Kids and teen acting classes in Los Angeles

LA acting schools that teach kids and teens, with formats, stated prices and audit policies, plus what parents should check, including work permits.

By Arlo EditorsPublished October 8, 2026Updated October 8, 20264 min read

Live data as of October 8, 2026

Key takeaways

As of October 8, 2026, 74 of the 238 Los Angeles acting schools on Arlo say on their own sites that they teach kids or teens (58 list kids, 68 list teens).
Of those 74 schools, 28 publish a price, 17 state an audit policy, and 49 state online classes (as of October 8, 2026).
California requires an Entertainment Work Permit for minors from 15 days old through 17 who work in entertainment; the six-month permit is free (California Labor Commissioner, checked October 8, 2026).

Figures come from Arlo's live directory and update hourly. Free to cite with a link to this page.

What a good kids or teen class looks like

For many children, an acting class is about confidence, imagination, listening and having fun with other kids, not about getting cast. Look for a class built for your child's age: shorter exercises and games suit younger children, while teens can take on scene work and on-camera practice. A class that treats an eight-year-old like a working adult actor is a warning sign, and so is one that sells itself mainly on access to agents or casting.

LA schools group young students in different ways. Some run separate kids and teen classes by age band; some mix ages within a range; some teach teens alongside adults. The school list below shows the age groups each school states on its own site (kids, teens, adults) and the formats it offers, such as weekly classes, multi-week courses, camps and intensives, or private coaching.

LA schools that teach kids and teens

As of October 8, 2026, 74 schools in Arlo's directory list kids or teens among the ages they teach. Ages, formats and prices are as each school states them on its own site; audit policies are Arlo's short summary of the school's pages.

List kids: 58
List teens: 68
State online classes: 49
Publish a price: 28

3-2-1 Acting Studios
La Crescenta
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
In person, Online, Drop-in, Ongoing weekly
Price as stated
$372-$745 for 10 classes
Audits
Not stated
Source: 321talentshowcase.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
A Noise Within
Pasadena
Ages
Kids, Teens
Formats
Not stated
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: anoisewithin.org· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
About The Work Actors Studio
Hollywood
Ages
Adults, Teens
Formats
In person, Online, Multi-week course, Private coaching
Price as stated
3 monthly payments of $329 for Groundwork Engineer Level (12 week series); $145 per hour private audition coaching
Audits
Free
Source: about-the-work.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
ACT-1 Academy for Children's Theatre
Sherman Oaks
Ages
Teens, Kids
Formats
Not stated
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: act1la.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Actor's Edge
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
In person, Online, Private coaching
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: actorsedge.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Actors Comedy Studio
Ages
Adults, Teens
Formats
Online, Multi-week course, Ongoing weekly, Intensive, Workshop, Private coaching
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: actorscomedystudio.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
AGB Studios
Glendale
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Multi-week course, Intensive, Private coaching
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: agbstudios.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Alexia Robinson Studio
Valley Village
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Workshop, Private coaching
Price as stated
$150-$250 per month
Audits
Free
Source: alexiarobinsonstudio.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Alice Carter Studio
North Hollywood
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
Ongoing weekly, Multi-week course, Private coaching
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Offered, cost not stated
Source: alicecarterstudio.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Anthony Meindl's Actor Workshop
Hollywood
Ages
Adults, Kids
Formats
Online, Workshop
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Free
Source: anthonymeindl.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Art of Acting Studio
Hollywood
Ages
Adults, Teens
Formats
In person, Online, Multi-week course, Intensive, Workshop
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Offered, cost not stated
Source: artofactingstudio.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Berg Studios
Atwater Village
Ages
Adults, Teens
Formats
In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Multi-week course, Workshop, Private coaching +1
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Free
Source: bergstudios.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

