francisco, CA 94108
Classes Offered: Adult Scene Study, On‑Camera, Audition Technique, Improv, Voice, Movement
Age Groups: Adults (18+)
Notable Instructors: Mark Jackson and professional acting faculty
Tuition: \$580 per 8‑week class
Website: act-sf.org/studio-act
Seydways Acting Studios
Location: 414 Mason St #604, San Francisco, CA 94102
Classes Offered: On‑Camera Scene Study, Meisner Technique, Monologue Classes, Audition Labs
Age Groups: Teens & Adults
Notable Instructors: Richard Seyd (founder); small classes for individual attention
Tuition: Contact for rates
Website: seydwaysactingstudios.com
Bay Area Acting Studio (Christy English)
Location: 1930 Camden Ave, Suite 4, San Jose, CA 95124 (serves SF)
Classes Offered: Meisner Technique for Film/TV, Audition Prep, Scene Study
Age Groups: Teens & Adults
Notable Instructors: Christy English (founder) and guest coaches
Tuition: Contact for rates
Website: bayareaacting.com
The Meisner Technique Studio (Richard Epp)
Location: 38 Keyes Ave #LL30, San Francisco, CA 94129
Classes Offered: Meisner Technique Fundamentals, Scene Study, Improv, On‑Camera
Age Groups: Teens & Adults
Notable Instructors: Richard Epp (last protégée of Sanford Meisner)
Tuition: Contact for rates
Website: (Studio email only)
Actors Theatre Workshops (Christian Phillips)
Location: 533 Sutter St (Tides/Russ Wynne), San Francisco, CA 94108
Classes Offered: Scene Study, Audition Technique, Guest Workshops
Age Groups: Adults (18+)
Notable Instructors: Christian Phillips (actor/coach)
Tuition: Varies by workshop
Website: (Local listings)
ACT Young Conservatory
Location: 30 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108
Classes Offered: Weekly Youth Acting Classes and Performance Workshops for ages 7–18
Age Groups: Kids & Teens (7–18)
Notable Instructors: ACT professional teaching artists
Tuition: Contact ACT for session rates
Website: act-sf.org/young-conservatory
African American Shakespeare Company
Location: 762 Fulton St (AACC), San Francisco, CA 94102
Classes Offered: Shakespeare Scene Study, Classical Training, Stage Combat
Age Groups: Teens & Adults
Notable Instructors: Shana Simmons and AASC ensemble
Tuition: \$200 per workshop
Website: africanamericanshakes.org
Z Space – Performance Workshops
Location: 450 Florida St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Classes Offered: New‑Play Labs, Devised Theatre, Ensemble Training
Age Groups: Adults (18+)
Notable Instructors: Z Space resident artists and guest directors
Tuition: \$250 per workshop
Website: zspace.org
City Lights Theatre Company – Acting Workshops
Location: 215 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Classes Offered: Acting Intensives, Audition Labs, Youth Camps
Age Groups: Kids, Teens & Adults
Notable Instructors: Elaine Polvinen, Gary Graves
Tuition: \$300 youth; \$275 adult
Website: citylightstheatre.org
Intersection for the Arts – Performance Labs
Location: 925 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Classes Offered: Devised Theatre, Script Labs, Performance Art Training
Age Groups: Adults (18+)
Notable Instructors: Intersection ensemble artists
Tuition: \$185 per lab
Website: intersectionforthearts.org
Ragged Wing Ensemble – Ensemble Training
Location: 1695 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Classes Offered: Ensemble Performance, Devised Work, Scene Study
Age Groups: Adults (18+)
Notable Instructors: Founding ensemble members
Tuition: \$180 per session
Website: raggedwingensemble.org
The Epiphany Center for the Arts – Actor Workshops
Location: 555 7th St #1A, San Francisco, CA 94103
Classes Offered: Scene Study, Movement for Actors, Voice Technique, Playwriting
Age Groups: Adults (18+)
Notable Instructors: Js Marsden, Alex Miller
Tuition: \$225 per workshop
Website: epiphanyarts.org
Lower Bottom Playaz – Hip‑Hop Theatre
Location: 916 Mission St (The Box), San Francisco, CA 94103
Classes Offered: Hip‑Hop Ensemble Training, Physical Theatre, Stage Presence
Age Groups: Teens & Adults
Notable Instructors: Lower Bottom ensemble artists
