23 Acting Classes in ILLINOIS (Adept, Cheap, & Accessible)

Did you know that your Hollywood faves, Hugh Jackman from The Greatest Showman and Meryl Streep from The Devil Wears Prada, both started their glamorous careers in acting schools in Illinois?

Have you hesitated to enroll in one of the many theater programs available in Illinois?

Then this article can be the nudge you need.

You can get everything, from performing arts basics to screen acting trade secrets, from an acting school.

Remember that you can always pursue your dreams whenever you want; Samuel L. Jackson got the first significant role of his career in his mid-forties.

If you’re ready to take your destiny into your hands, start by checking out this specially curated list of acting classes in Illinois.

And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Movie Theaters in Illinois.

Acting Classes in Chicago, Illinois

1. Acting Studio Chicago (ASC) (12 Guideposts Mastery)

ASC is an acting school that provides a serene environment for adults and teens to learn the 12 Guideposts, rooted in Micheal Shurtleff’s book, Audition.

The ASC team strongly believes these guideposts are the secrets to moving performances on stage and camera.

Small high-grade classes that extensively prepare students for a lengthy career in film, television, and stage seem to be the focus. 

You must be self-motivated and disciplined to excel in this career path, but Acting Studio Chicago also pushes you to learn, grow, and get the work done! 

Moreover, the faculty is a seasoned team of actors, voice actors, producers, dancers, writers, and visual artists seasoned with industry advice and wisdom.

The only rules are to take their attendance, privacy, code of conduct, drop, and payment policies to heart.

Address: 10 W Hubbard Suite 2E, Chicago, IL 60654, United States

2. Vagabond School of the Arts (Varied Course Options)

Vagabond School of the Arts is highly recommended if you want to attend a seasoned acting class in Chicago.

The studio has two on-site locations; the primary studio is at Lakeview, while the other class is in the quaint city of Elmhurst.

Both classes offer sessions on voice acting and communication skills, movement, and improvisation.

They also offer refreshing workshops like scene studies, sessions on mastering memorization, auditioning techniques, and camera intensives. 

You can check out their calendar to decide which options are right up your alley, whether a six to eight weeks program or an exclusive skills workshop.

Trust that you will leave the class with a profound knowledge of theatre, screenplay, and valuable networks. 

Once your program or workshop finishes, you should get your hands on as many acting projects as possible to gain experience and build your portfolio. 

Address: 4001 N Ravenswood, Suite 504, Chicago, IL 60613 & 124 W Park Ave Back Room Elmhurst, IL 60126, United States

3. Green Shirt Studio (Meisner Acting Program)

Located in Ravenwood, Chicago, Green Shirt Studio offers programs for students on the acting and theater career path. 

They also offer impressive studio spaces for events and shows at a  $25- $35/hour starting fee. 

One of their popular classes, the Meisner Acting Program, requires students to cover five straightforward stages of learning how to perform truthfully. 

Each private class includes a hands-on instructor committed to showing you how to break down auditions, story writing, and voice acting. 

If you have ever hesitated to take an acting class, the Green Shirt Studio will quickly help you realize that acting can be a breeze. 

Their demonstration-style approach mainly helps students to confidently hone their skills and shine brightly on stage and camera. 

It is not worth noting that there is a scholarship provision for talented students who cannot afford their classes.

You qualify as long as you’re of age and are not currently pursuing a degree program. 

While at Green Shirt Studio, look out for star instructor Adam Wesley Brown, who has 20 years of experience in Broadway, Cinema, Voiceovers, and Television. 

Address: 4001, N Ravenswood Ave, Unit 303- B Chicago, IL 60613, United States

4. Black Box (Rigorous Selection Process)

The Black Box Academy’s acting classes cover lessons on The Sanford Meisner, camera training, TV and film production, character analysis, and classical training. 

Unfortunately, they do not offer classes on public enrollment.

Interested students must apply and then go through an audition and interview exercise to earn a spot at the academy. 

