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Acting Classes For Kids in Fairfax
Jump Start Your Child’s Life With The Best Young Acting Program!
Our acting classes in Fairfax are currently underway for kids actors starting at age 5. The young actors enrolled in our programs are taught how to act naturally, passionately and honestly while teaching them about:
- Audition preparation
- Scene study
- Script analysis
- Character commitment
- Development
- Improvisation techniques
- Concentration skills
The kids we work with between the ages of 6 – 12 are typically better at memorizing lines and more focused. We’ve also noticed that kids between the ages of 8 – 12 are often simpler to work with, and can occasionally play roles that are younger than their real age. Contact us to learn more.
Acting Classes For Teens in Fairfax
Is Your Teen Interested in Our Acting Program?
Throughout the admission process we identify and observe teens who are creative, talented, enthusiastic and can further grow through our acting school program. Though we try to accept as many talented teens as possible, keep in mind that not everyone can get accepted in our young acting classes program for teens in Fairfax.
For our acting classes for teens, there are no application deadlines but rather a rolling admissions policy. To make sure your teen gets accepted in our acting program, you are advised to start the enrollment process several months in advance due to the seats being limited.
The Admissions Process is Spread Over Five Stages:
- Apply in person + on-camera tryout
- Identify expectations from application
- Determine talent from entrance tryout
- Determine enthusiasm from the entrance tryout
- Inform applicant of the admissions committee decision
Acting Classes For Adults in Fairfax
Join Our Acting Classes For Adults 18+
Great auditions lead to great roles! Learning and practicing audition techniques while in an acting class will lead to consistently great auditions. The Playground coaches teach acting auditioning skills to young adults as an essential part of the acting class program. There are many essential auditioning skill components including:
- Commitment
- Physical preparation
- Script analysis
- Making choices
- Rehearsals
You can inquire about our eligibility for enrollment from the admission office to join our esteemed acting program. The artistic review process enables us to setup our acting program in a way in which you can blossom, grow, and move forward to live up to your expectations.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Drawing on more than 25 years of experience with young actors, Gary has crafted a unique program that is focused on preparing your child for Film and Television acting – and auditioning!
Children who attend The Playground will improve not just in their acting skills but in other areas of life too! Students at The Playground often experience; better speaking ability, better listening skills, improved reading comprehension, improved school performance and increased confidence.
Programs are available for children ages 6 to 18 at all experience levels. Acting is all about “play” and the best “playing” happens when the actor is relaxed and able to let creativity flow. This specific type of coaching happens between “setups” or each “take.”
While everyone is busy doing their job – hair and makeup, lighting, props, etc., Gary steps in for a few brief moments to work with the actor on the performance. All of this is done very quickly and without interfering with other craftspeople. Contact us to learn more about our acting program in Los Angeles.
Top Facilities
Our facilities are “state-of-the-industry” and provide theater style seating, Sony playback monitors, HD cameras, and studio-lighting. Gary Spatz and his staff of professional acting teachers nurture each student’s creativity to help them excel at on-camera work.
The staff are dedicated to helping young actors develop a personal technique for television and film. We train the young performers in the craft of acting.
Gary’s job as a TV or film set coach is very specific. The idea is to coordinate supporting the actor in achieving the best possible performance while helping the director and producers realize their vision. In order to do this effectively, Gary establishes a relationship of complete trust. He also buffers between the pressures of a shoot and the young talent’s creative process.
Make an appointment to visit our acting conservatory this weekend. We offer acting classes for kids and teens on the weekend, and we offer adults in person classes every Thursday. Contact us to to get started now.
Fairfax Acting Classes For Kids
Why Your Child Should Join Our Acting School in Fairfax
At The Playground Acting Conservatory in Fairfax, we believe in the power of performance to unlock every child’s potential. Our mission goes beyond teaching the technical aspects of acting—we aim to build life skills that will benefit kids in every area of their lives. Here’s why your child should take acting classes at The Playground Acting Conservatory:
Develop Self-Confidence: One of the greatest gifts that acting can offer is confidence. Stepping into a role and performing in front of an audience helps children overcome shyness and self-doubt. At The Playground in Fairfax, we create a safe and nurturing environment where kids are encouraged to take risks, express themselves freely, and discover their inner strength. Through regular performances and class exercises, children become more comfortable with public speaking and develop a sense of pride in their unique talents.
Strengthen Communication Skills: Acting classes in Fairfax are an incredible way for children to develop critical communication skills. Our classes focus on voice projection, articulation, active listening, and nonverbal communication. Whether they’re delivering a powerful monologue or working in an ensemble scene, kids learn how to effectively express their thoughts and emotions. These skills translate into better performance in school presentations, social interactions, and even leadership roles.
Encourage Creativity and Imagination: Creativity is at the heart of everything we do at The Playground Acting Conservatory in Fairfax. Acting allows children to explore different characters, stories, and worlds, helping them tap into their imaginations in ways that inspire originality and innovation. Whether through improvisation, character development, or scene study, kids are encouraged to think creatively and push the boundaries of their imagination, which nurtures a lifelong love of storytelling and artistic expression.
Build Social Skills and Teamwork: Acting is a collaborative art form, and our classes emphasize the importance of working together as a team. Children learn how to build trust with their classmates, take direction from teachers, and contribute their unique skills to a group effort. This collaborative environment fosters strong friendships and teaches kids the value of cooperation and respect for others’ ideas—skills that are essential both on and off the stage.
Professional Training in a Fun Environment: The Playground Acting Conservatory in Fairfax is dedicated to providing top-tier training in a way that’s engaging and enjoyable. Our instructors are seasoned professionals who understand the unique needs of young actors. They bring a wealth of experience, ensuring that each child receives personalized attention, constructive feedback, and plenty of opportunities to grow at their own pace.