Show 62 more schools

Best Acting Schools
Ages
Adults, Kids
Formats
Online, Multi-week course, Private coaching
Price as stated
$50-$150/hour; $300 per 4-week group class
Audits
Not stated
Source: best-acting-schools.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Beverly Hills Playhouse
Beverly Hills
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
Ongoing weekly, Multi-week course, Intensive, Workshop, Private coaching
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Offered, cost not stated
Source: bhplayhouse.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Bow Street Academy LA
1041 N Formosa Ave
Ages
Adults, Teens
Formats
Multi-week course, Intensive, Workshop
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Offered, cost not stated
Source: bowstreetacademy.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
ComedySportz LA
Burbank
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
Multi-week course, Intensive, Ongoing weekly, Workshop
Price as stated
$65 for a 3-hour intensive; $275–$300 per 6-week class
Audits
Not stated
Source: cszla.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
David Gray Studios
Burbank
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
In person, Online, Private coaching, Workshop
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: davidgraystudios.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Debbie Allen Dance Academy
Koreatown
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
Online, Ongoing weekly, Intensive, Workshop
Price as stated
$22 single class - $600/Month
Audits
Not stated
Source: debbieallendanceacademy.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Deborah Lemen Acting Studio
Los Feliz
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
Multi-week course, Intensive, Workshop, Private coaching
Price as stated
$305-$650 for Kids/Teen/Adult Acting sessions
Audits
Not stated
Source: deborahlemenactingstudio.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Deena Freeman Kids & Teens Acting Studio
Ages
Teens, Kids
Formats
In person, Online, Workshop
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: deenafreeman.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Ellen Gerstein's Acting Workshop
Hollywood
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
In person, Online, Workshop, Private coaching
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: ellengerstein.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Film Actors Cafe
West Hollywood
Ages
Adults, Teens
Formats
In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Workshop, Private coaching
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: filmactorscafe.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Gary Spatz's The Playground
West LA
Ages
Kids, Teens, Adults
Formats
In person, Ongoing weekly, Workshop, Private coaching
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Free
Source: theplayground.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Graham Shiels Studios
Mid-Wilshire
Ages
Adults, Teens
Formats
In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Intensive, Workshop, Private coaching
Price as stated
$295-$320 per 4 classes
Audits
Free
Source: grahamshielsstudios.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Howard Fine Acting Studio
Hollywood
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
In person, Online, Multi-week course, Workshop
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: howardfine.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
John D’Aquino’s Actors Workshop
Burbank
Ages
Kids, Teens, Adults
Formats
Online, Ongoing weekly, Multi-week course, Workshop, Private coaching
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: johndaquino.net· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
John Rosenfeld Studios
West LA
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Workshop, Private coaching
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Free
Source: johnrosenfeld.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Joshua LeBar Studios
North Hollywood
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
In person, Online, Private coaching
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: joshualebarstudios.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Just Be Acting Studio
North Hollywood
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Multi-week course, Intensive, Private coaching
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: justbeactingstudio.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Katt Shea Acting Classes
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
Online, Ongoing weekly, Private coaching
Price as stated
$289-$400 per month
Audits
Not stated
Source: kattshea.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Keep It Real Acting Studios
North Hollywood
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
Online, Intensive, Workshop, Private coaching
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: keepitrealacting.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Kids On Stage
Santa Monica
Ages
Teens, Kids
Formats
Online, Multi-week course, Workshop, Private coaching
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: kidsonstage.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
LA Connection Comedy Theater
Burbank
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
Multi-week course, Private coaching
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: laconnectioncomedy.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Lesly Kahn & Company
Hollywood
Ages
Adults, Teens
Formats
In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Intensive, Workshop, Private coaching
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: leslykahn.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Lineage Performing Arts Center
Pasadena
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
Workshop
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: lineagepac.org· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Long Beach Playhouse
Long Beach
Ages
Adults, Kids
Formats
Ongoing weekly, Workshop
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: lbplayhouse.org· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Los Angeles Community of Acting and Entertainment
North Hollywood
Ages
Adults, Teens
Formats
Online, Drop-in, Multi-week course, Intensive, Workshop, Private coaching
Price as stated
$60-$395 per class or camp
Audits
Not stated
Source: la-cae.org· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Los Angeles School of Comedy
Westwood
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
Multi-week course, Workshop, Private coaching
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: laschoolofcomedy.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
LS Acting Studios
Fairfax
Ages
Adults, Teens
Formats
In person, Online, Multi-week course
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: lsactingstudios.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Lyric Hyperion
Silver Lake
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
Not stated
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: lyrichyperion.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Margie Haber Studio
Studio City
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Multi-week course, Intensive, Workshop +1
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not offered
Source: margiehaber.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Marnie Cooper School of Acting
Studio City
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
In person, Online, Ongoing weekly
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: howdoiact.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Michelle Danner Acting Studio
Santa Monica
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
In person, Online, Multi-week course, Intensive, Workshop, Private coaching
Price as stated
$250 for 4-Week Program; $400 for 8-Week Intensive
Audits
Not stated
Source: michelledanner.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Musical Theatre West
