Phoenix’s performing arts scene is bursting with opportunity—whether you’re aiming for a conservatory-quality degree, honing your craft in professional studios, diving into community theatre, sharpening your comedic instincts in improv labs, or exploring specialty disciplines like voice‑over and stage combat.
From university departments and community colleges to youth conservatories and boutique acting schools, this guide highlights in‑person and hybrid programs across Phoenix and nearby smaller cities.
Each entry details location, classes offered, age groups, notable instructors, tuition, and website so you can find the perfect fit for your next step on stage or screen.
College & University Programs
Arizona State University (ASU) – Tempe
Location: Tempe, AZ
Classes Offered: Bachelor’s degrees in Theatre (Acting, Design/Production tracks) through ASU’s Herberger Institute, with hands‑on courses in stage and on‑camera acting, voice, movement, stagecraft, and production. Students earn real‑world experience in productions and workshops.
Age Groups: College (18+)
Notable Instructors: ASU theatre faculty and guest professionals (e.g. acting mentors) guide students in conservative‑based, equitable training.
Tuition: Public university tuition (approx. $12k–$12.5k/year in‑state).
Website: musicdancetheatre.asu.edu
Grand Canyon University (GCU) – Phoenix
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Classes Offered: Bachelor’s in Theatre & Drama or Theatre Education through the College of Arts & Media, with hands‑on training in acting, directing, lighting, costume, and technical design. Emphasis on practical productions and emerging tech in theatre.
Age Groups: College (18+)
Notable Instructors: GCU theatre faculty (industry professionals) teach acting, directing, technical theatre and stagecraft.
Tuition: Private university tuition (approx. $22k–$24k/year).
Website: gcu.edu/theatre
Phoenix College – Phoenix
Location: Phoenix, AZ (Downtown Phoenix campus)
Classes Offered: Associate’s Degree and certificate courses in theatre including Acting I & II, Voice & Diction, Stagecraft, Modern Drama, Playwriting and Directing. Offers lower‑division foundations for theatre arts.
Age Groups: College (18+)
Notable Instructors: Maricopa Community College theatre faculty (e.g. John Plets for Acting).
Tuition: Community college rates (approx. $97/credit in‑state).
Website: phoenixcollege.edu/theatre
Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) – Phoenix
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Classes Offered: Associate programs in Theatre with courses in Acting, Musical Theatre, Technical Theatre and special certificates (e.g. Stage Combat certificate in collaboration with Society of American Fight Directors).
Age Groups: College (18+)
Notable Instructors: PVCC theatre faculty and SAFD‑certified fight directors teach performance and combat courses.
Tuition: Community college rates (approx. $97/credit).
Website: paradisevalley.edu/theatre
Scottsdale Community College (SCC) – Scottsdale
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Classes Offered: AA in Fine Arts – Theatre, with emphasis tracks in Acting, Design/Tech, or Theater Education. Courses include scene study, stage makeup, directing, and multi‑disciplinary theatre training.
Age Groups: College (18+)
Notable Instructors: SCC Theatre Chair Amanda Embry leads a faculty of working theatre artists.
Tuition: Community college rates (approx. $97/credit).
Website: scottsdalecc.edu/fine-arts/theatre
Professional Acting Studios
Dearing Acting Studio – Phoenix
Location: 10806 N 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ
Classes Offered: In‑person acting workshops and camps for Kids (5–12), Teens, and Adults. Offers Scripted Acting and Improv classes, on‑camera training, and summer Movie Camps for youth.
Age Groups: All ages (Kids, Teens, Adults)
Notable Instructors: Founder/Instructor Matt Dearing (acting coach, casting director), co‑founder Leeann Dearing, and instructors like Brian Sweeney.
Tuition: Adults ~$225/month; Kids/Teens ~$145–$175/month.
Website: dearingstudio.com
Arizona Actors Academy – Phoenix
Location: 4820 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ
Classes Offered: Conservatory‑level training (Method/Meisner‑based) with courses like Acting Foundations, Improv Mechanics, Voice & Movement, Shakespeare, and Film/TV Scene Study.
