Fort Lauderdale boasts a vibrant acting scene with opportunities for all ages to train in theater, on-camera acting, improv comedy, voiceover, and more. The city is home to multiple acting studios, theaters with education programs, and performing arts schools where aspiring actors can hone their craft.
Below we’ve organized around 50 top acting classes and studios in Fort Lauderdale into categories by specialty. Each listing provides key details – from location and class focus to age range and tuition – to help you find the perfect acting program. Whether you’re an adult looking to sharpen your on-camera audition skills or a parent seeking a creative outlet for your child, Fort Lauderdale offers a rich array of training options. Dive in and explore these standout programs, then get ready to take the stage!
Improv & Comedy Training
This Is Improv
Location: (Broward County; classes held in various venues, including Davie)
Classes Offered: Improv comedy classes and workshops led by experienced improvisers, with leveled courses for kids, teens, and adults. Students learn to “find your funny” through theater games and scene-based improvisation. Occasional specialty workshops feature guest instructors from the comedy industry.
Age Groups: Youth and adults (elementary-age through adult classes)
Notable Instructors: Founders Kat and Bernie Alfonso (local improv performers)
Tuition: Typically ranges from $100–$200 for multi-week courses; drop-in improv jams available at low cost
Website: thisisimprov.com
Art Prevails Project – “Improv Your Life” Workshops
Location: (Fort Lauderdale – classes often at community centers and online)
Classes Offered: Part of a nonprofit arts collective, “Improv Your Life” is an adult improv comedy workshop focused on basic improvisational theater techniques. Participants practice spontaneity, confidence, and creative thinking in a fun, supportive setting. (The organization also offers youth programs blending theater, spoken word, and identity exploration.)
Age Groups: Primarily adults (corporate and community workshops); some teen programs through partner schools
Notable Instructors: Darius Daughtry (Founder/Director and spoken-word artist), plus rotating teaching artists from the South Florida theater and comedy scene
Tuition: Varies by offering; community improv classes often free or low-cost as part of Art Prevails Project’s mission
Website: artprevailsproject.org
Acting Studios – Scene Study & Technique
Sara Rogers Acting Studio
Location: (Classes held at ArtServe, 1350 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale)
Classes Offered: Year-round scene study and acting technique classes for adults. Coach Sara Rogers teaches a blend of methods (Stanislavski, Meisner, Hagen, Spolin, etc.) in a safe, collaborative environment. Classes include improvisation, on-camera work, monologue and scene study, with an emphasis on personalizing your technique. Private coaching and self-tape services are also available.
Age Groups: Adults (18+), with occasional specialty workshops for 55+ or teens
Notable Instructors: Sara Rogers, an acting coach with decades of experience (named 2016 Broward Theatre Teacher of the Year), known for her personalized approach and dedication to students’ success.
Tuition: Approximately $75 for one-day workshops and $200–$300 for multi-week courses. (Small class sizes ensure individual attention.)
Website: adultactingcoach.com
ActTrue (Marc Durso’s Acting Studio at ArtServe)
Location: ArtServe, 350 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Classes Offered: Professional actor training focusing on truthful, authentic performance. ActTrue combines Uta Hagen acting techniques with the Kristin Linklater voice approach to help actors create genuine human behavior on stage and screen. Classes cover script analysis, scene study, voice and movement, and audition prep. ActTrue has coached actors who went on to roles in TV (“Shadowhunters,” “East Los High”) and national tours.
Age Groups: Teens and Adults (ActTrue offers separate classes and workshops for high school actors and for adult performers at all levels.)
Notable Instructors: Marc Durso, founder and artistic director, a director and Actors’ Equity member with over 25 years’ experience. Durso trained in New York and has taught many South Florida actors.
Tuition: $200–$300 for multi-week courses (e.g. an 8-week intensive), with drop-in auditing available. Private coaching by appointment.
Website: acttrue.com
Broward Center – Adult Acting & Improv Classes
Location: Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Classes Offered: The Broward Center’s education program offers adult evening courses in Acting and Improv, open to beginners and intermediate actors. Examples include “Acting: Try It!” – an intro to acting fundamentals (vocal & physical warm-ups, character games, and stage presence) – and “Acting Foundations” – a scene study class exploring script analysis and monologues. Also offered is “Improv Foundations”, a fun beginner improv course. Classes run in 6–8 week sessions and often conclude with a showcase.
