The Phoenix area is a great place for aspiring actors to hone their skills and jumpstart their careers. This is in large part due to the plethora of highly-regarded acting schools in the area.
But with so many choices, it may be challenging to choose the right one for you – but we’re here to help by sharing the top ten acting schools in Phoenix Arizona.
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How we compiled our top ten
We sifted through all of the acting schools in the area to find a wide range of offerings for different specialties, locations, budgets, and experience levels. We looked at reviews and the accomplishments of alumni to determine which ones to include on this list, but it’s in no way exhaustive.
So let’s get into it – here are the top ten acting schools in Phoenix, Arizona.
John Casablancas Modeling and Acting Centers
They are committed to providing students with the tools they need to create an individual and unique style in a fun, exciting and professional environment.
Students learn timeless fashion skills to create "the ultimate look" for themselves, regardless of the latest trends. Students develop a strong sense of self, a quality that is always admired, recognized and respected. We continually strive for the highest standards to maintain the reputation that we have earned in a most competitive industry.
Fill out the form below for a free 1:1 consultation to see if you're a good fit.
LA Acting Academy
Address: 13882 N 32nd St, Phoenix
Phone number: (623) 986-5731
Website: la-actingacademy.com
Specialty: On-camera acting, small class sizes
LA Acting Academy brings Hollywood to Phoenix by showing children and adults how to make it big in television and film acting. They provide classes for novice and working actors to sharpen skills and stay up to date in the industry. Alumni have been featured on shows like “American Horror Story” and commercials for brands like Nickelodeon, State Farm, Honda, and more.
Dearing Acting Studio
Address: 10806 N 32nd St, Phoenix
Phone number: (480) 313-9901
Website: dearingstudio.com
Specialty: Youth acting
Dearing Acting Studio offers classes for children ages 6 and up. Focusing on the Meisner approach, they offer classes for disciplines including film and television, improvisation, and commercial work. They also hold summer camps for an enjoyable intensive experience.
Arizona Actors Academy
Address: 4820 E McDowell Rd Suite 101, Phoenix
Phone number: (602) 535-5472
Website: azactorsacademy.com
Specialty: Method acting
Arizona Actors Academy is led by Brandy Hotchner, artistic director and a resident instructor at Phoenix Theatre. Their class offerings include on-camera acting, improvisation, voice, movement, and public speaking. They also have specialty classes like Shakespeare for niche actors.
Phoenix Film Institute
Address: 8231 East Lippizan Trail, Scottsdale
Phone number: (480) 239-3286
Website: phxfilminstitute.com
Specialty: Television and film acting and production
Phoenix Film Institute is led by industry veterans including Emmy-winning producer Peter Stelzer and acting coach Marla Finn. Classes are offered to kids, teens, and adults and include script analysis skills, improvisation for TV and film, and how to interact with casting directors. They also offer private coaching.
Valley Youth Theatre
Address: 525 N 1st St, Phoenix
Phone number: (602) 253-8188
Website: vty.com
Specialty: Youth performing arts/musical theatre
Valley Youth Theatre has been helping young actors develop since 1989. They specialize in musical theatre so they offer classes like acting technique, diction, pitch, ensemble work, rhythm, dance, and more. Additionally, they offer summer camps and Play Pretend classes that are designed for preschool aged kids.
Verve Studios
Address: 7735 E Gelding Dr #5, Scottsdale
Phone number: (480) 659-8957
Website: vervestudios.net
Specialty: Technique and career development
Verve Studios helps actors develop their careers in all ways. Their well-rounded curriculum includes lessons on accents, dialects, breathing exercises, voiceover development, audition training, teleprompter reading, in-person hosting and commercial workshops.
Howey Acting Studio
Address: 916 Baseline Rd #204, Mesa
Phone number: (480) 584-5184
Website: billhowey.com
Specialty: On-screen acting
Carla and Bill Howey had conducted successful acting classes together since 1980 in Las Angeles. Now, Carla continues to hold classes for actors of different experience levels in Arizona. They also offer career development resources and private coaching for those looking for more specific training.
Garth Williams Casting & Development
Address: 4450 N 12th St Suite 256, Phoenix
Phone number: (480) 522-5777
Website: garthwilliamscasting.com
Specialty: Casting
Garth and Jan Wiliams have over 40 years of combined experience on both sides of the camera. They help aspiring actors connect with casting directors and work with them to find the role that best suits their strengths and career goals.
Desert Stages Theatre
Address: 7014 E Camelback Rd Suite #0586, Scottsdale
Phone number: (480) 483-1664
Website: desertstages.org
Specialty: Youth acting
Desert Stages is a non-profit performing arts organization committed to offering high-quality entertainment to the Scottsdale community while giving aspiring actors a place to learn and grow. They put on over 350 performances every year including youth productions – plus opportunities to learn directing, choreographing, and acting skills.
Actors WorkHouse
Address: 4425 N Granite Reef Rd, Scottsdale
Email: actorsworkhouse@gmail.com
Website: actorsworkhouse.wixsite.com
Specialty: Stage and television acting
Duane Daniels, acting coach, offers affordable and accessible acting classes and workshops. For one monthly rate, members can attend as many classes as they’d like to maximize their investment. Duane also offers free introductory meetings so you can find out if it’s the right fit for you, with no commitment.
We hope you can use this list as a springboard in your acting school search. We definitely recommend reaching out to any schools of interest for more information and to get your questions answered, but this directory will be a great first step in getting your journey started.