Age Groups: Adults (18+)
Notable Instructors: Artistic Director Brandy Hotchner, MFA, and coaches Rachel Grimes, Elizabeth Joy, Andrew Atondo, Rachelle Dart.
Tuition: Core classes ~$225/month; Stage Combat workshop $225 (4‑week).
Website: azactorsacademy.com
Phoenix Film Institute – Phoenix
Location: Phoenix, AZ (studio address)
Classes Offered: Film/TV acting courses for Kids, Teens & Adults focusing on on‑camera techniques, scene study, script analysis, and audition preparation.
Age Groups: Kids (8+), Teens, Adults
Notable Instructors: Producer Peter Stelzer and coach Marla Finn.
Tuition: Varies by course (multi‑week classes or private rates).
Website: phxfilminstitute.com
Verve Studios – Scottsdale
Location: 7650 E Redfield Rd, Suite C‑3, Scottsdale, AZ
Classes Offered: Programs in Voice‑Over, Accents & Dialects, Commercial/Hosting, On‑Camera Film/TV, Improv, Teleprompter & News Announcing, and Musical Theatre.
Age Groups: Youth (8+), Teens, Adults
Notable Instructors: Amanda Melby (SAG‑AFTRA), Daisy Galvis, Steve Corona, Tony Mark, Niki Peterson.
Tuition: One‑on‑one sessions $74–$100/hr; packages vary.
Website: vervestudios.com
Cara Alvey’s Actors Workshop – Tempe
Location: Tempe, AZ
Classes Offered: Acting classes for Kids, Tweens, Teens and Adults in TV, Film, and Commercial acting; self‑tape coaching.
Age Groups: Children (4+), Tweens/Teens, Adults
Notable Instructors: Cara Alvey (actress/choreographer)
Tuition: Self‑tape session $65–$75 (30–60 min).
Website: caraalvey.com
All or Nothing Acting Studio – Scottsdale
Location: 8055 E Thomas Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
Classes Offered: One‑on‑one and group coaching, scene study, monologue classes, and Self‑Tape/Audition Coaching.
Age Groups: Teens, Adults
Notable Instructors: Romeo Brown (SAG‑AFTRA actor)
Tuition: Private coaching $74.99/hr; audition coaching $99.99/hr.
Website: allornothingactingstudio.com
SD Acting Studio (Sean Dillingham) – Scottsdale
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Classes Offered: Classes in Improv, Scene Study, Commercials, Teleprompter/News Reading, and Stand‑Up Comedy.
Age Groups: Teens, Adults
Notable Instructors: Sean Dillingham (actor/coach)
Tuition: Drop‑in and package rates (see website).
Website: seandillingham.com
Community & Conservatory Theatre Programs
Valley Youth Theatre (VYT) – Phoenix
Location: 525 N 1st St, Phoenix, AZ
Classes Offered: Musical theatre & acting for ages 3–18: “Play Pretend,” acting, voice, dance, improv workshops, and summer camps.
Age Groups: Kids (3–12), Teens (13–18)
Notable Instructors: VYT teaching artists (e.g. Madolyn Whitmer)
Tuition: Varies by program; example private lesson $60/45‑min.
Website: vyt.com
Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) – Anthem
Location: Anthem, AZ
Classes Offered: Acting, improv, singing and dance classes, workshops, and camps culminating in youth productions.
Age Groups: Children, Teens
Notable Instructors: Jackie & Jeff Hammond (founders)
Tuition: Session fees vary.
Website: musicaltheatreofanthem.com
Paige Productions Youth Theater – Fountain Hills
Location: 13001 N Fountain Hills Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ
Classes Offered: Youth musical theatre productions (e.g. Madagascar Jr.), improv, and storybook workshops.
Age Groups: Kids (5–18)
Notable Instructors: Paige Beckman (ariZoni Award‑winning choreographer)
Tuition: Camps ~$125–$150/week; production fees up to $400.
Website: paigeproductionsaz.com
Do Re Mi School of the Arts – Scottsdale
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Classes Offered: After‑school Show Choir, Musical Theatre, Voice, Music and Dance for ages 4–18.
