Below is a directory of leading acting schools, studios, and programs in the McAllen metro area (including Edinburg, Mission, and Pharr). Each listing includes location, types of classes, age groups, instructors, tuition info, and website. All programs have a physical presence in the Rio Grande Valley and offer training from beginner to advanced levels.
Acting Studios & Community Theatres (All Ages)
Creative Arts Studio (CAS RGV) – McAllen/Mission/Pharr
Location: Multiple campuses – 601 N. Main St. (McAllen Creative Incubator), 516 N. Shary Rd. (Mission), and 2500 W. Dicker Rd. (Hidalgo/Pharr).
Classes Offered: Fine arts academy offering theater/acting classes alongside music, dance, and art programs (year-round). Students learn stage acting fundamentals and can participate in performances.
Age Groups: All ages – children, teens, and adults (beginner to advanced). CAS offers kids’ acting classes (e.g. a “Mini Actors” program for ages 5–7) and teen/adult acting courses.
Notable Instructors: Founded in 2014 by local artists; staff includes theater coaches with a background in community arts. (Specific instructors vary by campus.)
Tuition: Monthly tuition (contact for rates). CAS often offers a free trial class and has scholarship options.
Website: casrgv.com – Creative Arts Studio (CAS RGV)
Pharr Community Theater (PCT) – Pharr
Location: 213 W. Newcombe Ave., Pharr, TX.
Classes Offered: Community theater offering acting workshops for kids, teens, and adults. Programs include after-school theater classes (multi-week sessions) and one-day intensive workshops. Students practice acting techniques and often perform in short plays or showcases.
Age Groups: Youth workshops divided by age (e.g. ages 9–12 and 13–17) and separate adult workshops. Open to beginners and intermediate performers.
Notable Instructors: Theater directors Juan Guerra, María Alvarado, and Pedro Garcia have taught the youth sessions. PCT’s adult workshops are led by veteran actor Luis Moreno and other local theater professionals.
Tuition: Very affordable. For example, a 6-week kids’ acting session (18 hours) cost $100, and a 4-hour adult audition workshop cost $35. (Prices may vary for current programs.)
Website: Facebook – Pharr Community Theater Co. (updates on classes)
The Studio on Broadway (Hess Modeling & Talent) – McAllen
Location: 120 S. Broadway St., Suite B, McAllen, TX 78501.
Classes Offered: Comprehensive performing arts training blending acting, modeling, and stage presence. Youth and adults train in acting techniques, audition prep, public speaking, runway modeling, and even basics like hair, makeup, and microphone use. Emphasis on foundational skills for careers in acting/modelling – students practice scenes, monologues, and on-stage confidence.
Age Groups: Kids, teens, and adults. Beginner-friendly with progression to advanced coaching. (Many students start as teens and continue into adult professional work.)
Notable Instructors: Jonathan Hess and Sindy Buezo-Hess, founders, are experienced in modeling and acting. They started Studio on Broadway to develop local talent and serve as agents through Hess Modeling Agency (HMA). Instructors include the Hesses and guest coaches in dance and acting.
Tuition: Monthly classes; inquire for current rates. (Studio on Broadway is a private program – pricing may depend on course length or packages.)
Website: Facebook – The Studio on Broadway (updates and contact)
All Star Theatre – McAllen
Location: 4617 N. 10th St., McAllen, TX 78504.
Classes Offered: Musical theatre training and productions for youth. All Star Theatre runs the All Star Kids Club, an audition-based year-round program where students take acting, singing, and dance classes and perform in fully staged musicals. They also offer summer theater camps focusing on acting workshops, vocal coaching, and choreography in a fun camp setting. Productions range from Broadway Jr. shows to original musicals.
Age Groups: Children and teens (approximately ages 5–17) are grouped by level: Rising Stars (beginners), Shooting Stars (intermediate, by audition), etc.. There are also separate summer camp sessions for various age brackets.