Age Groups: Adults (18 and up)
Notable Instructors: Jocelyn Meinhardt Lombardo (Acting Foundations), JaVonda Carter (Acting: Try It!), and other theater professionals from the Broward Center’s teaching artist roster.
Tuition: Typically $200 for a 8-week session for adults (discounts for members). Financial aid and scholarships may be available through the Center.
Website: browardcenter.org/adult-classes
Acting Studios – On-Camera & Audition
Universal Acting
Location: 6905 W Broward Blvd #109, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317
Classes Offered: A comprehensive acting school offering on-camera acting classes for kids, teens, and adults. Universal Acting’s curriculum prepares students for auditions in film, TV, and commercials – focusing on cold reading, scene work for camera, and audition technique. Students gain confidence in hitting their marks and delivering truthful performances on screen. The studio also hosts industry showcases with agents and casting directors.
Age Groups: All ages – separate classes for children, teens, and adults
Notable Instructors: Carlos Rojas (Director; acting coach) and a team of industry professionals. Instructors include working casting directors and actors; for example, local drama teacher Jerry Seeger serves as a teacher in the kids/teens program.
Tuition: $195–$260 per month for ongoing classes (after a one-time trial class). A $48.75 trial class is offered for newcomers.
Website: universalacting.com
Voice Acting Programs
John Burr Voice Dynamics (Voice-Over Coaching)
Location: (Fort Lauderdale – coaching sessions typically online or at a local studio by appointment)
Classes Offered: Personalized voice-over training and voice acting lessons led by veteran coach John Burr. The program includes one-on-one coaching in commercial voice-over, narration, character voices, and dubbing. Students learn microphone technique, script interpretation, and how to use their voice as an instrument. Training is tailored to each student’s goals and voice type. Demo reel production and marketing seminars are also available.
Age Groups: Adults (and mature teens) – offered as private lessons or small-group workshops
Notable Instructors: John Burr, a voice coach with over 30 years in the industry and author of “The Voice Over Handbook.” He has worked with broadcasters and voice actors nationwide and brings industry-level expertise to students.
Tuition: $125–$150 per hour for private coaching packages (with multi-session discounts). Introductory group workshops range from $300–$500 for multi-week courses. Free consultations offered to new students.
Website: johnburrvoice.com
Youth & Family Acting Programs
Florida Children’s Theatre (FLCT)
Location: 2542B E Sunrise Blvd (Galleria Mall) and Broward College Central Campus, Davie – classes held at both Fort Lauderdale (satellite studio) and Davie locations
Classes Offered: South Florida’s premier children’s theater (founded 1952) offering year-round acting classes, performance troupes, and camps. FLCT has a wide curriculum: Theatre classes (acting, musical theater, improv), Film/TV acting classes, and even Circus arts for various grade levels. Students can progress from creative drama for Pre-K, up through advanced teen performance workshops. The theater produces full-scale youth productions and offers audition-only ensembles for experienced students.
Age Groups: Pre-K through high school (classes grouped by grades K–5, 6–8, 9–12). Some programs for 4–5 year olds as well.
Notable Instructors: Janette Sierra (Artistic Director), Joy Robertson (Education Director), and a faculty of working actors and directors. FLCT alumni have gone on to Broadway and TV.
Tuition: $200–$400 per semester class (varies by length); multi-class and sibling discounts available. Need-based scholarships offered. Summer camps and production fees are additional.
Website: FLCT.org
The Performance Project School of the Arts
Location: Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL (classes and shows at the Broward Center campus)
Classes Offered: In partnership with Broward Center, The Performance Project (TPP) offers year-round youth theater classes and staged productions. Programs include a Fall and Spring Youth Musical (for elementary ages) and Teen Musical (for grades 6–12), where students rehearse and perform shows with professional production values. Training covers acting, singing, and dance – enhancing creative expression and self-confidence. TPP also runs the Broward Center’s popular Summer Theater Camp for ages 7–18.
Age Groups: Kids and Teens (approximately age 7–18, split by program)
Notable Instructors: Nina Felice, Founder/Director of TPP – a dedicated thespian and community leader with over 25 years serving Broward’s young performers. Teaching artists from The Performance Project also serve as directors, choreographers, and music directors for each production (many are South Florida theater professionals).
Tuition: $300–$500 per session (for a full production program spanning 8–12 weeks) – this typically includes costumes and performance costs. Summer camps are weekly and priced separately. Scholarships are available so that “no child is turned away,” maintaining TPP’s inclusive mission.
