If you’re looking into acting classes, you’re probably wondering how much they cost. Some classes or acting schools aren’t totally clear about their pricing, while others can vary depending on a few important factors.
This can be frustrating if you’re hoping to find out an actual price, but the answer isn’t that straightforward.
There are a few aspects that can change the cost of your acting classes, and we’re going to cover them all here…
Acting Classes Vs Performing Arts Classes
First of all, your search will probably bring up a variety of class options, from performing arts classes to acting classes to theatre companies. Is there a difference? If so, what is it?!
Acting Classes
Acting classes do what it says on the tin – you’ll learn how to act. Acting classes focus more on the stage action, and less on the theory and overall production aspect.
Acting classes will be heavily weighted toward the practical side of things. Your lessons will likely get more specific with instruction on acting techniques and skills, particularly aimed at acting on the screen and on stage. There’s no singing, dancing or production training involved.
Performing Arts Classes
The performing arts class will take on all areas of performance. They combine teaching hyper-specific skills while ensuring you have a clear and working knowledge of all things theatre.
These classes usually include all aspects of performance; acting, singing and dancing. So not only will you become an outstanding actor, you’ll also be a well-rounded performer, able to be part of a real theatre company.
So which is better?
Of course, the best option is the one that suits your child, their goals and your values. Acting classes can provide an invaluable, specific skill. And yet performing arts theatre training can give you so much more.
Within an environment devoted to replicating the feel and logistics of a real theatre company, your child can gain the truly useful and enlightening skills they need.
Theatre training is based on working together for a common goal, each person learning different roles and discovering how to support one another to develop an extraordinary set of skills that can allow your child to become an awe-inspiring and valued member of their company.
So, What Do Acting Classes Cost?
Acting classes will vary in cost. Which is not a helpful answer, we know! Since there is no standard fee for classes, we can break down what factors will contribute to the cost.
Your Area
Whereabouts in the country you live will have a bearing on what you pay for acting classes. Those who live in bigger cities like London, Southampton or Cardiff will pay more than smaller towns and rural locations. This is true of most classes or communities.
Size Of The School Or Theatre Group
Bigger, more established theatre companies and stage schools will have a higher cost. This is because running a bigger company takes more time and money. The price of your classes usually factor in the cost for:
- Running more than one venue (usually)
- Bigger marketing costs
- More expensive insurance & professional fees
- More staff to pay
Experience Of The Staff
Acting classes taught by professionals with real acting experience are going to cost more – and the more high profile the teacher, the more you might pay. Another side to this is having an individual, expert instructor for each aspect, as you would get with performing arts training.
Instead of having a jack-of-all-trades teacher, you’re getting a specialist for all elements of performance.
Ballpark Figures
We know that when selecting a new hobby or pursuit for your child, you’re going to need an idea of costs, so bearing in mind the above, you can expect to pay between £7 – £14 per hour for acting classes. Sometimes you can find sibling or younger child discounts, so it’s worth doing the research on your specific school or theatre company.
More Than Cost
While you’re here, we want to share some of the things that make acting classes worth more than their cost. Any class will – hopefully – give its students the chance to learn and experience a wide range of skills that aren’t directly related to the main topic.
Acting classes provide a host of benefits, just as other schools or clubs can, where your child learns to make friends and gain a better context around their hobby or interest.
Acting classes, as well as all performance-based classes, can give your child;
- More confidence
- Improved attention span
- Tools for managing stress and anxiety
- Physical benefits
- Emotional resilience
- A community & sense of belonging
And that’s not even an extensive list. Acting is far more than pretending to be someone else. It explores emotions, empathy, the world around us and how we fit as humans.
Acting Classes VS Theatre Training
When it comes to performing arts training, a broader skillset and experience are always better. If your child has the chance to experience what exactly it’s like to be an actor – or indeed a performer overall – they’ll gain much more than any curriculum could teach. On stage, performers learn to work with others, to overcome embarrassment or shyness, to problem-solve under pressure and to express themselves in a way that others can connect with.
This kind of experience isn’t always available in acting classes, but it is available in theatre training.
Simple acting classes can certainly nurture a child’s passion, but theatre training can provide them with a complete skill set, applicable to an impressive range of vocations and interests.
There’s no limit to your child’s future when they’re a part of a theatre company. See our recent blog on the value of learning all three disciplines of acting, singing and dancing and you’ll see what we mean!
Looking For Acting Classes Near You?
If you’re hoping to encourage some confidence and passion in your child or young person, then theatre training is an invaluable investment. The cost of classes does vary based on a number of factors like location, what’s included and the experience of the staff, but whatever you pay, the benefits are priceless.
To find out prices and let your child experience being a part of a real theatre company, find your local Theatretrain company using our online tool here.