Notable Instructors: All Star Theatre was founded by William Richarte, with classes taught by theater professionals (directors, choreographers, vocal coaches). Choreographer Bri Turnbull and others on staff have earned national honors.
Tuition: Tuition is seasonal. The All Star Kids Club is a school-year program (Fall–Spring) with fees reviewed upon acceptance (they strive to keep costs accessible). Summer camp tuition varies per session (typically a set fee per camp).
Website: allstartheatre.com – information on productions, classes, and registration
McAllen Parks & Recreation – Performance Theater Program
Location: McAllen Community Centers (various) – e.g. Lark Community Center, Las Palmas Community Center (locations where classes/camps are held).
Classes Offered: Parks & Rec offers seasonal theater programs for youth. During the school year, they run a Performance Theater Program, covering basics of acting, singing, and stage movement in a fun after-school setting. In summer, they host a “Creativity Camp” which includes acting games and a short play production. The curriculum uses theater games to build confidence and teamwork.
Age Groups: Children in elementary and middle school (approximately ages 6–15, depending on the class). For example, the summer Creativity Camp is often for ages ~8–12. All experience levels are welcome.
Notable Instructors: Taught by McAllen Parks & Rec arts instructors – “professional theater artists” hired by the city. Instructors have backgrounds in community theater and education.
Tuition: City programs are low-cost. A full 8-week session might cost around $40–$60 for residents (exact fees vary by session length). The focus is on accessibility – often classes fill quickly due to the affordable price.
Website: mcallenparks.net – see Youth Programs or call McAllen Parks & Recreation (956-681-3333) for current theater class schedules.
The Player’s Studio – McAllen
Location: North McAllen (classes typically held at Christian Fellowship Church, 2201 Trenton Rd., McAllen).
Classes Offered: A non-profit drama club and performing group for youth. The Player’s Studio offers semester-based theater classes at three levels: Young Players (ages 6–10), Junior Players (ages 11–13), and Players Performance (high school age). Classes meet weekly and each group works toward at least one fully staged play per semester. The curriculum covers acting techniques, improv, script writing, theater history, and backstage skills. Every student is guaranteed a role in the class production, whether onstage or behind the scenes. They also run summer theater camps/intensives that produce a play in two weeks.
Age Groups: Youth from ages 6 through 18. Levels: Young Players (6–10), Junior Players (11–13), and Players (14–18, including recent grads). They also have a separate Community Players troupe for adults and alumni to perform in community shows.
Notable Instructors: Karen Culbertson, founder and director, has led the program since 2017. Under her direction, The Player’s Studio has grown to over 200 students and produced 14+ full-length plays. She is supported by a team of volunteers and mentors (including members of the RGV Down Syndrome Association in an inclusive theater collaboration).
Tuition: Moderately priced. Semester fees are roughly $200 per student (covers an entire semester of classes and production costs – exact fee varies by level). They are committed to accessible and affordable education in the arts through community sponsorships.
Website: theplayersdrama.com – information on classes, auditions, and past productions.
Melba’s Dance School – Musical Theatre & Acting for Dancers (McAllen)
Location: 2100 N. 10th St., McAllen, TX 78501.
Classes Offered: A renowned dance academy that also offers Musical Theatre classes, which combine singing, dancing, and acting. In the musical theatre class, students learn to perform Broadway-style numbers – acting out scenes and songs with choreography. This builds their stage presence and acting expression through dance. (Melba’s core offerings are ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, folklórico, etc., but musical theatre is a key part of their curriculum.) They put on an annual recital and often feature theatrical dance routines.
Age Groups: Children and teens of various ages. They have classes from toddler & preschool age up through advanced teens and adults. Musical theatre classes are usually geared toward elementary-aged kids up to teens (exact age group depends on enrollment each season).
Notable Instructors: Melba Hoffer founded the school in 1958, and it’s now run by her family. Instructors like Lauren Flores (head teacher for jazz/lyrical/musical theatre) bring extensive experience. The staff are highly trained dancers who also have vocal and acting training to teach musical theatre.
