Top 5 Broadway Schools For Kids In New York
One day after nominations were announced for the 67th Tony Awards, Broadway fever is in full swing in New York City. Every day, young talent from all over the country gets off the plane to start a new life in the Big Apple because it has Broadway — the theatre capital of the U.S.A. They were trained in their local performing arts studios as kids, moved on to college theatre programs and then headed straight for New York City. Broadway shows are filled with people who grew up everywhere else, but what kind of training is available for the kids that grow up in New York to prepare them for a possible Broadway career? By Michael D. Jackson.
The Broadway Academy
iTheatrics
628 W. 52nd St., Suite 1F
New York, NY 10019
(646) 467-8090
itheatrics.com
A program of iTheatrics, a company that develops educational materials licensed by Music Theatre International, The Broadway Academy trains kids in musical theatre skills through the production of a new musical developed for the acclaimed Broadway Junior Collection. The program is audition and tuition based and each session focuses on the development of a single show. Students get a chance to meet and work with the authors of the great Broadway musicals adapted for the Broadway Junior Collection as well as work through a rehearsal and performance schedule. Also, Disney Theatricals is very much a part of the program and many of the classic Disney films have been used in the past and continue to be sources for the Broadway Junior Collection.
A Class Act
200 W. 60th St., Suite 28-E
New York, NY 10023
(212) 315-3010
www.aclassactny.com
An award-winning acting studio for kids ages 7-16, A Class Act covers all aspects of show business with classes in musical theatre, voice over, on camera, agent showcases and individual coaching is also available. Industry professionals are instructors and top Broadway talent will give master classes. Check out the website for the themes of upcoming classes at www.aclassactny.com.
15 W. 28th St., 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10001
(212) 252-1619
www.tadatheater.com
Kids learn musical theatre skills by working on choreography for original songs with an end-of-semester recital for friends and family. A New York institution since 1984, TADA also has programs at various community centers around the city. Its variety of programs serve some 50,000 children each year. Contact the company at www.tadatheater.com to sign up for one of its many program opportunities.
The Barrow Group Actin & Directing School
312 W. 36th St., 3rd floor
New York, NY 10018
(212) 760-2615
www.barrowgroup.org
This studio offers youth acting classes throughout the year. Classes for teens are offered after school, on weekends and in a special summer sessions. The summer session is a more intensive and complete training program taught by The Barrow Group actors and teachers. Script analysis and a focus on naturalism in acting is the emphasis of the training. For more information, contact Director of Education Robert Serrell at school@barrowgroup.org.
Children's Acting Academy
131 W. 72nd St.
New York, NY 10023
(212) 860-7101
childrensactingacademy.com
This academy has been training kids for Broadway careers for a good 40 years now. Courses get right down to business by teaching the methods of the famed Actor's Studio such as Stanislavski, Strasberg and Meisner. Voice and movement techniques, scene study and improvisation are a key focus. There is individual instruction as well as group work. Instructors are professionals working on Broadway, film and TV. Check out the programs at www.childrensactingacademy.com.