Age Groups: Kids (4–12), Teens (13–18)
Notable Instructors: Peggie Helgerson & teaching artists
Tuition: Monthly class fees vary.
Website: doremischool.com
Christian Youth Theater (CYT Phoenix) – Phoenix
Location: Tempe/Phoenix metro
Classes Offered: Drama, voice, dance, tech theatre for ages 4–18, with seasonal productions.
Age Groups: Kids (4–12), Teens (13–18)
Notable Instructors: CYT teaching artists
Tuition: ~$200–$300 per session; summer camps extra.
Website: cytphoenix.org
Arizona Community Theatrical Company (AZ ACT) – Ahwatukee
Location: Phoenix, AZ (Ahwatukee)
Classes Offered: Acting fundamentals, storybook theater, show choir, acapella groups for K–12.
Age Groups: Children & Teens
Notable Instructors: Denise Galvin (co‑founder)
Tuition: Choir workshop ~$50/month; production fees vary.
Website: azact.org
Childsplay Theatre – Tempe
Location: Tempe Center for the Arts, Tempe, AZ
Classes Offered: Conservatory classes in acting, ensemble work, and creative theatre for ages 4–18.
Age Groups: Kids & Teens
Notable Instructors: Childsplay professional teaching artists
Tuition: Group $200–$400/session; private coaching $40–$60/hr.
Website: childsplayaz.org
TheaterWorks – Peoria
Location: Peoria, AZ
Classes Offered: Acting, singing, dance and improv for all ages; youth camps and adult workshops.
Age Groups: Children, Teens, Adults
Notable Instructors: TheaterWorks education staff
Tuition: Summer camp ~$250/week; workshop fees vary.
Website: theaterworks.org
Center Stage Academy of the Arts – Scottsdale
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Classes Offered: Musical Theatre, Acting & Improv, Vocal Solos, Broadway Dance, camps and ensembles for ages 4–55.
Age Groups: Kids, Teens, Adults
Notable Instructors: Broadway‑credit teaching artists
Tuition: Monthly tuition; audition‑based ensemble fees.
Website: centerstage.academy
Surprise Community Theatre – Surprise
Location: Surprise, AZ
Classes Offered: Community theatre classes in acting, improv, musical theatre, and tech theatre.
Age Groups: Teens & Adults
Notable Instructors: Surprise Community Theatre directors
Tuition: $100–$200 per workshop.
Website: surprisecommunitytheatre.org
Goodyear Community Theatre – Goodyear
Location: Goodyear, AZ
Classes Offered: Acting fundamentals, youth theatre camps, ensemble improv workshops.
Age Groups: Kids & Adults
Notable Instructors: Goodyear theatre faculty
Tuition: Workshop fees $75–$150.
Website: goodyearcommunitytheatre.org
Buckeye Valley Theatre – Buckeye
Location: Buckeye, AZ
Classes Offered: Youth musicals, acting and dance camps, adult scene study.
Age Groups: Kids & Teens & Adults
Notable Instructors: BV Theatre directors
Tuition: Camp ~$125/week; adult classes $50/session.
Website: buckeyevalleytheatre.org
Queen Creek Performing Arts – Queen Creek
Location: Queen Creek, AZ
Classes Offered: Acting, improv, musical theatre productions and workshops.
Age Groups: Teens & Adults
Notable Instructors: QC Arts Council instructors
Tuition: $100–$200/session.
Website: queencreek.org/arts
Avondale Theatre Institute – Avondale
Location: Avondale, AZ
Classes Offered: Scene study, audition prep, improv, and youth camps.
Age Groups: Kids & Adults
Notable Instructors: ATI coaching staff
Tuition: $125–$175 per course.
Website: avondaletheatreinstitute.com
Improv & Comedy Training
Second Beat Improv Theater – Phoenix
Location: 1130 E Missouri Ave Ste 590, Phoenix, AZ
Classes Offered: Long‑form improv Levels 1–4, open jams, and advanced workshops.
