Acting Intensive for Teens

This weekly class (Sundays from 5:30-8:30, May 31 - July 19, 2026 for ages 14 - 17) is a sweeping and fun introduction to the many facets of becoming a working actor in Austin, TX. Participants will hone performance skills applicable to acting for both the camera and the stage, but focusing on screen (but we'll all be THEATRE KIDS FOR-EH-VAH, obviously). Participants will learn how to analyze text, develop characters, create relationships, and make strong choices through improvisation, imagination exercises, and monologue/scene study. We will explore elements of on-camera technique and how to apply them to self-tape auditions, including sample commercial and TV/film auditions from local casting directors. We will end the course by discussing the mechanics of becoming a working actor, and with an opportunity for students to perform monologues and/or scenes in a family showcase.

Ages 14-17. Limited to 12 students.

CLASS GOALS

- Build confidence and comfort level in performing

- Create a specific imaginary world and inner life for characters

- Explore script analysis techniques

- Develop a naturalistic acting style based on connection and listening

- Practice camera technique, including eyelines & awareness of frame

- Use physical behavior to tell a story

- Learn the industry standard for actors’ materials

- Become familiar with the process of seeking/getting representation

SCHEDULE/THE PLAN

Week 1 (May 31) – Performance Fundamentals: Voice/body, presence, connection

Week 2 (June 7) – Scene Study: Scene analysis, partner work

Week 3 (June 14) – Monologues: Selection, memorization techniques, workshopping

Week 4 (June 21) – Camera Technique: Eyelines, framing, natural performances

Week 5 (June 28) – Commercial Audition: Slates, improvisation, short scripts

Week 6 (July 5) – TV/Film Audition: Scene analysis, professional standards

Week 7 (July 12) – Business Overview: Headshots, resumes, reels, agents

Week 8 (July 19) – Family Showcase: Students share a performance of their choice

INSTRUCTOR

Jacqui Calloway

ABOUT ATX THEATRE

ATX Theatre highlights Austin’s plethora of theatrical experiences to welcome locals into authentic, joyful engagement with theatremakers over time. Behind the scenes, it unites theatremakers (Austin’s 80 theatre companies and 2500 theatre artists) with force-multiplying initiatives that value efficiency, affordability, professional growth, and collaboration over competition.

Join for FREE at ATXtheatre.org to get our weekly theatre guide! 

ATX Theatre thanks The Actor’s School for being great collaborators and for helping to make this class possible.

ABOUT THE ACTOR’S SCHOOL

Founded in 1993 by Babs George, the Actor’s School is Austin’s longest-running, most affordable ongoing professional training program. Babs and her robust team of instructors, all working professionals in their fields, fill about 43 different classes per semester, ranging from three levels of scene study to improvisation, speaking voice, accents, voiceover, musical theatre, and more. People from all walks of life use these affordable classes to gain more confidence, and as a way to shake things up — to rekindle play and adventure. Stop by TheActorsSchool.org to learn more.