Pathways to Success: Whether your child dreams of being on the big screen or simply wants to explore a new hobby, we offer a wide range of classes to suit all interests and skill levels. From introductory workshops to advanced technique classes, there’s something for everyone at The Playground. We also offer performance opportunities that allow students to showcase their talents and gain real-world experience in front of an audience.
Improve Your Child’s Self Esteem in Fairfax
At The Playground Acting Conservatory in Fairfax, we’ve seen firsthand how acting classes can have a profound impact on a child’s self-esteem. When kids step into our world of imagination, creativity, and expression, they begin to build confidence that stays with them far beyond the stage. Here’s how acting classes for kids improve self-esteem:
Encouragement to Step Out of Comfort Zones: Acting requires children to take risks and try new things. Whether it’s performing in front of others for the first time, exploring an unfamiliar role, or engaging in improvisation, kids constantly step out of their comfort zones in acting classes. At The Playground Acting Conservatory in Fairfax, we provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment where kids feel safe to take those risks. Each time they succeed in pushing their boundaries, their self-confidence grows.
Learning to Overcome Fear of Failure: In acting, mistakes are not only accepted but celebrated as part of the learning process. Kids quickly realize that there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to perform—each approach brings something unique to the table. As they engage in exercises and receive feedback from our experienced instructors, kids learn that it’s okay to stumble, and that failure is simply a stepping stone to growth. This mindset shift empowers them to approach new challenges with resilience and self-assurance.
Public Speaking and Communication: Public speaking is a common fear for many people, but acting classes help kids conquer that fear from a young age. Performing in front of an audience in Fairfax—whether it’s a classroom or a full theater—gives kids repeated opportunities to speak and be seen. The more they practice, the more comfortable and confident they become in their ability to communicate effectively. This newfound confidence often extends to school presentations, social interactions, and other areas of life where strong communication skills are key.
Individual Expression and Creativity: Acting allows kids in Fairfax to embrace who they are while exploring different sides of themselves through various roles and characters. At The Playground, we encourage kids to tap into their unique qualities and talents, helping them understand that their individuality is valuable. Through character work, improv, and scene study, children learn to trust their instincts, express themselves freely, and take pride in their creative choices. This validation of their ideas and self-expression boosts their self-esteem.
Positive Reinforcement: One of the most important elements of improving self-esteem is receiving positive reinforcement. Our instructors are skilled at providing constructive feedback that helps kids grow while also highlighting their strengths. Celebrating even small achievements—like memorizing lines or delivering an emotion-filled scene—reinforces kids’ belief in their own abilities and motivates them to continue pushing forward.
At The Playground Acting Conservatory in Fairfax, we’re committed to helping every child feel confident in who they are. Through acting, kids not only discover their creative voice but also gain the self-esteem to face life’s challenges with courage and positivity.
How Acting Classes For Kids Can Improve Speaking Skills
At The Playground Acting Conservatory, we understand that strong speaking skills are essential for success in many areas of life—whether in school, on the stage, or in everyday interactions. Acting classes in Fairfax are an excellent way for kids to develop these skills in a fun and creative environment. Here’s how our acting programs help kids improve their speaking abilities:
Voice Projection and Clarity: One of the fundamental elements of acting is the ability to project your voice so that every audience member can hear you clearly. In our classes in Fairfax, kids learn how to use their voices effectively, working on breath control, diction, and articulation. Through various exercises, they practice projecting their voice without shouting, allowing them to communicate powerfully and clearly in any setting. This training not only benefits their acting but also helps them with school presentations and everyday conversations.
Articulation and Diction: Clear speech is critical for delivering lines on stage, but it’s just as important for effective communication in real life. At The Playground Acting Conservatory in Fairfax, we focus on articulation and diction exercises to help kids speak clearly and with purpose. These exercises help them understand how to properly enunciate words and improve their ability to be understood. Kids who may have struggled with mumbling or unclear speech gain the tools they need to speak confidently and clearly, which boosts their communication in social and academic environments.
Improvisation and Quick Thinking: Acting classes often involve improvisation, where kids must think on their feet and speak spontaneously. These exercises encourage them to communicate their ideas quickly and coherently, even when they’re under pressure. By practicing improvisation, kids in Fairfax learn how to organize their thoughts and deliver their words with confidence, even in unpredictable situations. This skill becomes invaluable not just in acting but in social situations, debates, and public speaking engagements.
Nonverbal Communication and Expression: Speaking isn’t just about the words we use; it’s also about how we say them. Through acting, kids in Fairfax become more aware of their nonverbal communication—such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice—which enhances their overall speaking abilities. They learn how to match their physical expression to their verbal communication, making their speech more engaging and dynamic. This understanding of how to use gestures and tone to convey meaning is a powerful tool that helps kids connect more deeply with their audience, whether on stage or in conversation.
Building Confidence Through Repetition: The more kids practice speaking in front of others, the more comfortable and confident they become. Acting classes provide numerous opportunities for kids to perform, whether they’re delivering a monologue, participating in a scene, or engaging in group exercises. Each time they speak in front of their peers or an audience, they build confidence in their ability to communicate clearly and effectively. This repetition helps them become more relaxed and self-assured in all kinds of speaking situations.
At The Playground Acting Conservatory in Fairfax, we’re passionate about helping kids develop not just as actors but as confident, articulate communicators. Through voice training, improvisation, and performance practice, our classes help kids improve their speaking skills in a way that will benefit them both on and off the stage.
