With spring and summer quickly approaching, now is a perfect time to start looking for youth acting programs. Theatre is an excellent way for children and teens to make new friends, acquire new skills, get out of their comfort zones and learn about the arts and culture. Here are a few nearby theatres and performing arts centers to check out! 

Williamson County Performing Arts Center in Franklin

Williamson County Parks and Rec operates an award-winning children’s theater program at the Performing Arts Center. Here is a look at the programs offered:

Star Bright Players Children Theatre: This program is for ages eight to high school seniors. The program includes two large musical productions per year, spring and fall. Performances usually take place in early May and early December.

Rising Stars: This program is for the younger performers, first through eighth grade. Rising Stars offers two productions a year in early summer and winter, with a maximum of forty-five  participants.

Straight to the Stars Youth Theatre: This is the newest addition to the theatre scene. Straight to the Stars produces one non-musical play starring high school actors (freshman to senior) during the summer.

For more information, visit wcpactn.com.

Act Too Players- School of Music and Theatre in Franklin

Act Too Players produces extraordinary theatrical experiences for kids and teens in an inclusive, empowering and empathetic atmosphere. The goal is to encourage young people to develop a positive self-image as they increase awareness of their physical being, along with improving coordination skills, theatre education, communication skills and enhance imagination.

Act Too Players offers full production classes, acting classes, vocal classes, dance classes, private lessons, summer camps, day camps and summer shows. For more information about classes and camps, visit acttooplayers.com.

Expression City in Brentwood

Expression City provides all the performing arts under one roof at the wonderful Roy E. Barberi Theatre. Instructors work with students who are new to the craft as well as seasoned actors wanting to perfect their skills. At Expression City, children and teens will enjoy safe, non-judgmental coaching and encouragement to work authentically, learn from honest feedback and that it is okay to make mistakes. 

Expression City provides acting and musical theatre classes for all ages, circus classes and summer camps. To learn more, visit expressioncity.com. 

Stage Right School of Performing Arts in Spring Hill

At Stage Right School of Performing Arts, children can learn to sing and dance while exploring various dance styles used in Broadway. The school emphasizes learning performance skills to help connect with the audience and tell a story  through dance and facial expressions.

Dance and ballet classes are also offered. Visit stageright615.com to learn more about classes.