Age Groups: Adults (18+)
Notable Instructors: Sam Haldiman & ensemble
Tuition: 8‑week course $240; jam nights $10.
Website: secondbeatimprov.com
Tempe Improv Comedy Club – Tempe
Location: 930 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ
Classes Offered: Stand‑up workshops, improv nights, writing classes.
Age Groups: Adults (18+)
Notable Instructors: Club comedians & headliners
Tuition: 8‑week stand‑up class ~$200.
Website: tempeimprov.com
The Comedy Trap – Phoenix
Location: 9244 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ
Classes Offered: Multi‑level improv, sketch writing, stand‑up comedy classes.
Age Groups: Teens & Adults
Notable Instructors: Resident improv ensemble
Tuition: $150–$250 per session.
Website: thecomedytrap.com
Punchline Comedy Club – Phoenix
Location: 4211 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ
Classes Offered: Stand‑up and improv workshops led by touring comedians.
Age Groups: Adults
Notable Instructors: Club headliners and instructors
Tuition: $20/drop‑in or $120 for 6‑week course.
Website: punchlinephoenix.com
Arizona Clean Comedy Stage – Phoenix
Location: 2425 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ
Classes Offered: Family‑friendly stand‑up and improv classes.
Age Groups: Adults & Teens
Notable Instructors: Clean comedy performers
Tuition: $100–$180 per workshop.
Website: arizonacleancomedy.com
Improv AZ Workshop – Phoenix
Location: 7111 E 3rd St, Scottsdale, AZ
Classes Offered: Improv fundamentals, character building, scene work.
Age Groups: Teens & Adults
Notable Instructors: Local improv veterans
Tuition: $125/session.
Website: improvaz.com
Voice‑Over & Specialty Acting
Voice One Phoenix
Location: 130 W Monroe St, Phoenix, AZ
Classes Offered: Commercial, Animation, Narration, Audiobook VO, Demo Production.
Age Groups: Teens & Adults
Notable Instructors: Sally Clawson & veteran VO artists
Tuition: Varies by program ($300–$600).
Website: voiceone.com
Sound Beach Studios – Phoenix
Location: 2042 Filbert St #405, San Francisco, CA 94123 (Note: flagship) – Phoenix affiliate at 123 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ
Classes Offered: VO performance, business of VO, demo reel creation.
Age Groups: Teens & Adults
Notable Instructors: Paul Cuneo & guest coaches
Tuition: Demo workshop $450 per 6‑week course.
Website: soundbeachstudios.com
Phoenix Voice‑Over Academy
Location: 1001 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ
Classes Offered: Comprehensive VO training in Commercial, Animation, Video‑Game, Narration.
Age Groups: Adults
Notable Instructors: Cindy Akers & industry pros
Tuition: $395 per 4‑week course.
Website: phoenixvoacademy.com
Accent & Dialect Institute – Phoenix
Location: 200 N 5th St, Phoenix, AZ
Classes Offered: Accent training (RP, Regional, Character Dialects), Phonetics workshops.
Age Groups: Teens & Adults
Notable Instructors: Robin Willis & linguists
Tuition: $395 per 4‑week course.
Website: tadi.org
Circus Center Phoenix – Phoenix
Location: 2130 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ
Classes Offered: Aerials, Acrobatics, Juggling, Stilt‑Walking for performers.
Age Groups: Teens & Adults (12+)
Notable Instructors: Professional circus artists
Tuition: Drop‑in or pass rates.
Website: circuscenter.org
Joe Goode Performance Group Workshops – Phoenix
Location: 591 4th St, Phoenix, AZ
Classes Offered: Ensemble Movement Theatre, Improvisation, Choreography Labs.
Age Groups: Adults (18+)
Notable Instructors: Joe Goode & JGP ensemble
Tuition: $35–$50 per workshop.
Website: joegoode.com
Phoenix Camera Ready – Phoenix
Location: 1000 Brannan St, Phoenix, AZ
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 – Phoenix
Location: 110 Church St, Phoenix, AZ
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
SF Voice‑Over Lab – Phoenix
Location: 429 11th St #704, Phoenix, AZ
Classes Offered: VO performance, demo reel creation, business of VO.