Tuition: \$150 per workshop
Website: lowerbottomplayaz.org
TheatreCUE – On‑Camera & Industry Labs
Location: 465 Fell St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Classes Offered: On‑Camera Scene Study, Audition Technique, Filmmaking Basics
Age Groups: Adults (18+)
Notable Instructors: Casting directors and cinematographers
Tuition: \$295 per course
Website: theatrecue.com
42nd Street Moon – Musical Theatre Workshops
Location: 216 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Classes Offered: Musical‑Theatre Scene Study, Audition Workshops, Dance Intensives
Age Groups: Teens & Adults
Notable Instructors: Moon’s musical directors and choreographers
Tuition: \$250 per workshop
Website: 42ndstreetmoon.org
Improv & Comedy Training
Leela Improv Theatre
Location: 901 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Classes Offered: Levels 1–5 Improv, Drop‑In Jams, Musical Improv
Age Groups: Adults (18+); Teen classes available
Notable Instructors: Resident improv ensemble
Tuition: \$120 per 6‑week class
Website: leela-sf.com
BATS Improv (Bay Area Theatresports)
Location: 2120 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Classes Offered: Short‑form & Team Improv, Intro–Advanced levels
Age Groups: Teens (13+) & Adults
Notable Instructors: BATS company members
Tuition: \$150–\$200 per course
Website: improv.org
Killing My Lobster
Location: Potrero Hill (various venues)
Classes Offered: Sketch Comedy Writing & Performance
Age Groups: Adults (18+)
Notable Instructors: KML ensemble artists
Tuition: \$99 for 3‑week course
Website: killingmylobster.com
SPANK Comedy Collective
Location: 339 11th St (Basement at The Complex), San Francisco, CA 94103
Classes Offered: Devised Comedy, Sketch Writing, Long‑Form Improv
Age Groups: Adults (18+)
Notable Instructors: SPANK ensemble
Tuition: \$180 per 6‑week session
Website: spankcomedy.com
Lady Fingers Improv
Location: 235 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118
Classes Offered: Short‑Form Games, Character Work, Advanced Long‑Form
Age Groups: Adults (18+)
Notable Instructors: Melissa Vega and team
Tuition: \$200 per session
Website: ladyfingersimprov.com
Just Joking! Comedy Workshops
Location: 378 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Classes Offered: Stand‑Up, Sketch Writing, Improv Fundamentals
Age Groups: Adults (18+)
Notable Instructors: Amy Engelberg and guests
Tuition: \$150 per 5‑week class
Website: justjokingcomedy.com
SF Sketchfest Workshops
Location: Various SF venues
Classes Offered: Festival‑based Comedy Writing, Improv, Stand‑Up Labs
Age Groups: Teens (13+) & Adults
Notable Instructors: Sketchfest headliners
Tuition: Varies by workshop
Website: sfsketchfest.com
SF Improv Alliance
Location: Howard St (SoMa) and satellite venues
Classes Offered: Improv & Sketch Combo Classes (beginner–advanced)
Age Groups: Adults (18+)
Notable Instructors: Shaun Landry and local improv teachers
Tuition: Varies by class
Website: (Check social channels)
Youth & Teen Acting Programs
San Francisco Youth Theatre (SFYT)
Location: 3106 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Classes Offered: Acting, Voice, Improv, Stagecraft (PreK–24), Free/Sliding Scale
Age Groups: Kids & Teens (4–24)
Notable Instructors: Community teaching artists
Tuition: Sliding scale; financial aid
Website: sfyouththeatre.org
ACT Young Conservatory – Junior Classes
Location: 30 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108
Classes Offered: Youth Scene Study, Musical Theatre, Improv for ages 6–17
Age Groups: Kids & Teens (6–17)
Notable Instructors: ACT professional teaching artists
Tuition: Contact ACT for rates
Website: act-sf.org/young-conservatory
San Francisco Children’s Musical Theater (SFCMT)
Location: 1825 San Pablo Ave, San Francisco, CA 94115
Classes Offered: Intro Acting, Audition Technique, Dance, Vocals; Workshops
Age Groups: Kids & Teens (5–25)
Notable Instructors: Ensemble of charitable theatre artists
Tuition: Pay‑what‑you‑can; low‑cost classes
Website: sfcmt.com
SF Mime Troupe – Youth Theatre Project
