Kristen Bell, Taylor Lautner, Daz Shepard — these are just a few of the successful actors who got their start in Michigan. And the list is not short by any means. So what does that tell us? That Michigan is a great place for actors to find success. The film scene is stronger than ever before, and theatre opportunities are increasing by the day.With all the talent available in the area, there’s been an increasing need for instruction and coaching for actors. That’s why it’s no surprise that there are some great acting schools in Michigan. So many, in fact, that deciding where to take lessons or classes can be overwhelming.
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How do I know which acting school is right for me?
When making the decision to pursue acting, you’ll want to make sure you invest your time and money in the right acting school. To help you make that decision, we researched the best acting schools in Michigan. We looked at which acting schools have a track record for leading to successful careers. We also looked into each school’s teaching methods, class sizes, and schedules. What we found was amazing — there truly is an acting school for every specialty, budget, schedule, and personality. While each actor’s path to success will look different, the list we’re about to share is a great place for you to start. Here are the top 10 acting schools in Michigan.
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1. All the World’s A Stage
All the World’s A Stage is Michigan’s premiere theatre company for kids and teens. They have partnerships with a lot of educational and community-based resources, to encourage positive growth both on and off the stage. Partnerships include the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts and The Stratford Festival, Stratford, Ontario. They offer open auditions and classes for 3rd-12th grade students in areas like musical theatre, improv, Shakespeare, and more.
Website: atwas.org
Address: 66136 Van Dyke, Washington, MI
Phone: (586) 243-2253
Tuition: $80-$175 per course
Specialty: Children’s theatre
2. The Actors Loft
The Actors Loft holds a variety of specialty classes including Screenwriting 101, Effortless Acting, An Actor Prepared, Fundamentals of Acting, Character & Scene Study, and Improv for Film. Combining that with frequent weekend and one-day workshops, the Actors Loft offers great opportunities to improve all areas of your acting career. Classes are led by industry leaders with esteemed credentials, who take the time to give all students the personalized attention they need to succeed. The team at the Actors Loft will also help connect you with local job opportunities in film, theatre, and commercials.
Website: actorsloft.com
Address: 919 S Main St #200, Royal Oak, MI
Phone: (248) 850-8592
Tuition: Contact for details
Specialty: Acting for Film
You can learn a little more about their classes in this short video:
3. The Actor’s Workshop – Detroit
The Actor’s Workshop in Detroit offers classes and training for adults, teens, and children looking to become better modern actors and break into film acting. Adult classes run in either 6, 12, or 18 week sessions, depending on the class. There is also a Young Actors Program, offering age-appropriate coaching for kids as young as four. Private coaching, audition prep, and filmmaker services are available as well.
Website: actorswksp.com
Address: 25129 Dequindre Rd, Madison Heights, MI
Phone: (248) 919-8233
Tuition: $249-$525 per course
Specialty: Young Actors Program, Summer Camps, Private coaching, film acting
4. Goteri Creative Arts
While their in-house theatre shifts focus toward theatre acting, the Goteri Creative Arts center can help actors of any specialty improve their craft. They offer beginners courses as well as specialty courses like Spokesperson Acting and Acting for Film. Goteri also offers their students the opportunity to take Master Classes or study with talent agents and casting agents, which can help you get your big break.
Website: gotericreativearts.com
Address: 22720 Woodward Ave #210, Ferndale, MI
Phone: (248) 955-3163
Tuition: $275-$315 per course
Specialty: Theatre acting
5. Motion Picture Institute
The Motion Picture Institute offers full-time programs in film acting and filmmaking. As a technical career school, they offer practical courses, training, and networking to help students start their careers. Although they attract students from around the world, their class sizes are small enough to encourage individual attention and hands-on learning opportunities.
Website: mpifilm.com
Address: 2040 Crooks Rd B, Troy, MI
Phone: (248) 528-1760
Tuition: $14,700 per year for 21 course, equipment, and stage facilities
Specialty: Film acting, filmmaking
6. Drama Kids International
Drama Kids International is a franchise with a handful of locations throughout Michigan. They all use the same copyrighted, specifically-crafted curriculum that challenges kids in a fun way. Students who take classes at Drama Kids range from aspiring Broadway stars to introverted children looking to improve their speaking, leadership, and self-confidence.
Website: dramakids.com
Address: Multiple locations across Michigan
Phone: (248) 738-8823
Tuition: $162-$180 per 9 or 10 week course
Specialty: Children’s drama
7. Detroit Repertory Theatre
The Detroit Repertory Theatre has been a staple in the Detroit theatre scene since the 1950s. In addition to putting on top-notch productions and community events, they also hold programs and actors workshops. The actors workshop teaches voice and diction, scene study, and character development — no prior experience is necessary.
Website: detroitreptheatre.com
Address: 13103 Woodrow Wilson St, Detroit, MI
Phone: (313) 868-1347
Tuition: $185 for the 10-week actors workshop
Specialty: Theatre
8. Interlochen Center for the Arts
The Interlochen Center for the Arts provides world-class arts and cultural programs for people of all ages. They offer both ongoing and summer intensive programs for children, teens, and adults, as well as a boarding high school program in theatre arts. There are also specialty classes for improv, Shakespeare acting, and Musical Theatre Auditions.
Website: interlochen.org
Address: 4000 M-137, Interlochen, MI
Phone: (231) 276-7200
Tuition: $85-$6,000 depending on course type
Specialty: Theatre performance
9. The Barn Theatre School
The Barn Theatre School offers a unique Apprentice program for aspiring actors. Apprentices have the opportunity to get lead roles working alongside professional cast members as well as having backstage/technical duties to learn the full scope of theatre productions. Housing and living expense assistance is available through this program so apprentices can focus on their craft.
Website: barntheatreschool.org
Address: 13351 West M-96, Augusta, MI
Phone: (269) 731-4121
Tuition: N/A
Specialty: Actors Apprenticeships
10. Michigan Actors Studio
Michigan Actors Studio is a state licensed acting school that offers a full schedule of classes four semesters a year. They also offer two-year certificate programs, private coaching, and diverse workshops — all led by professionals who have worked at some of the most prominent theatre institutions in the world. All experience levels are encouraged to join Michigan Actors Studio.
Website: michiganactorsstudio.com
Address: 1100 Woodward Heights Blvd, Ferndale, MI
Phone: (877) 636-3320
Tuition: $275-$340 per course
Specialty: Private coaching, beginner’s courses
Those are some of the most highly regarded acting schools in Michigan. With all the great options on this list, you should be able to find a school that will help your career excel! Good luck!
