There’s a common misconception that Florida acting is limited to Disney princesses. But there’s so much more to it than that.
The industry in Florida has changed recently. Entertainment is making more of a presence throughout the state, yet it’s not as saturated as places like New York and Los Angeles. The talent pool is smaller, making it easier to get representation and be remembered by casting directors.
Casting Director Lori Wyman puts it this way: “I know who all the good actors are in the state of Florida. I know the top 40 or 50 people in all the different categories.” The same definitely can’t be said about CDs in New York or Los Angeles.
So how do you get yourself in that memorable top group? Confidence, perseverance, and help from one of the best acting schools in Florida.
How we found the top 10 acting schools in Florida
With so many acting schools in Florida, you may be wondering how we narrowed down our top ten.
We took a look at all the regional theatres and training programs within Florida to find out which ones were highly regarded, had reputations for launching successful careers, and provided opportunities for actors of different specialities.
We’ll also give you information on specialties, tuition, class size and more, so you can make the best choice for your individual situation.
So let’s get to it — here are the top 10 acting schools in Florida.
1. Truthful Acting Studios
Actors of any experience level can build a solid foundation in the craft of acting at Truthful Acting Studios. They specialize in their Master Meisner Program, but also offer classes and workshops in film technique, commercial acting, improv, monologues and auditioning. They also have a conservatory program for those who have completed all parts of the Master Meisner Program.
If you’re interested in getting started, their free industry seminars are a good place to start.
Address: 5542 Hansel Ave., Orlando, FL
Website: truthfulacting.com
Phone: (407) 917-5580
Tuition: $395-$1,095
Specialty: The Sanford Meisner approach
2. Miami Acting Studio
Miami Acting Studio offers classes for both beginner and professional actors ages 18-65. After a few months, they’ll put you in touch with Miami agencies and teach you how to get auditions.
Their curriculum is based on the techniques of Lee Strasberg and focuses on elements like neuro-linguistic programming, emotional intelligence, and hands-on immersion courses. They also offer Public Speaking classes for actors or those who just want to improve the skill.
Your first class at Miami Acting Studio is free or charge, so you can see if it’s the right fit for you with no pressure.
Address: 773 NW 28th St., Miami, FL
Website: miamiactingstudio.com
Phone: (786) 715-2049
Tuition: Contact them for more information
Specialty: Public speaking, The Method
3. The Actors Workshop of South Florida
The Actors Workshop of South Florida offers classes for everyone, from those who are just looking for a hobby to professionals. From the beginning, they teach you to work with industry tools and practically apply your skills.
Classes focus on improv, on-camera, cold reading, theatre, and film so you can be confident in whatever you pursue.
Address: 201 SE 15th Terrace, Deerfield Beach, FL
Website: theactorsworkshop.org
Phone: (954) 608-1606
Tuition: $280 for 8-week introductory course
Specialty: On-going workshops
4. StarCatcher Acting Studio
StarCatcher Acting Studio believes in finding your best acting through imagination, exploration, and empathy. They help actors achieve success through classes and workshops, private coaching, and audition tapings.
Address: 8810 Commodity Cir., Orlando, FL
Website: starcatcheractingstudio.com
Phone: (407) 902-1920
Tuition: $165-$350 per course
Specialty: Children and teen courses, audition tapings
5. Universal Acting
Led by industry professionals, the acting courses at Universal Acting truly prepare you for a career in acting. While they do offer classes for adults, their children’s program is the most expansive around — they have classes for children as young as four.
Not only do these classes help you develop your skills, they allow for you to be creative and express yourself in a safe environment, which makes the children’s program so successful.
Address: 99 SW 14th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL
Website: universalacting.com
Phone: (786) 291-0287
Tuition: $150-$350 per course
Specialty: Children’s acting
6. Art’s Sake Acting Studio
Art’s Sake is Florida’s leading film acting schools for adults. They offer Core Film Acting, Scene Stud, and Audition Workout classes to help actors of all experience levels polish their skills for a career in film.
Those who have completed the prerequisite classes may be invited into the Advanced Intensive, an elite-level course designed to take your skills to the next level.
Address: 680 Clay St., Winter Park, FL
Website: art-sake.com
Phone: (407) 629-4800
Tuition: $350 per semester
Specialty: Film acting
7. Orlando Shakes
In partnership with UCF, Orlando Shakes produces classic, contemporary, and children’s plays with William Shakespeare’s legacy at the cornerstone of the company.
They focus on using theatre as a way for children to develop life-long skills. They hold Saturday classes, summer classes, school field trips, workshops, and internships around forming basic theatre skills and exploring something new.
Address: 812 E. Rollins St., Orlando, FL
Website: orlandoshakes.org
Phone: (407) 447-1700
Tuition:
Specialty: Shakespearean theatre
8. Creative Veins
Creative Veins is built on the values of respect, integrity, community, participation, humility, honesty, and discipline. Their high standards allow them to provide the best acting instruction in Jacksonville.
Their extensive course list is made up of 4-week courses covering everything from essentials to improv to stand-up comedy. They also offer private coaching and conservatory programs for those looking for more serious training.
Address: 337 E. Forsyth St., Jacksonville, FL
Website: creativeveins.com
Phone: (904) 323-2471
Tuition: $149-$229 per 4-week course
Specialty: Stand-up comedy
9. Rocky Mountain Conservatory Theatre
The Rocky Mountain Conservatory Theatre is committed to helping children develop through theatre arts. In addition to summer camp, they offer classes at all their locations as well as private lessons in person and via video chat.
What sets RMCT apart from others is that they don’t just focus on acting technique, but on the lessons behind them. That way, children can grow up and successfully apply what they’ve learned to any profession or setting.
They also offer a select amount of acting classes for adults as well.
Address: 201 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL
Website: youthactors.com
Phone: (561) 962-1570
Tuition: $925-$1,775 for summer camp, $225 for 5-week sessions for classes
Specialty: Children’s acting
10. New York Film Academy | South Beach
They offer a range of degree, conservatory, and workshop programs for students interested in learning the best practices of developing, and acting in, films. Students are immersed in hands-on projects that get them involved in from the very beginning.
Address: 420 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach, FL
Website: miami.nyfa.edu
Phone: (305) 534-6009
Tuition: $1,175 for 1-week workshop, $4,062 for 4-week workshop, $3,528 for 12-week workshop. Degree programs vary.
Specialty: Film acting
So if you’re looking to take the next step in your acting career, but don’t want to leave Florida, you’re in luck. If your next step is taking classes at one of these schools, you’ll be in good shape for a successful career.