Tuition: Tuition is paid monthly per class. Prices range roughly $50–$70 per month for one class (with discounts for multiple classes or siblings). A one-time registration fee applies. (Melba’s also sells dance attire on-site.)
Website: melbasdance.com – class schedules, registration portal, and contact info.
On-Camera & Modeling Workshops
Pantera Film Studios – Acting Workshop (McAllen)
Location: 1300 N. 10th St., McAllen, TX 78501.
Classes Offered: On-Camera acting workshop geared toward film & TV. Pantera’s Intensive Acting Workshop is an advanced course (typically for ages 17+). It skips basic stage acting and focuses on techniques for realistic acting on screen – script analysis, character building, auditioning for film, etc.. Classes often culminate in opportunities to audition for Pantera’s indie film projects.
Age Groups: Adults and mature teens (17 and up) aiming for film/TV careers. Suitable for aspiring actors with some experience or professionals seeking to sharpen on-camera skills.
Notable Instructors: The workshop is taught by the Pantera Film Studios team (a local film production company). Instructors have industry experience in directing and casting for movies. (Specific instructor names not publicly listed.)
Tuition: Contact for pricing. (Pantera’s workshops are professional-level; expect a one-time workshop fee.)
Website: panterafilmstudios.com – McAllen Acting Workshop info
MDA Acting & Film – Edinburg
Location: 323 E. Owassa Rd., Suite 8, Edinburg, TX 78542.
Classes Offered: Year-round acting classes for stage and film. MDA offers weekly group acting classes (1 hour/week, ongoing) covering acting techniques, scene study, and on-camera work. They also run a separate Improv class (monthly) and one-on-one private coaching for auditions. Students get practical experience by participating in short films, live improv shows, and theater showcases produced by MDA.
Age Groups: All ages – kids, teens & adults. There are separate classes by age bracket (including a Little Actors class for ages ~6–8, teen/young adult classes, etc.). Beginners are welcome; advanced students receive career-focused coaching.
Notable Instructors: Founded by María D. Alvarado and Luis P. Reyes in 2019. Both are UTRGV-trained actors/filmmakers – María specializes in theatre performance and improvisation, and Luis is a film director. They teach most classes, bringing experience from film festivals and professional productions.
Tuition: $150/month for the main group acting class (weekly classes). Improv class is $80/month. Private coaching $50/hour. (Self-tape audition services are $60/hour).
Website: MDA Acting & Film (Google Site) – class info and registration
Joanna Sanchez Entertainment – Acting Coach (Mission/McAllen)
Location: Mission, TX (classes held in the McAllen area; contact for exact workshop venues).
Classes Offered: On-camera acting classes and workshops led by Hollywood acting coach Joanna Sanchez. These are professional-level seminars that cover monologues, scene study, character development, improv, and audition technique. Workshops are typically intensive one or two-day events, but Joanna also offers ongoing coaching in the area. Students get real-world insights into TV/film acting and the business side of acting.
Age Groups: Teens and adults (generally ages 8–18 for youth classes and separate adult sessions). Beginners with serious interest through working actors can all benefit, as Joanna tailors her coaching to the individual’s level.
Notable Instructors: Joanna Sanchez herself – an L.A./New York-based actress, producer, and veteran acting coach with decades of experience. She has appeared in TV shows (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”, etc.) and has been bringing “real acting training from Hollywood to Texas”. Students consistently praise her effective teaching style and industry knowledge.
Tuition: Workshop pricing example – a 6-hour intensive was $150 per attendee. Rates for private or ongoing classes vary. (Joanna often visits the Valley for scheduled workshops – pre-registration required.)
Contact: Email joannasanchez@usa.net for class schedules and bookings. (Website: JoannaSanchezEntertainment.com – currently via Facebook page).
Barbizon Modeling & Acting – McAllen
Location: McAllen, TX (Nationwide program with local classes; exact class venues vary, often held at local studios or event spaces in McAllen).
