Get Started With The Playground
Acting Classes For Teens in Sherman Oaks
Jump Start Your Child’s Life With The Best Young Acting Program!
Our acting classes in Sherman Oaks 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 Sherman Oaks
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 Sherman Oaks.
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 Sherman Oaks
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.
Sherman Oaks Acting Classes For Teens
Acting Techniques For Teens in Sherman Oaks
At The Playground, our acting school in Sherman Oaks, we are dedicated to helping teens unlock their full potential by teaching a wide variety of acting techniques and methods. Acting is an art form that requires skill, dedication, and the right guidance. Our instructors, who are industry professionals, bring a wealth of experience to the table, providing teens with the training they need to shine in every performance, whether it’s for stage, television, or film.
One of the core methods we teach at The Playground is the Meisner Technique. Developed by Sanford Meisner, this approach focuses on helping actors live truthfully under imaginary circumstances. For teens, it’s a powerful tool that teaches them to stay present in the moment and react authentically to their scene partners. Through repetition exercises and improvisational work, our students learn to trust their instincts and build natural, organic performances.
Another fundamental technique we emphasize is Stanislavski’s System, which is the foundation of modern acting. Stanislavski encourages actors to explore their character’s motivations, emotions, and objectives by drawing on their personal experiences and emotions. This method is particularly effective for teens as it helps them dive into character development and understand the emotional depth needed to deliver compelling performances. By learning to connect with their characters on a personal level, teens can create more believable and impactful roles.
The Method Acting Approach in Sherman Oaks
We also introduce our students to the Method Acting approach, made famous by actors like Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro. In this technique, actors immerse themselves fully in their characters, often using emotional memory to bring out real-life emotions in their performance. While this technique can be challenging, it helps teens learn how to use their own experiences to enhance their portrayal of complex characters, making them more versatile performers.
For teens who are interested in the physicality of acting in Sherman Oaks, we incorporate Michael Chekhov’s Technique. This method focuses on using movement, imagination, and physical gestures to unlock a character’s inner life. It’s particularly useful for young actors who are still discovering how to express themselves through their bodies. By practicing these techniques, teens at The Playground learn to bring a dynamic physicality to their roles, which is especially helpful in theater and film performances.
We also explore Practical Aesthetics, a technique developed by David Mamet and William H. Macy. Practical Aesthetics teaches actors how to break down scenes and focus on the objective of their characters, making it ideal for teens who want a structured, straightforward approach to acting. This method helps students focus on their actions and intentions rather than relying on emotional recall, which can make their performances more grounded and accessible.
At The Playground, we believe that the best actors are those who are well-rounded and adaptable. That’s why we provide our students with a comprehensive education in various techniques and acting styles. Each teen has the opportunity to explore different methods and discover what works best for them. Whether it’s the emotional depth of Method Acting, the precision of Stanislavski, or the spontaneity of Meisner, our goal is to equip teens in Sherman Oaks with a toolkit of techniques they can use in any acting situation.
Voice and Speech Training For Teens in Sherman Oaks
At The Playground, our acting school in Sherman Oaks, we understand that voice and speech are crucial tools for any actor. Whether on stage, in front of the camera, or in voiceover work, mastering vocal techniques allows teens to convey emotions, portray different characters, and connect with their audience on a deeper level. Our voice and speech training programs are designed specifically for teens, equipping them with the skills needed to express themselves confidently and authentically in any performance setting.
One of the key components of our training is vocal clarity. In acting, it’s essential that every word is understood, whether you’re performing in an intimate scene or projecting to the back of a theater. At The Playground, we teach teens proper enunciation and articulation techniques to help them speak clearly and crisply. Through vocal exercises, students learn how to form each sound properly, ensuring that they are always understood by their audience. This is especially important for young actors looking to transition into film or TV, where subtlety in speech can make all the difference.
In addition to clarity, we emphasize vocal strength and projection. Many teens in Sherman Oaks struggle with projecting their voice without straining or losing control, especially when performing in a large space. Our instructors teach students how to use their diaphragm to support their voice, allowing them to project with power and confidence while avoiding vocal fatigue. This technique is not only important for stage performances but also for public speaking and auditions where a strong voice is critical.
Voice Training is Vocal Variety
Another critical aspect of our voice training is vocal variety. Actors in Sherman Oaks need to be able to convey a wide range of emotions and characters through their voice alone. At The Playground, we help teens explore their vocal range, from tone and pitch to volume and rhythm. By practicing different vocal exercises, students learn how to adjust their voice to suit different roles, whether they’re playing a commanding leader, a shy introvert, or a quirky comedic character. This versatility allows them to bring more depth and nuance to their performances.
We also focus on accent and dialect training, which can open up more opportunities for young actors. In today’s global entertainment industry, the ability to perform in different accents can make a teen more marketable and versatile. At The Playground, we introduce teens to various accents and teach them the phonetic techniques needed to perform them convincingly. Whether it’s mastering a British accent for a Shakespearean play or perfecting a Southern drawl for a film role, our students learn how to embody characters from diverse backgrounds.
Breathing techniques are another fundamental element of our voice training program in Sherman Oaks. Proper breath control is essential for delivering long monologues, sustaining emotional intensity, and maintaining vocal health. Through breathing exercises, teens learn how to manage their breath during performances, allowing them to control their voice more effectively and speak with greater authority.
Monologue Preparation For Teens in Sherman Oaks
At The Playground, our acting school in Sherman Oaks, we believe that auditions are an essential stepping stone for any young actor looking to break into the industry. For teens, navigating auditions can be intimidating, but with the right training and preparation, they can approach every opportunity with confidence and skill. Our focus on audition techniques and monologue preparation is designed to help teens showcase their best work and stand out in any casting call.
Mastering Audition Techniques
Auditions are often brief, and actors must make a strong impression quickly. At The Playground in Sherman Oaks, we teach teens how to approach auditions with professionalism and poise. One of the first steps we emphasize is knowing the material. This may seem obvious, but it’s crucial. We train our students to thoroughly read scripts, understand the story, and know their character inside and out. This preparation allows teens to walk into an audition with a deep understanding of their role, helping them deliver more authentic performances.
Another key element of our training is teaching teens how to interpret directions during an audition. Casting directors often provide notes or adjustments mid-audition, and it’s essential that actors can take those instructions and immediately apply them to their performance. Our instructors work with students on flexibility, helping them practice making quick adjustments while maintaining a strong connection to the character.
We also cover the importance of body language and presence in the audition room. Teens in Sherman Oaks are taught how to use their physicality to convey confidence, even when they might feel nervous. Maintaining good posture, making eye contact, and staying calm under pressure are all skills we reinforce, ensuring that teens make a positive impression before they even begin their performance.
Monologue Preparation
One of the most common components of an audition is the monologue. Monologues are a fantastic way for teens to demonstrate their range and emotional depth, but they require careful preparation. At The Playground in Sherman Oaks, we guide teens through the process of selecting, analyzing, and performing monologues that best showcase their talents.
The first step in monologue preparation is choosing the right piece. We encourage teens to select monologues that resonate with them personally, as this will allow for a more genuine and impactful performance. Our instructors help students find monologues that align with their strengths while also challenging them to grow as performers. We focus on a mix of classical and contemporary pieces to ensure they’re well-rounded and prepared for any type of audition.
