Perfect for those who may be a bit shy but want to explore their creative side, as well as serious actors looking for guidance in career building.
Year-round acting classes for kids and teens
Build confidence, focus, and creative courage through TV & Film scene work, improv, and performance, guided by working industry coaches in a warm, professional studio.
Programs available for ages 7 to 17. All experience levels are welcome.
Programs available for ages 7 to 17. All experience levels are welcome.
Early Bird Discount: Sign up now and get $50 off your first month!
THE AKFT EXPERIENCE
We're more than an acting studio, we're a full creative support system.
THE TEAM – All our coaches are working industry professionals with experience nurturing the unique creative expression of young actors. Our behind-the-scenes staff has years of experience running and coordinating programs for kids & teens and are well equipped to answer all your questions and help with anything you need!
THE STUDIO – A warm, professional space designed for creativity. Parents are always welcome to stay, work on Wi-Fi, relax with a coffee, or settle into our cozy lobby before pickup.
THE COMMUNITY – We curate a community of kids and teens that share the same passions and interests. So many students meet their best friends here. As a parent, you’ll find a community that’s supportive, energized, and in it with you. If you’re unsure how best to support your kiddo’s unique expression, we’re here to help!
Founded by an Emmy Award-Winning Director
Acting for Kids & Teens was founded by Emmy Award-winning director Katie O’Grady, and every class is led by working industry professionals with real credits and real relationships in TV & Film.
For over 19 years (yeesh), we’ve helped young people and their parents navigate their creativity and the local Portland industry, and our coaches bring that same professionalism into the studio every day.
Because of our strong local reputation and relationships, we regularly get submission requests from casting directors and production professionals, and local agencies refer their talent to train with us.
find your class
Weekly ongoing classes combine fun games and activities with focused scene work to build strong fundamentals for both stage and screen. Students explore character development, create original material, practice improv, and study audition techniques and etiquette for theater and on-camera work.
Our programs teach kids to respect content, be mindful about what they put out in the world, and to approach being on camera in a thoughtful and responsible way.
Classes are grouped by suggested age and are a perfect fit for both experienced and first-time performers. New students are welcome year-round!
NEW! Production Lab | Ages 11+
Tuesdays, 4:30 to 6:30 PM
Lights, camera, create! A hands-on filmmaking class where students work both in front of and behind the camera, acting, directing, writing, filming, and editing their way through creative projects all year. Every session brings a new challenge in teamwork, problem-solving, and storytelling. No prior filmmaking experience needed, just a willingness to create. 🎥
Acting for TV & Film | Ages 7 to 9
Saturdays, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
A playful first step into acting through games, storytelling, scene work, and creative play. Our youngest actors build real skills like memorization, character creation, listening, and focus, while exploring improv, emotions, movement, and voice. They’ll make new friends and discover the joy of performing in a space where their unique voice is celebrated. 🌱
Acting for TV & Film | Ages 10 to 12
Wednesdays, 4:30 to 6:30 PM | Thursdays, 4:30 to 6:30 PM | Saturdays, 12:30 to 2:30 PM
An ongoing class for actors ready to build on their skills, on and off camera. Each month explores a new area of acting, including improv, comedy, drama, monologues, audition technique, character development, and the Meisner Technique, which teaches actors to work truthfully in the moment. Students also learn to prepare and submit strong self-tapes for film & TV.
Acting for TV & Films | Ages 13+
Wednesdays, 4:30 6:30 PM | Saturdays, 12:30 to 2:30 PM
For teens ready to challenge themselves and deepen their craft. Through scene study, character development, improv, script analysis, and on-camera work, students grow into thoughtful, versatile actors. Each month focuses on a different skill (comedy, drama, audition technique, monologues, and Meisner), plus real experience with self-tapes, audition prep, and the professional expectations of working in film & TV.
Advanced & Masters Programs | Ages 10+ and 13+
Advanced: Saturdays, 3:15 to 5:15 PM | Masters: Mondays, 4:30 to 6:30 PM
Our Advanced and Masters Acting Programs are designed for students who are ready to commit, challenge themselves, and grow into confident, grounded performers – especially on camera. These classes are invite or audition-only!
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FAQs
Does my kid need acting experience?
Nope! All experience levels are welcome in every class. Plenty of our students walk in brand new and find their footing fast.
What does a class actually look like?
From day one, kids get a warm welcome from our coaching team and acting games that help everyone get comfortable. From there, classes move into scene work from favorite shows and movies, character creation, improv, and on-camera practice. Our studio becomes a creative playground where kids find new ways to express themselves on and off camera.
My kiddo is shy. Is that okay?
Completely okay. There’s something really special about watching a kid realize they don’t need to perform perfectly to belong, they just need to show up and play. Our coaches are wonderful at helping quieter kids get comfortable at their own pace, and parents often comment on how quickly their kiddos are able to find their people here.
How do you handle online safety when it comes to kids being on camera?
We know you’re concerned about the safety guardrails for kids being on camera. Because of our specialization we strongly emphasize online safety. Our coaches teach kids to respect content, be mindful about what they put out into the world, and approach being on camera in a thoughtful and responsible way.
What ages do you work with?
Kids and teens ages 7 to 17, grouped by age so everyone’s with peers at a similar stage.
When can we start? How does billing work?
Enrollment is always open, so you can jump in anytime. Classes are $235 a month per class, auto-billed on the 1st, which covers 4 weekly classes that month, a lot like a gym membership. Miss a class? We offer make-up sessions if you let us know ahead of time. Cancel anytime by submitting your request before the 20th of the month.
Can parents stay during class?
Absolutely. Parents are welcome to stay, hop on the Wi-Fi, or relax in our cozy lobby until pickup.
Still have questions?
Call us at 971.708.2127 or email info@actingforkidsandteens.com and we’ll help guide you to the best fit for your kiddo.