Website: theperformanceproject.com
Miss Marie Poppinz Children’s Theatre & Dance
Location: 1400 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 (studio space in Victoria Park)
Classes Offered: A creative performing arts program for children that combines acting, dance, and musical theatre. Students work on scenes, songs and choreography from kid-friendly shows. Miss Marie Poppinz offers after-school classes, weekend performance troupes, and seasonal camps. Each year features full children’s theatre productions (recent shows include The Wizard of Oz and Annie), giving every child a chance to perform on stage. The environment is nurturing and confidence-building, true to the motto “Join the movement.”
Age Groups: Elementary ages (approximately 5–12 years old). There are also preschool creative movement classes and a “Poppinz Puppies” program introducing ages 3–5 to performing arts.
Notable Instructors: “Miss Marie” Patterson, founder and director – an experienced dance and theatre teacher who has taught across South Florida. She personally directs the productions, often assisted by a musical director and teen mentors (“Poppinz Family”).
Tuition: $60–$80 per month for weekly classes; production participation may have a fee (around $200) which covers costumes, props, etc. (Exact tuition not publicly listed – contact for details.) Trial classes are available.
Website: missmariepoppinz.com
Broward Center Spotlights (Youth Ensemble)
Location: Broward Center, 201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL – rehearsals on site
Classes Offered: Spotlights is the Broward Center’s elite vocal and acting ensemble for middle and high school students (grades 6–12). Admission is by audition only. Members meet weekly for intensive rehearsals in singing, dancing, and acting, and perform as a show choir at Broward Center events and throughout the community. Training includes vocal technique, harmony, stage presence, and choreography, with a focus on Broadway-style repertoire. It’s a great pre-professional program for teens who love to perform.
Age Groups: Teens (Grades 6–12, via audition)
Notable Instructors: Heather Bayer (Spotlights Director) and Ronnie Goldberg (Music Director) – plus Broward Center guest instructors for masterclasses. The teaching artists are experienced in musical theatre and show choir performance.
Tuition: $335 per term (Spotlights runs in seasonal sessions). Students accepted into the ensemble pay the class fee; scholarships are offered. There may be additional minimal costs for costumes or travel when performing off-site.
Website: BrowardCenter.org/Spotlights
Broward Center – Youth Acting & Performance Classes
Location: Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center at Broward Center (downtown Fort Lauderdale)
Classes Offered: The Broward Center offers a range of after-school and weekend acting classes for youth, open enrollment each fall and spring. Popular offerings include “Creative Drama” for early grades, “Acting & Improv” for middle school (grades 6–8), and “Broadway Dance & Audition Skills” for high schoolers. These classes teach fundamentals of acting (character, voice, movement) and often incorporate fun improvisational games. Many classes culminate in a student showcase performance on a Broward Center stage.
Age Groups: Grades K–12 (grouped by elementary, middle, and high school levels)
Notable Instructors: Teaching artists from The Performance Project, Inc. and Broward Center’s education team. For example, Jill Jensen and Nori Tecosky are among instructors for youth acting, and Lily D. Coniglio (a professional choreographer) leads the Broadway Dance classes. All instructors have professional theatre or education backgrounds.
Tuition: Ranges from $250–$350 per 8-10 week session (e.g. $335 for a 10-week middle school acting class). Fees include all materials; payment plans available. The Center also has a robust scholarship program to ensure accessibility.
Website: browardcenter.org/classes
College & University Acting Programs
Broward College Theatre Arts Program
Location: Broward College Central Campus – 3501 Davie Rd, Davie, FL (Fine Arts Theatre)
Classes Offered: An accredited college program granting Associate of Arts degrees with a pathway in Theatre / Drama. Students take a full range of courses: Acting I–IV, Voice & Diction, Stage Movement, Theater History, Stagecraft, and participate in college productions. The Broward College theatre program is highly regarded and nationally accredited by NAST. It provides fundamental actor training in a two-year curriculum, after which many students transfer to BFA programs or begin working professionally. Productions at Bailey Hall and the Fine Arts Theatre give students real stage experience.
Age Groups: College students (18+; also open to dual-enrollment high schoolers in some cases)
Notable Instructors: Professor Nick Richberg (Program Coordinator, award-winning South FL actor), Dr. Amie Reis (acting & voice), and other faculty who are active theater practitioners. Guest directors are often brought in for shows.