Long Beach
Ages
Kids, Teens, Adults
Formats
Workshop, Drop-in
Price as stated
$15 ($20 at the door) for Wednesday classes; $25 ($30 at the door) for Holiday Spectacular
Audits
Not stated
Source: musical.org· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Pasadena Playhouse
Pasadena
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
Not stated
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: pasadenaplayhouse.org· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Posey Acting Academy
Glendale
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Private coaching
Price as stated
$149/mo Adult Academy · $199/mo Youth Academy
Audits
Not stated
Source: poseyactingacademy.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Ruskin School of Acting
Santa Monica
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
In person, Online, Multi-week course, Ongoing weekly
Price as stated
$25 per class-$480 per session
Audits
Not stated
Source: ruskinschool.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Shari Shaw Studios
Studio City
Ages
Adults, Kids
Formats
In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Multi-week course, Intensive, Workshop +1
Price as stated
$275-$300 for 4 consecutive classes
Audits
Not stated
Source: sharishaw.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
SIMPLY ACTING INC
Sherman Oaks
Ages
Kids, Teens, Adults
Formats
In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Multi-week course, Private coaching
Price as stated
$320 for 4 classes, $540 for 8 classes
Audits
Not stated
Source: simplyactinginc.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Speiser/Sturges Acting Studio
Ages
Adults, Teens
Formats
In person, Online, Multi-week course, Workshop, Intensive, Private coaching
Price as stated
$900 per nine-week Technique program
Audits
Not stated
Source: speisersturges.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Stella Adler Academy of Acting - Los Angeles
Hollywood
Ages
Adults, Teens
Formats
In person, Online, Multi-week course, Intensive, Workshop
Price as stated
$800-$900 per 8 Weeks
Audits
Not stated
Source: stellaadler.la· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Studio For Performing Arts Los Angeles
West Hollywood
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Multi-week course, Intensive, Workshop +1
Price as stated
$199 per 7-week class
Audits
Not stated
Source: studioforperformingarts.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Susan Giosa Acting Studio
Santa Monica
Ages
Adults, Kids, Teens
Formats
In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Multi-week course, Workshop, Private coaching
Price as stated
$160-$560 per 4 week cycle
Audits
Fee
Source: susangiosa.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Talent House Academy
Highland Park
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
In person, Online, Workshop
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: talenthouseacademy.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
The Actors Circle
Culver City
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
Ongoing weekly, Private coaching
Price as stated
$45-$60 per class; $162-$504 for 4-12 weeks
Audits
Not stated
Source: theactorscircle.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
The Actors Company
West Hollywood
Ages
Adults, Teens
Formats
Ongoing weekly, Multi-week course, Intensive, Workshop, Private coaching
Price as stated
$240–$300 per month
Audits
Not stated
Source: theactorscompanyla.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
The Adderley School
Pacific Palisades
Ages
Kids, Teens
Formats
Not stated
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: theadderleyschool.org· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
The AFA Studio
Toluca Lake
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Private coaching
Price as stated
$240–$280 per month
Audits
Not stated
Source: theafastudio.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
The Barrow Group
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
Online, Multi-week course, Workshop, Intensive
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Fee
Source: barrowgroup.org· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
The Crow Comedy
Santa Monica
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
Multi-week course
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: crowcomedy.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
The FanaticSalon Theater
Brentwood
Ages
Teens, Adults
Formats
Drop-in, Workshop
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: fanaticsalon.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
The Groundlings
West Hollywood
Ages
Adults, Teens
Formats
In person, Online, Drop-in, Multi-week course, Workshop
Price as stated
$55-$850 per course (1 to 12 sessions)
Audits
Not stated
Source: groundlings.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
The Heller Approach Acting Studio
North Hollywood
Ages
Adults, Teens
Formats
In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Private coaching
Price as stated
$295-$495 per month
Audits
Not stated
Source: thehellerapproach.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute - Los Angeles
West Hollywood
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
Online, Multi-week course, Intensive, Workshop
Price as stated
$800-$1935 per 12 Weeks
Audits
Not stated
Source: strasberg.edu· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
The Pico
Beverly Hills
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
Ongoing weekly, Multi-week course
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: thepico.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
The Sustainable Artist Studio
Van Nuys
Ages
Adults, Kids
Formats
Online, Private coaching
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: sustainableartiststudio.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
The Voiceover Academy
Burbank
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
In person, Online, Multi-week course, Workshop, Private coaching
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: thevoiceoveracademy.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
The Young Actor's Studio
North Hollywood
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Workshop, Private coaching, Intensive
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: youngactorsstudio.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Tiny Spotlight Children's Theatre Academy
Studio City
Ages
Kids
Formats
Private coaching, Intensive
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: tinyspotlightla.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Westside Comedy Theater
Santa Monica
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
Drop-in, Multi-week course
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not offered
Source: westsidecomedy.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
YADA - Youth Academy of Dramatic Arts
Studio City
Ages
Kids, Teens
Formats
In person, Workshop, Multi-week course, Ongoing weekly, Intensive, Private coaching
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: yada.org· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Young Actors Camp
Atwater Village
Ages
Kids, Teens, Adults
Formats
Intensive
Price as stated
Not published
Audits
Not stated
Source: youngactorscamp.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Young Actors Space
North Hollywood
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
In person, Online, Multi-week course, Workshop, Intensive, Private coaching
Price as stated
$300-$600 per multi-week class
Audits
Offered, cost not stated
Source: youngactorsspace.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →
Zak Barnett Studios
Mid-Wilshire
Ages
Adults, Teens, Kids
Formats
In person, Online, Ongoing weekly, Multi-week course, Intensive, Private coaching
Price as stated
$325 every four weeks (CORE, 12-week commitment) to $400 every four weeks (CRAFT, 12-week commitment); without commitmen
Audits
Fee
Source: zakbarnett.com· Last checked October 8, 2026· Arlo profile →

