Claire ThompsonStepping onto a stage or facing a camera for the first time takes real nerve.
If you want to build confidence, improve your voice, or prepare for auditions, finding the best acting school in Columbus can make the process feel much less intimidating. Many students also take singing lessons alongside acting to broaden their performance skills.
To help, we looked at local studios that support beginners, kids, teens, and working adults. It also helps when programs go beyond basics, offering everything from Shakespeare training to on-camera coaching.
Here are the Columbus-area acting schools that stood out for practical training, supportive instruction, and programs that feel useful well beyond the classroom.
How much does an acting school cost in Columbus?
Private coaching in Columbus generally ranges from $40 to $75 an hour, while group classes and summer camps usually cost around $250 per session.
| Service Type | Average Cost |
| Private Coaching | $40 to $75 per hour |
| Group Classes and Camps | $250 per session |
1. Broadway2LA Acting Studio
Website: http://www.broadway2la.com/
Address: 565 Metro Place South, Suite #300, Dublin
Contact: (614) 572 9005
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Saturday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Getting comfortable in front of a camera takes more than memorizing lines, and that is where Broadway2LA Acting Studio feels especially useful.
Led by Chad, the studio focuses on television, commercial acting, demo reel work, and real talent agency showcases. Students get training that feels close to the industry instead of purely classroom-based.
We liked that they offer options for both youth and adults. A student who took their demo reel workshop told us the coaching was direct but encouraging, and the feedback helped sharpen her on-screen presence quickly.
Their networking events can also feel as useful as the resources from top recruitment agencies in Columbus when you are trying to spot new opportunities.
The main catch is location. With physical classes in Dublin and New Albany, the commute may be inconvenient if you live across town.
Customer Reviews
Highly recommend
I have taken a couple of adult acting classes with Broadway2LA so far and I really love it here. Ralph is a wonderful, encouraging, and enthusiastic teacher. Ralph and Chad genuinely want you to do your best and give you lots of input to succeed. I’m very thankful for the growth and fun I have had with Broadway2LA as well as the amazing people I have met along the way. I will definitely be attending more sessions.
- Mary McCracken | Google Review
The class was amazing
I attended the Adult’s Spring Actors Bootcamp class this past Saturday. It was one of the most out-of-my-comfort-zone but absolutely exhilarating experiences I have done! With zero acting experience, Chad and Joe made me feel welcomed and comfortable. They both exude passion for helping others. The class was amazing and I left with a newly charged confidence.
- LuAnne Baer | Google Review
2. Actors’ Theatre of Columbus
Website: http://www.theactorstheatre.org/
Address: Schiller Park: 1000 City Park Ave
Contact: +1 (614) 444-6888
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Actors’ Theatre of Columbus is the pick we would look at first if classical stage work is your main goal.
The Globe School leans into Shakespeare-focused theatre training, improvisation, and hands-on stage education. This can be great for students who want stronger vocal control and emotional range.
We also appreciate that the programs connect to the organization’s free summer productions in Schiller Park. That gives the training a real local theatre context instead of making it feel isolated from performance life.
Students can explore scenic design and stage management too, which is helpful if they want to understand what happens beyond acting.
The downside is that this is not the best match for someone mainly chasing modern film or commercial work. The curriculum is strongly theatrical, so camera-focused actors may need extra training elsewhere.
3. Star Performance Academy
Website: https://www.starperformanceacademy.org/
Address: 1701 Eastgate Parkway
Contact: (614) 501-7827
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Star Performance Academy makes sense for students who want acting to be part of a broader performing arts experience.
The school offers dramatic acting, vocal training, private coaching, group lessons, and its Be3 Musical Theatre Ensemble. That’s why it works well for kids who love both character work and music.
One of our researchers enrolled her daughter in an introductory vocal program last year, and the confidence boost was obvious by the time she stepped onstage. That kind of supportive environment can matter more than a flashy curriculum.
We also like that students can add instrumental lessons, such as violin and guitar, if they want a fuller arts schedule.
The tradeoff is focus. Since the programming leans heavily toward musical theatre and children’s education, adults looking for serious dramatic scene study may find it too broad.
Customer Reviews
Worth the money
My daughter just finished a summer class that started with an audition, and ended up with two weekends of performances, eight in total, and I couldn’t be more impressed with the faculty or the quality of the lessons she learned. The place pushed her to learn her part and to get better, and the show was amazing.
- Bill Justice | Google Review
Highly recommend
My 8 year old son is doing a summer camp here. He was so nervous that I signed him up. This camp is organized and inclusive. By day 3 in camp, I can already see that my son is more confident and learning valuable lessons about team work. Highly recommend doing a camp here. We’ll be back next summer.
4. Columbus Children’s Theatre
Website: https://columbuschildrenstheatre.org/
Address: 177 E. Naghten St.
Contact: (614) 224-6673
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Columbus Children’s Theatre feels like a really strong option for families who want theatre training that goes beyond just classes and actually connects to real productions and community involvement.
What makes them stand out is how many different entry points they offer. Kids can take classes, join youth performances, participate in outreach residencies, or even get technical theatre experience as teenagers.
We also really like their focus on accessibility. Tuition assistance, subsidized tickets, and sensory-friendly performances make it feel like they’re actively trying to remove financial and sensory barriers.
The main limitation is pretty straightforward: they’re built specifically for youth and family programming. So while they’re great for young performers, adults looking for more advanced or mature acting training would need to look elsewhere.
5. Drama Kids of North Columbus
Website: https://dramakids.com/north-columbus-oh/
Address: 659 N High St, Worthington
Contact: (740) 201-1070
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Drama Kids of North Columbus is a good fit when the goal is confidence-building as much as acting technique.
Managed by Steve and Holly Hanson, the program focuses on communication, creative thinking, public speaking, and stage presence for kids and teens.
What we like most is the convenience. Instead of relying on one central studio, classes are held in local community centers throughout the northern suburbs. This can make weekly attendance easier for busy families.
The Acting Academy also runs through the school year, so students get consistent practice instead of a quick one-time workshop.
The drawback is the same thing that makes it convenient. Because classes happen in different community spaces, rehearsal environments can vary, and students do not get the feel of a dedicated studio.