Classes Offered: Modeling and acting training program for youth. Barbizon’s curriculum covers runway modeling, commercial acting, improvisation, monologues, and audition techniques. It’s a structured course typically spanning several months of weekend classes. Students build confidence in front of the camera and on stage, learn etiquette and industry skills, and participate in a graduation showcase. Barbizon also provides access to national talent expos and casting opportunities for its graduates.
Age Groups: Kids, pre-teens, and teens (approximately ages 8–18, divided into age-appropriate classes). Young adults up to early 20s are also accepted. No experience required – Barbizon specializes in beginner talent development.
Notable Instructors: Classes are taught by Barbizon-certified coaches – often former models, actors, and pageant titleholders. (The McAllen branch occasionally hires local professionals as instructors.) Barbizon as a company has 80+ years of experience in model and actor training.
Tuition: Tuition is typically a package program fee (several hundred to a couple thousand dollars, depending on financing and add-ons). Financing plans are available. The fee covers all classes, course materials, and participation in Barbizon’s competitions and placement services.
Website: barbizonmodeling.com – Barbizon Modeling & Acting (select McAllen location). Contact: 1-800-330-8361 (Barbizon McAllen) for enrollment info.
University, Municipal & Seasonal Youth Camps
UTRGV STRIVE Summer Drama Camp – Edinburg
Location: UTRGV Edinburg Campus – 1201 W. University Dr., Edinburg, TX. (Classes at UTRGV Performing Arts facilities; final performances at campus theater).
Classes Offered: S.T.R.I.V.E. Drama Camp, a three-week summer intensive for kids interested in theater. Camp meets daily (morning sessions) and provides a broad introduction to theater: improvisation, voice and diction, movement, ensemble acting, and basic stagecraft. The program culminates in a live performance for friends and family.
Age Groups: Designed for children entering 3rd through 9th grade (approx. ages 8–14). Campers are typically grouped by age for certain activities. Open to beginners – no prior experience required.
Notable Instructors: Run by UTRGV’s Theatre Department faculty and college theater majors. Brian J. Warren, a UTRGV theater lecturer, coordinates the camp. Students get guidance from experienced directors in children’s theatre.
Tuition: $25 total for the full 3-week camp (remarkably low-cost thanks to university sponsorship). This fee covers all instruction and a camp t-shirt.
Website: utrgv.edu/theatre (see Theatre for Young Audiences page) – STRIVE Camp info and contacts.
Edinburg Cultural Arts – Missoula Children’s Theatre Camp
Location: Edinburg Arts, Culture, and Events (ACE) Center, and Edinburg Municipal Auditorium for performances.
Classes Offered: A one-week theater production camp each spring hosted by the City of Edinburg in partnership with the touring Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT). After an open audition, 50-60 local students are cast in a full-scale musical (e.g. Alice in Wonderland). Throughout the week, MCT’s directors teach the kids acting, staging, and even some singing/dancing as they rehearse daily (~4 hours a day). It’s an immersive, hands-on theater experience that ends with two public performances that Saturday.
Age Groups: Grades K–12 (roughly ages 5–18). Children of all skill levels audition and are cast in age-appropriate roles. Older teens may get larger roles or serve as Assistant Directors. No prior experience is required – just enthusiasm.
Notable Instructors: Missoula Children’s Theatre Tour Directors – theater professionals who travel to facilitate the camp. They bring the set, costumes, and expertise to direct local youth. Edinburg’s Cultural Arts staff coordinate locally, with support from organizations like the Edinburg Rotary Club.
Tuition: Free of charge (no participation fee), thanks to sponsorship by the city and local foundations. This unique opportunity is offered as a community service to encourage youth arts.
Website: edinburgarts.com – City of Edinburg Cultural Arts (announcements for MCT auditions and show dates).
Each of these programs offers a unique path for aspiring performers in the McAllen area – whether you’re looking to act on stage, on camera, or just build confidence and have fun. Be sure to reach out to the schools directly for the latest class schedules and enrollment details.