Classes and free programs now

Gary Spatz's The Playground: Free acting class
One free trial class at a private acting school, offered for kids, teens and adults, before any paid enrollment.
All ages; the page groups students as kids, teens and adults. · One free class. The page says program pricing follows the trial. · Checked October 8, 2026 · Official page
Berg Studios: Free acting class (class audit)
A free introductory session with a guided introduction to the studio's technique, live demonstrations and a chance to meet the teachers.
Open to everyone, per the page · Free · Checked October 8, 2026 · Official page
The Actors' Gang: Free afterschool programs
Free after-school theater programs run by the company's education department on school campuses across Los Angeles County and at the Ivy Substation in Culver City.
Students in Los Angeles County; ages not stated · Free · Checked October 8, 2026 · Official page

What parents should check before enrolling

Age grouping. Which ages are in the room together? A narrow age range may be easier to teach well than a class mixing young children and older teens.
Class size and staffing. How many students per teacher? Is there an assistant for younger groups?
Who teaches, and how staff are screened. Ask about the teacher's background with young students, and whether staff who work with minors are background-checked. Schools should be glad you asked.
Parent observation. Can you watch a class, or at least the last few minutes? Is there a showcase or a parent day? A school that never lets parents see the work deserves a closer look.
What it costs in total. Tuition, registration, materials, and any showcase, headshot or performance fees. Ask what is required and what is optional.
Schedule and commitment. Weekly classes, a fixed-length course, or a holiday camp? What happens if your child misses a class or wants to stop?
Online or in person. Several schools state online classes for young students. Ask how an online class keeps younger children engaged and how much each child gets to perform.
Promises about work. No class can promise auditions, agents or roles, and a pitch built on those promises is a red flag. California law limits what talent services may charge for; see the casting workshop guide.

Is your child ready for a class?

