Tucson and its surrounding communities offer a range of year‑round acting and performance training programs for all ages. From university theater departments to youth theater schools and improv studios, there are options for aspiring actors, singers, and comedians.
Below are selected programs (with physical locations in Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Sahuarita, Vail, etc.) organized by category. Each entry includes Location, Classes Offered, Age Groups, Notable Instructors, Tuition, and Website.
College & University Programs
University of Arizona – School of Theatre, Film & Television
Location: University of Arizona campus, Tucson, AZ (Drama Building on campus).
Classes Offered: Comprehensive BFA training in acting, voice & movement, and stage combat, along with musical theatre and screen acting. The conservatory emphasizes Stanislavski-based acting, classical texts, vocal and physical technique, and on‑camera skills.
Age Groups: College students (undergraduate and graduate) and serious pre‑professionals (18+).
Notable Instructors: Faculty include Kevin Black (Acting/Musical Theatre, Professor of Practice), Christie Kerr (Associate Professor), David Morden (Associate Professor), and Jamie Rae Reed (Assistant Professor).
Tuition: Standard UA tuition rates (approximately $12K/year in‑state, ~$36K out‑of‑state). Financial aid and scholarships are available.
Website: tftv.arizona.edu – See the School of Theatre, Film & Television section for degree programs.
Pima Community College – Theater Arts (West Campus)
Location: Pima CC West Campus, Tucson, AZ (2202 W Anklam Road).
Classes Offered: Credit courses in Introduction to Acting and Screen Acting, plus Theater Production. The program lists courses such as Introduction to Acting, Screen Acting, Stagecraft and Design, Stage Lighting, Voice & Movement, and Theatre Appreciation. Students gain practical experience in PCC theater productions.
Age Groups: College‑level students (typically 18+) and adults in credit or continuing‑education courses.
Notable Instructors: Theatre faculty (see PCC Arts Division for current staff).
Tuition: Community college rates (approximately $85/credit in‑district; higher if out‑of‑district). Many students use financial aid or payment plans.
Website: pima.edu/arts/theater-arts – See the Performing Arts – Theater section for program details.
Professional Acting Studios
The Bennett TheatreLab & Conservatory
Location: Historic Y (Scoundrel & Scamp Theatres), 738 N. 5th Ave, Downtown Tucson.
Classes Offered: Stanislavski‑based actor training for adults. Course offerings include Character Foundation Essentials, Classical Voice & Speech for Actors, and Text & Role Application (all levels). The style is classical‑method, focusing on character development, text analysis, and audition skills. Private coaching for monologues and audition scenes is also offered.
Age Groups: Teens (15+) and adults of all experience levels.
Notable Instructors: Philip G. Bennett (Master Teacher with 50+ years’ experience).
Tuition: Workshop fees are modest – for example, a 6‑week workshop is ~$180. Private coaching is additional ($45 for 30 min, $75 for 60 min). Scholarships or sliding scales may be available.
Website: bennetttheatrelab.com – See “Schedule of Training” for current classes and pricing.
Film Actor Workshops
Location: 1111 N. Main Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705.
Classes Offered: Film‑oriented acting and production workshops. Offers classes in on‑camera acting, audition techniques, and hands‑on experience producing short films and feature projects.
Age Groups: Children, teens, and adults (all ages welcome).
Notable Instructors: Avai d’Amico, Louise Kendra Lohmann, Emma Paunil (experienced local film/theater artists).
Tuition: Varies by course; enrollment is per session. (Contact for fees.)
Website: filmactorworkshops.com – Describes current classes in film acting and production.
Youth & Teen Acting Programs
Christian Youth Theater (CYT Tucson)
Location: Faith Community Church (2551 W Orange Grove Rd, NW Tucson) and Christ Church United Methodist (655 N. Craycroft Rd, central Tucson).
Classes Offered: Performing arts classes for kids and teens. Weekly classes in drama, voice, and dance (10‑week fall/spring sessions). Specialty workshops may include makeup, film, and stage combat. Classes culminate in a showcase performance.
Age Groups: Children 5–7 (early group) and 8–18 (core group). Teen elective courses for ages 14–18.
Notable Instructors: Local theater educators (site coordinators include Monica Hardcastle and Lisa Foster).
Tuition: Tuition per 10‑week session (~$100–$200); scholarships and payment plans typically offered.
Website: cyttucson.org – See “Classes” for schedules and ages.
Live Theatre Workshop (LTW)
Location: 3322 E. Fort Lowell Rd, Tucson, AZ 85716.
