D oes your child think he’s the next big movie, TV or Broadway star? Has he always yearned to see his name in lights? Before you pack up the car and move to LA for auditions, consider enrolling him in some local performing arts classes. New Jersey offers an array of programs that let your child experience life on stage. We’ve rounded up eight great spots where your child can learn to act, dance, sing and more. Next stop: Broadway!
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Location: Police Athletic League, 33 Baldwin Road, Parsippany
Details: All Children’s Theatre (ACT) teaches kids ages four to fourteen about comedy, musical theater and creative dramatics. Most programs and camps conclude with a family performance on the final day. In this fall’s class, kids six to 14 will put on Annie, learning to sing, dance and act. Kids of the same range can also take a creative dramatics class, where they create their own show. And the younger set isn’t left out of the mix. Four and five year olds perform Disney hits as they learn about acting, movement and more.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Location: 128 Irvington Avenue, South Orange
Details: Here, you’ll find classes for all ages and skill levels in dance, voice and drama. In the “Kids on Broadway” class, kids will sing, act and dance in a 60-minute course that emphasizes creative expression and storytelling through song. “Acting 1 & 2” helps young actors feel calm and confident in any situation or casting session. “Acting for the Camera” teaches students about on-camera skills and how to compete in the film and television industry. The studio also offers classes in ballet, jazz, hip-hop and more.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Location: 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn
Details: The famous Paper Mill Playhouse isn’t just a place to see a play. Your rising thespian of any age and skill level can nurture her passion for performing here. Enroll your little actor in a Junior Player class, which is geared for kids aged 5 to 12 and focuses on topics such as acting and improv. Kids ages 12 to 16 can take classes in musical theater, improv and other topics. Most classes run for 18 weeks from September through March.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Location: 1 Pierson Road, Maplewood
Details: Performers Theatre Workshop (PTW) hosts more than 70 classes on Saturdays and throughout the week in all areas of performing arts. Classes are available for children ages 3 to 18. Relaxed and noncompetitive group or private sessions are taught in acting, dancing, singing, song writing/recording and other topics. PTW can also tailor a program to suit your child’s interests and experience.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Location: 1 Depot Square, Englewood
Details: You’ll find classes in a variety of performing arts disciplines for kids ranging in age from three months to 21 years old. In “Early Stars,” young children are introduced to the arts with interactive music, theater and dance classes. Older kids can enroll in dance, theater and music sessions geared toward their ability level. “Special Stars” offers children and teens with special needs the opportunity to explore their artistic interests in a supportive and stimulating environment.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Location: 250 Old River Road, Edgewater
Details: Professional Arts Academy encourages students to reach their greatest potential while instilling them with a passion for the arts. All of the classes are taught by professional performing artists. Students learn dancing, vocal techniques and acting exercises in a variety of classes. Mommy & Me sessions, boys-only classes, dance, music and voice lessons are available. The school is also a certified Angelina Ballerina Dance Academy.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Location: 722 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
Details: This musical theater program for kids ages four and up has been around since 2004. Students train in drama, dance and voice using Broadway material. Class sizes are typically limited to ensure a small cast with plenty of opportunities for each child to perform. Kids put on a performance at the end of the semester. Past shows have included Godspell, The Wiz, Annie, Evita, Mary Poppins, Cats, The Sound of Music and other hits.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Location: Highlands Village, 572 Allen Road, Basking Ridge
Details: Classes are available for kids ages 3 and up at this performing arts studio. Young children can enroll in “Introduction to Musical Theatre,” where they’ll learn how to create characters and collaborate with their classmates on stage. Or older kids can try “Foundations of Musical Theatre,” which teaches the fundamentals of acting and performing. They also offer tap, robotics, jazz, cooking, chess, and other classes.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Hero (Top) Feature Image: © highwaystarz / Adobe Stock
Additional Images (in Order) Courtesy:
All Children’s Theatre / Facebook
Class Act Performing Arts Studio / Website
Paper Mill Playhouse / Website
Performers Theatre Workshop / Website
bergenPAC / Website
Phase4Photography / Adobe Stock
Stage Right / Website
Kzenon / Adobe Stock