Location: Various SF neighborhood sites
Classes Offered: Teen Ensemble Workshops, Political Theatre, Improvisation
Age Groups: Teens (13–18)
Notable Instructors: SF Mime Troupe ensemble members
Tuition: Free or low‑cost
Website: sfmt.org/education
Marin Shakespeare Company – Youth Programs
Location: 434 A St, San Rafael, CA 94901 (for SF residents)
Classes Offered: Shakespeare Youth Company (8–19), Text & Performance Labs
Age Groups: Kids & Teens (8–19)
Notable Instructors: Jon Tracy and MSC ensemble
Tuition: Varies; scholarships available
Website: marinshakespeare.org/youth-classes
San Francisco Playhouse – Youth Academy
Location: Club Fugazi, 129 Taylor St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Classes Offered: Youth Acting Classes, Teen Scene Study, Summer Camps
Age Groups: Kids & Teens (8–18)
Notable Instructors: SF Playhouse teaching artists
Tuition: \$300 per session
Website: sfplayhouse.org/education
Cutting Ball Theatre – Teen Lab
Location: 492 Capp St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Classes Offered: Devised‑Theatre Workshops, New‑Play Development for Teens
Age Groups: Teens (13–19)
Notable Instructors: Cutting Ball ensemble
Tuition: \$150 per workshop
Website: cuttingball.com
Crowded Fire Theater – Student Workshops
Location: 1575 21st St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Classes Offered: Scene Study, New‑Work Labs, Youth Acting Labs
Age Groups: Teens & Adults
Notable Instructors: Crowded Fire ensemble artists
Tuition: \$100–\$200 sliding scale
Website: crowdedfire.org
Youth Speaks – Spoken‑Word Performance
Location: 814 Franklin St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Classes Offered: Poetry‑Theatre, Storytelling Workshops
Age Groups: Teens (13–19)
Notable Instructors: Youth Speaks mentors
Tuition: Free or low‑cost
Website: youthspeaks.org
PlayGround SF – Youth Theatre
Location: 3163 17th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Classes Offered: Acting Classes, Ensemble Performances, Showcase
Age Groups: Kids & Teens
Notable Instructors: PlayGround artistic directors
Tuition: \$250 per term
Website: playgroundsf.org
The Marsh – Youth Improv & Acting
Location: 1062 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Classes Offered: Improv & Acting Courses for ages 8–17
Age Groups: Kids & Teens
Notable Instructors: The Marsh ensemble
Tuition: \$150 per 6‑week session
Website: themarsh.org
Voice‑Over, Movement & Specialty Acting
Voice One – Voice‑Over Training
Location: Jackson Square, San Francisco, CA 94111
Classes Offered: Commercial, Animation, Narration, Audiobook VO; Demo Production
Age Groups: Teens & Adults
Notable Instructors: Sally Clawson and veteran voice actors
Tuition: Varies by program
Website: voiceone.com
Voicetrax SF – Voice‑Over Academy
Location: 1207 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965
Classes Offered: Comprehensive VO courses in Commercial, Animation, Video‑Game, Narration
Age Groups: Teens & Adults
Notable Instructors: Cindy Akers and industry pros
Tuition: Varies; established since 1988
Website: voicetraxsf.com
Circus Center – Movement/Physical Training
Location: 446 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Classes Offered: Aerials, Acrobatics, Juggling, Stilt‑Walking for Performers
Age Groups: Teens & Adults (12+)
Notable Instructors: Professional circus artists
Tuition: Pay‑per‑class or pass
Website: circuscenter.org
Clown Conservatory – Physical Comedy
Location: Circus Center, 446 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Classes Offered: Intensive Clowning (Slapstick, Commedia, Physical Storytelling)
Age Groups: Adults (18+)
Notable Instructors: Jeff Raz and Sara Moore
Tuition: \$5,000 for full program
Website: circuscenter.org/clown-conservatory
Joe Goode Performance Group – Movement Workshops
Location: 591 4th St (Dogpatch), San Francisco, CA 94107
Classes Offered: Ensemble Movement Theatre, Improvisation, Choreography Labs
Age Groups: Adults (18+)
Notable Instructors: Joe Goode and JGP ensemble
Tuition: \$35–\$50 per workshop