Classes Offered: Year‑round theater classes for youth. LTW offers after‑school and weekend classes in acting, musical theatre (singing & dance), and improv. They produce children’s musicals and plays, with programs like “Improv Yourself” and full‑scale production camps.
Age Groups: K–12 (various programs for elementary through high school).
Notable Instructors: Amanda Gremel (Artistic Director of Education) and Stephen Frankenfield (Youth Programs Director), plus professional actor‑educators.
Tuition: Example – Improv (grades 6–12) is $145 for 6 weeks. Weekly day camps (half‑day) are around $300/week. Rates vary by program length.
Website: livetheatreworkshop.org – “LTW Classes” lists current children’s classes and camps.
Troubadour Theatre (Youth & Teens)
Location: 4500 E. Speedway Blvd, Suite 18, Tucson, AZ.
Classes Offered: Year‑round performing arts education for kids. Classes, camps, and workshops in acting, musical theater, music, improv, dance and choreography, and stage combat/design. Students perform in fully staged youth productions.
Age Groups: Children and teens (ages 5–18).
Notable Instructors: Alex Greengaard (Founder and Director of Education) and company of teaching artists.
Tuition: Reasonable rates with scholarships available.
Website: troubadourtheatre.com – See “Classes” pages.
Elite Theater Academy (Oro Valley)
Location: 12142 N. Rancho Vistoso Blvd, Suite 130, Oro Valley, AZ 85755.
Classes Offered: Musical theatre production programs for young performers. Elite produces two big musicals each year (holiday concert in December, Broadway Jr. in June) and offers additional rehearsals and classes.
Age Groups: Children grades K–9.
Notable Instructors: Anahi Walters (Founder and Director).
Tuition: Production participation fees or class tuition (contact for details).
Website: elitetheateracademy.com – See program info.
Desert Crown Theater Company (Corona/Sahuarita)
Location: Corona de Tucson (venues vary; check site).
Classes Offered: Limited series acting workshops. Example: 2025 Spring Workshop Series on Creating a Character and Building Blocks for Success (2‑day intensives).
Age Groups: Youth 10–17.
Notable Instructors: Local theater professionals.
Tuition: $25/day or $45 for both days.
Website: desertcrowntheater.com – See “Acting Workshops.”
Drama Kids (Tucson Area)
Location: Various schools and community centers in Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, Vail.
Classes Offered: After‑school drama and acting by age group: KinderKids (4–5), Lower Primary (K–2), Upper Primary (3–5), Composite (K–5), and Acting Academy (grades 6–12). Each ends with a performance.
Age Groups: Approximately 4–17.
Notable Instructors: Certified local Drama Kids coaches.
Tuition: Varies by session (~$99–$150 for 8–12 weeks).
Website: dramakids.com/tucson-marana-oro-valley-vail-az – See Tucson area center.
Improv & Comedy Training
Tucson Improv Movement (TIM)
Location: 414 E. 9th Street, Tucson, AZ 85705.
Classes Offered: Improv comedy classes (Levels 101–501), sketch writing, and stand‑up workshops. E.g., Improv 101 is a 6‑week course teaching “Yes, And…” fundamentals.
Age Groups: Adults and mature teens (17+; no experience required).
Notable Instructors: Justin Lukasewicz (Founder, improviser) and local instructors.
Tuition: ~$180 for 6 weeks ($160 early‑bird).
Website: tucsonimprov.com – See “Classes.”
Unscrewed Theater (Tucson Comedy Studio)
Location: 4500 E. Speedway Blvd, Suite 39, Tucson, AZ.
Classes Offered: Improv Basics, Improv Blox, teen/adult BloxShop, and drop‑in improv jams. 8‑week classes cover scene work, character, and listening.
Age Groups: Teens and adults (16+).
Notable Instructors: Michael Vietinghoff and visiting improv artists.
Tuition: ~$179 for an 8‑week session; drop‑in jams $5.
Website: unscrewedtheater.org – See “Training Center.”
Specialty & Musical Theatre Programs
The Inner Voice Studio
Location: Tucson, AZ (studio address provided after registration).
Classes Offered: Private voice lessons and performance coaching in musical theatre, jazz, pop, classical; acting coachings for monologues and on‑camera work; recitals and musical theatre camp.
Age Groups: All ages (kids to professionals).
Notable Instructors: Shelley Cox (Vocal Director, Founder) and teaching artists.
Tuition: Private lesson rates (per 30 or 60 min).
Website: theinnervoicestudio.com – See voice and acting coaching info.
All programs above offer year-round, in‑person or hybrid classes. Check each website for current schedules, tuition details, and instructor bios.