Once admitted, students get to partake in a showcase and display their skills in front of influential personalities in the acting world.

The fantastic things the academy does for one’s career are definitely worth the rigorous selection process and the five-month-long drills.

And this acting class is so much more than just acting- it offers valuable lessons on dealing with feedback as an actor and pushing boundaries you have never considered. 

Instructors’ discerning eyes and sharp wit will guide you through the complex craft of acting, giving you practical tips to improve your skills. 

Address: 2625, W. North Ave Chicago, IL 60647, United States

5. Chicago Actors Studio (Personalized Coaching)

Nothing says quality acting class like personalized feedback and a small private coaching setting.

Trust that the Chicago Actors Studio in Illinois delivers on both counts. 

This fantastic studio with classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced actors takes place in a safe and serene space, where instructors teach you the various acting techniques and the surest ways to enthrall audiences. 

If you’d like a trial before committing to the classes, you can attend one of their free on-camera auditioning workshops, and you’ll certainly be convinced. 

These acting classes range from two to three-hour-long intensive sessions. 

The team has also included hybrid and virtual classes that you can Zoom or attend virtually from the comfort of your home.

Address: 2040 N. Elston Ave.Chicago, IL 60614, United States

6. The Forge (Weekly & Weekend Intensives)

With weekly and weekend intensives, this learning center allows you to learn about creative expressions and become comfortable with vulnerability. 

The classes are conducted in homely camps under the guidance of brilliant professionals who do not hoard trade secrets.

It teaches students everything from foundational basics to the unknown secrets surrounding the sacred art of acting, from the rules and principles to be mastered to essential skills that need to be learned, and even theater history. 

Student efforts are rewarded at the end of the training program with certificates that are sure to get fussed over back home.

Therefore, pluck up your courage, enroll at The Forge, and prepare to learn everything about the career your heart desires. 

Address: 2424 W Montrose Ave, Unit W, Chicago, IL 60618, United States

Also see our article on Yoga Classes in Illinois.

Acting Classes in Peoria, Illinois

1. Peoria Area Performing Arts Studio (PAPAS) (Best for Talented Kids)

You can only talk about the best acting schools in Peoria for kids and even Illinois by bringing up the Peoria Area Performing Arts Studio, one of the best acting experiences for your talented children. 

The popular acting class is held in the charming city of Peoria and gives your kids the audacity to dream of a brilliant career in acting. 

PAPAS strives to offer these acting classes to many pupils for free or at least reduced prices.

They are one of the best acting schools for kids in Illinois. 

The magic begins at their ‘enchanted summer camps’ where kids engage with professional performing arts educators. 

Suppose you are looking for a unique opportunity for your kids to express themselves with voice classes, dance, and acting.

In that case, you will definitely like PAPAS, which incorporates fun routines to build confidence and self-esteem. 

Address: 8816b N Industrial Rd, Peoria, IL 61615, United States

2. Inspired Artist Academy (Expert-Led Beginner Courses)

If you want a practical, personalized lesson in acting for your kids, then this option is for you.

The Inspired Artist Academy runs expert-led courses that take beginners from scratch. 

At this cheery academy, children of all ages are discovering how fun and easy acting can be. 

The idea is to lead a hands-on demo class that helps kids enjoy acting classes and move from amateurs to professionals, even at a very young age.

Classes are rigorous, but your child will be better for it; rest assured, they are leaving the studio with a killer skill set. 

For teens and pre-teens, the Inspired Artist Academy is an excellent chance to hone essential acting techniques for now and in the future.

Address: 2137 S Main St, Morton, IL 61550, United States

Also see our article on Cooking Classes in Ilinois.

Acting Classes in Elgin, Illinois

1. Elgin Community College (ECC) Arts Center (Homely & Spacious Environment)

The Elgin Community College Arts Center in Illinois has opened doors for you to learn the tricks and intricacies of acting and theater. 

Will you come in? 