Website: joegoode.com
Sound Beach Studios – Voice‑Over Training
Location: 2042 Filbert St #405, San Francisco, CA 94123
Classes Offered: Commercial, Animation, Video‑Game, Audiobook VO, Demo Production
Age Groups: Teens & Adults
Notable Instructors: Paul Cuneo and guest coaches
Tuition: \$450 per 6‑week course
Website: soundbeachstudios.com
SF Voiceover Lab – Demo Workshops
Location: 429 11th St #704, San Francisco, CA 94103
Classes Offered: Voice‑Over Performance, Business of VO, Demo Reel Creation
Age Groups: Teens & Adults
Notable Instructors: Rich Paul and industry voice talents
Tuition: \$300 per workshop
Website: sfvoicelab.com
Talking Heads Studio – Audiobook & Podcast VO
Location: 180 Townsend St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Classes Offered: Audiobook Narration, Podcast Performance, Commercial VO
Age Groups: Adults
Notable Instructors: Cathy Post
Tuition: \$475 per 8‑week series
Website: talkingheadsstudio.com
The Accent & Dialect Institute (TADI)
Location: Jackson Square, San Francisco, CA 94111
Classes Offered: Accent Training (RP, Regional, Character Dialects), Phonetics Workshops
Age Groups: Teens & Adults
Notable Instructors: Robin Willis
Tuition: \$395 per 4‑week course
Website: tadi.org
Bay Area Castings Workshop – Commercial Auditions
Location: 254 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Classes Offered: Commercial Audition Technique, Copy‑Test Labs, Self‑Tape Coaching
Age Groups: Teens & Adults
Notable Instructors: Local casting directors
Tuition: \$225 per 5‑week class
Website: bayareacastings.com
AuditionLab – On‑Camera Audition Prep
Location: 600 Market St #1100, San Francisco, CA 94104
Classes Offered: On‑Camera Audition Technique, Reel Production, Pilot Season Labs
Age Groups: Adults
Notable Instructors: Working casting professionals
Tuition: \$350 per session
Website: auditionlab.com
SF Camera Ready – Self‑Tape Workshops
Location: 1000 Brannan St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Classes Offered: Self‑Tape Technique, Lighting & Framing for Auditions
Age Groups: Adults
Notable Instructors: Aaron Williams (cinematographer)
Tuition: \$250 per workshop
Website: sfcameraready.com
On Stage! Studios – Musical Theatre & Acting
Location: 110 Church St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Classes Offered: Musical Theatre Intensives (Acting, Dance, Vocals), Acting Combos
Age Groups: Youth & Adults
Notable Instructors: Broadway guest artists
Tuition: \$300 per 8‑week term
Website: onstagestudios.org
Stage Combat (NYU Gallatin) – One‑Day Workshop
Location: NYU SF Campus & Partner Venues
Classes Offered: Intro to Stage Combat, Swordplay, Fight Choreography
Age Groups: Teens & Adults
Notable Instructors: Certified NYU fight masters
Tuition: \$250 per workshop
Website: nyu.edu
Exit Theatre – Solo Performance Lab
Location: 156 Eddy St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Classes Offered: Solo Performance Creation, Script Development, Staged Readings
Age Groups: Adults
Notable Instructors: Exit Theatre ensemble and guest solo artists
Tuition: \$200 per workshop
Website: exittheatre.org
The Marsh – Storytelling Workshops
Location: 1062 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Classes Offered: Narrative Performance, Storytelling Technique, Live Story Slams
Age Groups: Teens & Adults
Notable Instructors: The Marsh storytelling ensemble
Tuition: \$100 per class
Website: themarsh.org/storytelling
Word for Word – Performance Workshops
Location: Various SF Bay Area venues
Classes Offered: Literature Performance, Voice Work, Narration for Actors
Age Groups: Adults
Notable Instructors: Word for Word ensemble members
Tuition: \$80 per workshop
Website: wordforword.info
Ready to explore San Francisco’s vibrant acting scene? Whether you pursue a college degree, join a community conservatory, hone your craft in professional studios, improv your way to greater confidence, bring out young talent, or master a specialty skill—there’s a program here to spark your next performance. Break a leg!