Tuition: As a state college, approximately $117 per credit hour for in-state students (significantly lower than private acting schools). The AA program in Theatre is about 60 credits. Financial aid and scholarships (like the Rosemary Duffy Larson Scholarship) are available for theater majors.
Website: broward.edu/academics/visual-arts/theatre
Nova Southeastern University – B.A. in Theatre
Location: NSU Main Campus, 3301 College Ave, Davie, FL (Performing and Visual Arts Wing, Don Taft Univ. Center)
Classes Offered: Nova Southeastern University (NSU) offers a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre within the Halmos College of Arts & Sciences. The undergraduate curriculum includes Acting, Directing, Voice, Stage Combat, Theater for Social Change, and Design/Tech courses. Students get a broad liberal arts education with plenty of hands-on experience through stage productions (dramas, comedies, and an annual Festival of Student Works). The NSU Theatre program emphasizes both performance and the study of theater in a global context. A Theatre minor is also available.
Age Groups: College undergraduates (primarily ages 18–22)
Notable Instructors: Mark Duncan (Department Chair, specialist in movement and directing), Professor Bill Harrington (acting and musical theatre), and Kelly Gibson (adjunct professor, improv and comedy). NSU often invites guest artists – for example, alumni on Broadway – to conduct masterclasses.
Tuition: As a private university, tuition is approx. $34,500/year. Talent-based scholarships and grants can offset costs for theater majors. NSU also offers work-study roles in the theatre department.
Website: nova.edu/theatre
Other / Multidisciplinary Studios
Broward Center’s After Work Players (Adult Musical Theater)
Location: Broward Center for the Performing Arts – 201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Classes Offered: After Work Players is a unique musical theater class for adults that culminates in a full staged production. Geared toward working professionals who love theater, this popular program runs in the evenings over
10–12 weeks. Participants rehearse a Broadway musical under the direction of theater pros, learning acting, singing, and basic choreography in a fun, social atmosphere. Recent productions include The Pajama Game and Guys & Dolls. All experience levels are welcome – it’s about the joy of performing!
Age Groups: Adults (18+; a mix of young professionals to retirees)
Notable Instructors: Tammy Holder (musical director), Jill Lustig and Lily D. Coniglio (stage directors/choreographers) lead the program. They are seasoned theater artists who ensure even beginners shine on stage.
Tuition: About $385 per session (covers all rehearsals and performances). This fee includes script and music; participants provide basic costume pieces. The value – dozens of rehearsal hours plus the performance opportunity – is exceptional for the price.
Website: browardcenter.org/classes
Delmar Arts Academy – Performing Arts Conservatory
Location: Delmar Arts Academy (two campuses in Fort Lauderdale) – 1400 N Federal Hwy, and at YMCA on 1409 Sistrunk Blvd
Classes Offered: A dual-language fine arts academy for PreK–5th, Delmar also runs after-school and weekend programs in multiple arts. The Conservatory division offers instruction in Theater, Music, and Dance for children. Kids can take classes in drama/acting (creative play, scene study for older kids), various dance styles, and music (like voice or piano). The multidisciplinary approach allows young performers to develop all-around artistic skills. Delmar frequently puts on showcases where students present skits, musical numbers, and artwork.
Age Groups: Toddlers to Tweens – core programs serve ages 3 through 12. (There is also a preschool on-site with arts-infused curriculum.)
Notable Instructors: Inna Abramova (founder of Inna’s Hall of Fame, partnered with Delmar) oversees the dance program. Denise Klass (Theater instructor) is known for her engaging style with kids. All instructors are caring professionals in their art forms – Delmar prides itself on a “loving environment” for learning.
Tuition: $50–$150 per week, depending on program. As a private academy, pricing varies (monthly tuition for the full daytime program vs. à la carte classes). The after-school arts program is typically a monthly fee in the low hundreds, inclusive of multiple classes each week.
Website: delmarartsacademy.com
Fort Lauderdale’s array of acting classes and studios provides something for everyone – whether you’re polishing your comedic timing in an improv troupe, building a college theater career, or watching your child take their first bow on stage.
These programs are led by passionate instructors who nurture talent and creativity at every level. Explore these classes, attend local showcases, and don’t hesitate to try a drop-in or trial class – you’ll find a welcoming community in the Fort Lauderdale acting scene.
With each rehearsal and performance, you’ll gain skills, confidence, and perhaps lifelong friends. Break a leg on your training journey! The spotlight of opportunity is shining bright in Fort Lauderdale’s acting community.