Located in a 156,000-square-foot building, the center has two large theaters in a homely environment, thus serving as a training ground for undiscovered acts. 

You will surely feel relaxed in this beautiful setting.

Everything is on the ground to ensure an unforgettable learning experience: theaters where you can demonstrate theories taught and dazzle a real-life audience, high-quality workshops, and prestigious instructors.

You can learn the required skills in musical theater productions with other actors and share exhilarating moments on stage.

Rest assured that you’ll find what you like in the ECC Arts Center theater program, especially if you are crazy about musicals!

Address: 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL 60123, United States

2. Children’s Theatre of Elgin (Reforming Lives Through Arts)

Believe it or not, molding and preparing your children for careers in film and television is not that difficult. 

Learning acting techniques and building public speaking skills is the most challenging part.

Luckily the Children’s Theatre of Elgin covers that for you. 

All you have to do for your kids is to provide financial, emotional, and moral support. 

The theater also does the vital work of reforming the lives of underprivileged youths through performing arts. 

By getting these kids the education they need and allowing them to follow creative paths, they are less likely to contribute negatively to society. 

Thanks to the staff with easygoing personalities and the relaxed environment, their classes feel more like learning at home than formal training.

Your children would have shared important memories with other students and be armed with plenty of acting knowledge by the end of the class.

Address: 1700 Spartan Dr., Room H104, Elgin, IL 60123, United States

3. Independent Players (Founded by Young Enthusiasts)

The Independent Players is a legendary community project founded by two young Elgin students and their high school drama teachers to encourage talented youths and adults to be more active in performing arts and theater. 

Not only have they successfully produced different plays and musicals, but they have also been responsible for visual arts education in their local community. 

Students can learn everything from scene studies and voice improvement to improvisation and sight reading, but beginners might want to start with an introductory monologue skills class.

With enough practice and instruction from qualified instructors, you can grow into the most impressive, talented, and influential actor you can be.

The Independent Players offers the necessary foundation your acting career needs.

Address: 164 Division St, Elgin, IL, United States

Also see our article on Trade Schools in Illinois.

Acting Classes in Springfield, Illinois

1. Springfield Theatre Centre (ACTT & Pave Summer Camp)

Do you want international fame with an acting profile of memorable performances and academy awards?

First, you must start with acting classes and ensure it does not tame you with unhelpful criticism.

The Coaches at the Springfield Theatre Centre will help you with all you need to navigate your path to stardom. 

With their Active & Creative Teen Theatre Program (ACTT) and The Pave Summer Camp, you will learn to put on original plays from scratch, resulting in a range of practical and versatile skills. 

You will learn to observe as coaches demonstrate the proper techniques for preparing and killing drama performances, then replicate the steps in live plays. 

Aspiring actors can sign up for PAVE camp intensive at $350 for every session. 

Address: 420 S. Sixth St.Springfield, IL 62701, United States

2. The Legacy Theatre (Screen Acting to Self-Awareness)

Whether you are an experienced adult, a novice, or a dutiful parent that wants your wards to learn all there is to stage performance, the Legacy Theatre is the place for you. 

The theater offers ways to take your screen acting, script analysis, and self-awareness to the next level, so get ready to get out of your acting amateurism! 

There’s a robust line-up of face-to-face sessions where you are lectured to re-create original works and use movements as creative and artistic expressions. 

Thus, you will have the chance to hone your skills in theater and film and experience total immersion in stage and artistic life. 

Release your potential in production and cover acting on television and stage, voice and readings, with the best coaches in the industry. 

Address: 101 East Lawrence Ave. Springfield, Illinois, 62704, United States

3. UIS Performing Arts Center (Synergic Process for Confidence)

Wannabe actors must put in the sweat and time to distinguish themselves from many other talents. 

To do so, they need to be under the supervision of an established performing arts facility.

UIS Performing Arts Center center thrives on catering to actors with some experience and teaching them the fundamentals of dance, music, and theater. 