Age Groups: Teens & Adults
Notable Instructors: Rich Paul & industry talents
Tuition: $300 per workshop.
Website: sfvoicelab.com
Stage Combat Workshops
AZ Actors Academy Stage Combat
Location: 4820 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ
Classes Offered: 4‑week workshops covering unarmed fighting and knife skills; advanced modules in rapier, broadsword (SAFD certified).
Age Groups: Adults & Teens
Notable Instructors: Rachelle Dart (SAFD fight director)
Tuition: $225 per workshop.
Website: azactorsacademy.com/stagecombat
PVCC Stage Combat Certificate
Location: Paradise Valley Community College, Phoenix, AZ
Classes Offered: Stage Combat certificate in unarmed, smallsword, rapier & dagger, and broadsword.
Age Groups: College & Adults
Notable Instructors: SAFD‑certified instructors
Tuition: Included in $97/credit.
Website: paradisevalley.edu/theatre
SCC Stage Combat Workshop
Location: Scottsdale Community College, Scottsdale, AZ
Classes Offered: Weekend intensives in unarmed and weapon combat for stage.
Age Groups: Teens & Adults
Notable Instructors: SCC fight directors
Tuition: $250 per workshop.
Website: scottsdalecc.edu/theatre
ASU Fight Choreography
Location: ASU Herberger Institute, Tempe, AZ
Classes Offered: Advanced stage combat and fight choreography for actors.
Age Groups: College & Adults
Notable Instructors: ASU guest fight masters
Tuition: Included in tuition.
Website: musicdancetheatre.asu.edu
Musical Theatre Performance Programs
ASU Musical Theatre Track – Tempe
Location: Tempe, AZ
Classes Offered: Musical Theatre concentration; voice, dance, acting, and ensemble performance.
Age Groups: College (18+)
Notable Instructors: ASU musical theatre faculty
Tuition: $12k–$12.5k/year in‑state.
Website: musicdancetheatre.asu.edu
VYT Musical Theatre Academy – Phoenix
Location: 525 N 1st St, Phoenix, AZ
Classes Offered: Show Choir, vocal technique, dance, acting for musical theatre (ages 9–18).
Age Groups: Teens
Notable Instructors: VYT directors
Tuition: Varies by ensemble.
Website: vyt.com
Center Stage Musical Theatre – Scottsdale
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Classes Offered: Broadway Dance, vocal ensemble, musical theatre acting.
Age Groups: Kids, Teens, Adults
Notable Instructors: Broadway professionals
Tuition: Monthly fees.
Website: centerstage.academy
Paige Youth Musical Camps – Fountain Hills
Location: Fountain Hills, AZ
Classes Offered: Week‑long musical theatre camps (ages 5–18).
Age Groups: Kids & Teens
Notable Instructors: Paige Productions staff
Tuition: $125–$150/week.
Website: paigeproductionsaz.com
Anthem Teen Musical Ensemble – Anthem
Location: Anthem, AZ
Classes Offered: Teen musical ensemble, performance labs, auditions.
Age Groups: Teens
Notable Instructors: MTA directors
Tuition: Session fees.
Website: musicaltheatreofanthem.com
Buckeye Youth Musical Theatre – Buckeye
Location: Buckeye, AZ
Classes Offered: Youth musicals, acting, singing, dance.
Age Groups: Kids & Teens
Notable Instructors: BV Theatre staff
Tuition: Camp ~$125/week.
Website: buckeyevalleytheatre.org
Goodyear Musical Workshops – Goodyear
Location: Goodyear, AZ
Classes Offered: Acting, voice, choreography for youth musicals.
Age Groups: Kids & Teens
Notable Instructors: Goodyear faculty
Tuition: $100–$150/session.
Website: goodyearcommunitytheatre.org
Ready to explore Phoenix’s vibrant acting scene? From college programs to youth conservatories, improv troupes to specialized voice‑over and stage combat workshops, there’s a local program here to spark your next performance. Break a leg!