Acting
Some kids are natural performers always on, always in character, always ready to make the whole room laugh or cry on cue. Others have a quieter spark: a deep love of storytelling, a dream of being on stage, a role they’re dying to audition for. Private acting lessons at Charlotte Academy of the Arts are for both. We welcome students ages 6 and up for one-on-one instruction in musical theatre, stage acting, and film and TV with a focus on building real skills that show up when it counts most: at the audition.
What to expect
Before your first lesson, we match your student with the teacher best suited to their goals, personality, and experience level and we find a weekly time that works for your schedule. Your teacher will get to know your student: what draws them to acting, any prior experience, and what they’re working toward. Whether your child has never set foot on a stage or has been performing for years and wants to take it further, there’s no audition to get started.
From there, lessons are entirely personalized. Students work on the building blocks of strong acting; script analysis, character development, physicality, emotional truth, cold reading, and monologue work with everything shaped around their specific goals and the types of roles and auditions they’re pursuing.
Why you'll love it
Private acting coaching is a different experience from group drama classes or school theatre programs and intentionally so. In a one-on-one setting, you get the undivided attention of an experienced teacher who can help you put your best foot forward in auditions. No generic feedback here. Just focused, personalized coaching that actually prepares students for what they’re walking into.
Our acting faculty work with students across every level and every goal from school auditions, community and professional theatre, film and TV, to college program applications. They understand what directors are looking for at each level, and guide you how to walk into any audition room with confidence, preparation, and a clear sense of who they are as a performer.
Class details
Acting lessons are held once per week on the same day and time so it becomes a natural part of your family’s schedule. We offer three lesson lengths to fit different ages, attention spans, and goals:
- 30 minutes $39
- 45 minutes $58.50
- 60 minutes $78
Our lessons run year-round, which keeps students progressing consistently and avoiding the regression that comes with breaks in their schedule. We will help you choose the best lesson length at enrollment, and it’s easy to adjust as your student grows.
What’s included
Our acting students receive one-on-one instruction, weekly practice assignments, and access to all optional performance opportunities. As a CAA student, you’ll also have first access to our special events throughout the year including PopArts Kids Night Out, holiday events, and exclusive performance opportunities that go beyond the lesson studio. New students are welcomed to the Charlotte Academy of the Arts family with a tote bag upon enrollment.
FAQs
What age can my child start private acting lessons?
We welcome acting students ages 6 and up. Young students focus on imagination, storytelling, and the joy of character play building the foundation that more advanced technique grows from. Private lessons at this age are wonderfully effective because the instruction is completely tailored to where each child is developmentally.
What's the difference between private acting lessons and a group drama class?
In a group class, instruction is necessarily divided among many students. In a private lesson, every minute is focused entirely on your child; their specific strengths, their specific challenges, and their specific goals. For students who are serious about performing or actively preparing for auditions, private lessons accelerate progress in a way group classes simply can’t match.
What kinds of auditions can you help prepare for?
All of them! Our acting teachers work with students preparing for school play and musical auditions, community and professional theatre, film and TV roles, and college theatre and performing arts program applications. Each type of audition has its own expectations, and our teachers know what directors and admissions panels are looking for at every level.
My child has a specific audition coming up — can lessons focus on that?
Absolutely. Audition preparation is one of the core focuses of our acting program. If your student has a specific role, monologue, or audition they’re working toward, your teacher will tailor lessons to make sure they walk in fully prepared — with the right material, the right technique, and the right mindset.
What will my child actually work on in lessons?
Lessons cover the full range of acting fundamentals… script analysis, character development, physicality and movement, vocal projection and clarity, emotional authenticity, cold reading, and monologue and scene work. The specific focus in any given lesson depends on your student’s goals and what they’re working toward.
Does my child need prior acting experience?
Not at all. We welcome students at every level, from complete beginners to experienced performers looking to refine their craft. Your teacher will meet your student exactly where they are.
Can teens and adults take acting lessons?
Absolutely. Whether your teen is serious about pursuing theatre or film, preparing for college auditions, or an adult exploring acting for the first time, our teachers welcome students of every age. Private acting lessons are just as valuable at 35 as they are at 13.
What if my child misses a lesson?
Your teacher will share their makeup and cancellation policies with you upon enrollment. If you need to cancel, please reach out to your teacher as soon as possible especially if you have an audition coming up.
Where is Charlotte Academy of the Arts located?
We’re located in Idlewild Market, Matthews, NC, just off I-485, an easy drive for families throughout the area. We serve students from Matthews, Mint Hill, Indian Trail, Harrisburg, Weddington, Stallings, Monroe, Charlotte, and across both Mecklenburg and Union Counties. If you’re looking for acting lessons in the southeast Charlotte or Union County area, we’re likely closer than you think. Our CAA families enjoy making the most of lesson time buying groceries, getting their nails done, or even getting in a workout right in our shopping center.