The center produces over 150 theater events annually, so you can see how good their talents are. 

Their interdependent and synergic process allows students to find their most confident selves and unlock them in performances. 

The center has a fantastic association with several orchestras, ballet companies, and theatre programs, providing students with the golden opportunity to feature in top-notch productions. 

Address: University of Illinois, Springfield, One University Plaza, Ms . PAC 292, Springfield, IL, United States

Also see our article on Truck Driving Schools in Illinois.

Acting Classes in Rockford, Illinois

1. Maddox Theatre (Alums in Prestigious Companies)

Rockford University’s Maddox Theatre is renowned for its excellent success rate with students and has hosted essential dignitaries, including baritone vocalist Jubilant Sykes.

The theater welcomes youths from all around the world interested in pursuing dance, music, and drama. 

Based in Rockford, the theater has gained the reputation of being a Performing Arts Centre that features orchestras, a box office, and a fully furnished 573-seat theater. 

Before applying to the program, you can always schedule a visit to campus and check out the school spirit and high-quality facilities. 

The theater’s alums have gone on to graduate from prestigious companies.

An example would be Erin Farste, who has worked with most theater companies in the twin cities. 

Address: 5050 East State Street, Rockford, IL, 61108, United States

2. Starlight Theater (Intensive Acting Courses)

The Starlight Theater offers intensive acting classes and boasts talented tutors who greatly care for their students. 

What more could an upcoming actor ask for, right? 

The theater, based within the established Rock Valley College, was created to give students a channel to express their creativity.

It offers 15 introductory theater courses.

Of particular importance to Starlight students, the theater has one week-long summer camp where students can train in opera techniques, improvisation, choreographies, and plays. 

The theater is one of the finest acting classes Illinois has to offer, and the institution consistently churns out graduates who do very well for themselves in the acting world. 

Registration fees for the camp start from $125 and come with a free ticket to one of their musical productions. 

If you are not buoyant, you can see about getting financial aid from the school.

Address: 3301 N Mulford Rd, Rockford IL, 611114, United States

3. The Studio (Learn from Industry Pros)

Why not let your children learn from one of Rockford’s best enrichment programs?

The Studio provides a robust support system where your kids get to work with industry pros and gain acting experience. 

This acting school runs performance art camps and classes in the North Cherryvale Mall, and your teens can participate without being experts.

A typical class consists of workshops on professional on-camera techniques and behaviors.

The classes are usually small to allow for plenty of teacher-student rapport.

This gives them an extra advantage on stage and at acting jobs when they are older. 

Students can watch as techniques are demonstrated and receive plenty of advice and constructive instructor feedback. 

Aside from building acting proteges, The Studio’s timetables ensure your kids are creatively engaged during the summer and after school.

Address: 7326 North Cherryvale Mall Dr. Ste. D Rockford, IL 61112, United States

4. The Arts Connection (Friendly Atmosphere)

Since 2021, The Arts Connection has allowed students interested in performing arts to learn in a friendly atmosphere and tastefully decorated camps and classes. 

Alongside other amateurs, they will be given audition assistance, voiceover lessons, and taught communication skills. 

You can opt for the musical theater camp organized by the Belvidere Theatre Company, which is limited to 25 students, or go for a private coaching session for your teens for 30 minutes to one hour. 

It is perfect if your kids are learning acting for fun or want to be professionals.

Your children would have some outstanding, unforgettable, and valuable experiences here, especially if they attend camp.

What are you waiting for?

Go ahead and start the enrollment process now!

Address: 4845 Crested Butte Trl, Rockford, IL, United States

5. Gateway Performing Arts Studio (Reviving the Art of Theater)

The dying art of theater is reviving thanks to the Gateway Performing Arts Studio in Rockford, Illinois. 

This studio has put together dance, voice, and theater courses to help you master various creative techniques that would prove helpful for your career. 