A good starting question is simple: does your child want to do it? A child who loves putting on shows at home, joins school plays, or keeps asking about acting is likely to enjoy a class. A child signed up mainly for a parent's goals may not, so let their interest lead.

Ask your child what sounds fun: games and making things up, performing a scene, being on camera, or singing and dancing. That points to an improv, drama, on-camera or musical theater class.
Start short. A camp, a holiday workshop or a few-week course is a low-risk first step before a longer commitment.
Talk afterward. Ask what they did, what was hard, and whether they want to go back. Their answers tell you more than any brochure.

For online classes, ask how the teacher manages the virtual room for young students, whether sessions are recorded and who can see the recordings, and whether a parent should be nearby during class.

Work permits: what California requires

If your child moves from classes into paid work, California's rules for minors apply. According to the California Labor Commissioner's page on Entertainment Work Permits, minors from 15 days old through 17 need an Entertainment Work Permit to work in the entertainment industry in California. A parent or guardian applies through the Labor Commissioner's Office, online or by mail.

A temporary permit: a one-time 10-day permit for first-time applicants aged 15 days to 15 years. The page lists a $50 fee.
A six-month permit: free, and renewable until the child turns 18. The documents required depend on age and schooling (for example infants, school-age children and homeschooled students).
Training for older teens: the Labor Commissioner's main permit page says applicants aged 14 to 17 must complete sexual harassment prevention training.

The Labor Commissioner's pages describe permits for work. They do not say a permit is needed to take a class. If a class includes paid work, filming for release or a production, ask the school how it handles permits. This is general information, not legal advice; check the official pages for current rules and fees.

From classes to auditions, if your child wants it

Ordinary weekly classes, school plays and summer programs are worth enjoying for their own sake. If your child is serious about auditioning, an on-camera or audition class for their age group is the usual next step, because screen auditions ask for different skills than a stage performance. The on-camera and self-tape guide explains what those classes cover.

Be wary of anyone who says your child must pay for a package of headshots, a specific photographer or a showcase before they can be seen by agents. Be cautious whenever the people offering representation or access are also the ones selling you the services.

Questions actors ask

Where can my child take acting classes in Los Angeles?

As of October 8, 2026, 74 LA acting schools on Arlo say they teach kids or teens, each listed in this guide with its stated ages, formats and price. Audit or ask to observe before you enroll.

What ages do LA kids acting classes start at?

It varies by school. Arlo records the age groups each school states (kids, teens, adults) rather than exact minimum ages: as of October 8, 2026, 58 schools list kids and 68 list teens, and 52 list both. Ask each school for its age bands.

Are there online acting classes for kids and teens?

Yes. As of October 8, 2026, 49 of the 74 LA schools that teach kids or teens state online classes on their own sites. Ask how an online class keeps students engaged and how often each child performs.

Are there free acting programs for kids in LA?

A few. As of October 8, 2026, Arlo confirmed free acting class at Gary Spatz's The Playground, free acting class (class audit) at Berg Studios, and free afterschool programs at The Actors' Gang on official pages. Check each page for ages and dates.

Should my child take an in-person or online acting class?

Either can work. In-person classes give children a room of peers to play and perform with; online classes save driving and can suit teens practicing on-camera skills. Ask how each format keeps students engaged.

Does my child need a work permit to take acting classes in California?

The Labor Commissioner's Entertainment Work Permit pages cover minors working in entertainment; they do not say a permit is required for classes. If a class involves paid work or a production, ask the school how it handles permits.

Sources

Procedures for obtaining an Entertainment Work Permit for minors · California Labor Commissioner's Office (DLSE) · accessed October 8, 2026
Entertainment Work Permit for minors · California Labor Commissioner's Office (DLSE) · accessed October 8, 2026
School facts: each school's own website, as recorded on its Arlo profile with the date last checked.

How we made this guide

Written by Arlo Editors. School facts come from each school's own website: Arlo's software reads the school's pages and keeps only facts the page text supports, with the date it was checked. Background on techniques and rules comes from the sources listed above. Lists are alphabetical unless a section says otherwise. Schools cannot pay to appear in a guide or to change their place in it, and Arlo does not rate teachers. Read Arlo's methodology or report a correction.

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