Beginners and practiced actors alike will find the studio a great place to polish up previously acquired skills or grasp new skills, and you will come away with exciting facts, knowledge about stage plays, and some highly coveted skills. 

Part of their testimonials includes the talented Asia Ward, who currently leads a musical theater program at Southern Illinois University and has received many local and International awards. 

Join a class with fellow actors today and be inspired to commit to your dream career.

Address: 7111N Alpine Rd, Loves Park, IL 61111, United States

6. Artists’ Ensemble Theater (Stellar Acting Performances Quickly)

You do not need so many years of training before you master memorization, voice and body control, and script analysis, among others.

Believe that you can give out stellar acting performances quite quickly, and the Artists’ Ensemble Theater is here to show you how!

Learn how to handle a variety of performances, whether they are classical films, comedies, or melodramas.

Your coaches and technical crew will take you through essential lessons, so you’ll have no problem working your magic and wowing audiences.

If you are serious about acting, there is no better place to gain handy experience than the Artists’ Ensemble Theater. 

Just be honest about your experience level so that your training can be tailored to fit your current skill set. 

Address: 5050 E State St, Rockford, IL, 61108, United States

Also see our article on Movies Filmed in Illinois.

Acting Classes in Aurora, Illinois

1. Kidz Kabaret (Warm & Welcoming Atmosphere)

Fair Lady Productions has launched an acting program for children that focuses on teaching students how to adapt to new situations.

The school teaches participants new techniques for acting in the picturesque city of Aurora. 

Their Chief Executive Officer, Kandiss Hernadez, who holds a degree in Theatre/Voice from Bradley University, oversees the Kidz Kabaret program with courses on acting and drama and a hands-on demonstration of monologues. 

The school’s goal is to push an acting program that is more welcoming than formal, and the school has achieved this with the warm and friendly attitudes of members of staff.

Classes are typically one to five hours long to ensure each student gets a personalized experience.

Their vision is supported and sponsored by Paul Gregory Media, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, NCTV17, Illinois Council, and the DuPage Foundation.

Address: Fair Lady Productions, Inc. Kidz Kabaret 1665 Quincy Avenue, Suite 143 Naperville, IL 60540, United States

2. Aurora University Perry Theater (Celebrating Arts & Ideas Series)

Everything about Aurora University is delightful: from the views across campus buildings to the unique conference facilities. 

It is also important to mention its Perry Theater, where despite being stacked with a huge course load, you will feel like you have just spent the day rubbing your mind with your friends because learning can be fun.

The classes are varied, but the Celebrating Arts and Ideas series, where students get to apply their acting, vocal, music, and dance experience annually, is a strong favorite. 

There are opportunities to recreate Shakespeare and Greek Musical Theaters. 

The classes are also ideal for actors open to practical criticism from classmates and lecturers. 

Even better, you grasp Hollywood-style techniques with the rich traditional performing art program at Aurora University.

It would be silly not to check this option out, especially if you are in the area. 

Address: 349 S Gladstone Ave, Aurora, IL, 60506, United States

3. Paramount School Of The Arts (Flexible Summer Classes)

No matter how big your kids love the stage and the lights, finding the time to take classes can be challenging.

Also, perfecting techniques can be challenging while living a demanding, busy school life.

The solution you need could be the Paramount School Of The Arts which holds flexible summer classes that your kids can attend without upsetting their school work. 

Their teaching method is friendly and hands-on, ensuring lessons are adequately communicated and committed to long-term memory. 

Your teen’s coaches come with impressive degrees in theater, dance, film education, and vocal performance from prestigious institutions like the University of Wisconsin, Depaul University, Keene State College, and Carthage College. 

Now that you genuinely have no more excuses not to choose the  Paramount School Of The Arts, do the needful, enroll and give your kids the acting class they deserve!

Address: 20 S Stolp Ave, Aurora, IL 60506, United States

If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Indoor activities, museums, and train rides in Illinois.

Looking beyond Illinois? Check out our article on the best acting classes in California and Florida.