The Upper West Side offers 19 theater classes across two studios, with programming that spans infants through early elementary ages. Most sessions take place at Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, ranging from $45 baby classes to $525 for drop-off musical theater instruction. Improv and performance fundamentals dominate the schedule, with both weekday and weekend options available. Browse all upcoming sessions below to find an age-appropriate fit.
In this after school class students will collaborate to make their own shorts films and learn screenwriting, camera operation, acting, directing, editing and sound design! The semester ends with a screening for friends and family.
A 13-session class series for grades 2–5 at Play On! Studios, priced at $700 per class. Sessions are held at the studio, with a structured format for registered participants.
Acting Fundamentals at Broadway Rise introduces core theater techniques through scene work and improvisation. This class builds performance skills in a structured studio setting.
In Musical Theater Builders , children experiment with theatrical improv to develop original stories and characters. New lyrics are created, based on the children’s ideas, and set to famous Operatic, Symphonic, and Musical Theater hit tunes—often with very comic effect! On the final day of class the group performs their original musical sketch comedy revue for friends and family! Each class is accompanied by a conservatory-trained musician. Class size is limited, ensuring that each child is given the opportunity to make their own unique contribution. This is one of Creative Stage's most popular classes and has been taught at schools throughout Manhattan since 2013. In fact, it’s become so popular that a spin-off theater troupe—our nonprofit company, Creative Stage Collective —was formed based on the Creative Stage Method! If you’d like to learn more about the Creative Stage Collective performing troupe, come to a show, or get involved, visit our website at: creativestagecollective.com or follow us on Instagram: @creativestagecollective QUICK FACTS Time: 3:15 PM–5:00 PM (Free after-school pickup at 2:40 PM for PS 333 students; flexible parent pickup from 5:00–5:30 PM) Location: Classes held in the Manhattan School for Children building at 154 W 93rd St. No need to be a confident singer —kids of all comfort levels are welcome! Previous performing experience is helpful but not necessary. Interested in financial aid? Contact us at: info@creativestage.org
What do you get when you combine SNL-style sketches, with music by great composers ranging from Mozart, to Salt n Pepa?-- Musical Theater Builders! Through the use of various improvisational games and exercises students and instructors work together to develop characters and comic sketches. Next, an original script is created based on the characters and ideas the students create through improvisation. Comic lyrics are devised and set famous tunes by great composers and song writers. Then students rehearse and perform their show, complete with group and solo singing, theatrics and dance moves. On the final day of class the group performs their original musical sketch comedy revue for friends and family! Class size is limited, ensuring that each child is given the opportunity to make their own unique contribution. This is one of Creative Stage's most popular classes and has been taught at schools throughout Manhattan since 2013. In fact, it’s become so popular that a spin-off theater troupe—our nonprofit company, Creative Stage Collective—was formed based on the Creative Stage Method! If you’d like to learn more about the Creative Stage Collective performing troupe, come to a show, or get involved, visit our website at: creativestagecollective.com or follow us on Instagram: @creativestagecollective QUICK FACTS Time: 3:15 PM–5:00 PM (Free after-school pickup at 2:40 PM for PS 333 students; flexible parent pickup from 5:00–5:30 PM) Location: Classes held in the Manhattan School for Children building at 154 W 93rd St. No need to be a confident singer —kids of all comfort levels are welcome! Previous performing experience is helpful but not necessary. Interested in financial aid? Contact us at: info@creativestage.org
In Creative Stage Filmmakers Workshop focuses on storytelling through the medium of film. Kids will be introduced to all stages of the filmmaking process from story-boarding, to filming, directing, producing, acting and editing, as they work together to create an original comic short film! Led by industry professionals, students gain the insider tips and tools they need, to unleash their creative vision. *kids will spend time outside filming "on location" in local parks, weather permitting.
Sunday afternoon stand-up comedy writing workshop, 2-4 PM, with group exercises and guest comedians. Open only to those who have previously taken part in Kids 'N Comedy monthly shows, classes or workshops.
Sunday afternoon stand-up comedy writing workshop with group exercises and writing games, for advanced comedy students. Open only to those who have previously taken part in Kids 'N Comedy monthly shows, classes or workshops (2+ years in the program or advanced students).
In this class, kids will dive right into creating a short film! Weekend Workshops run for three consecutive Saturdays from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. 1st Saturday: Intro to storytelling, screenwriting and acting games. 2nd Saturday: Production. 3rd Saturday: Intro to editing and post-production. At the end of the session, students will have a collaborative movie to share with friends and family!
In this class, kids will dive right into creating a short film! Weekend Workshops run for three consecutive Saturdays from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. 1st Saturday: Intro to storytelling, screenwriting and acting games. 2nd Saturday: Production. 3rd Saturday: Intro to editing and post-production. At the end of the session, students will have a collaborative movie to share with friends and family!
Sunday afternoon stand-up comedy writing workshop, 2-4 PM, with group exercises and guest comedians. Open only to those who have previously taken part in Kids 'N Comedy monthly shows, classes or workshops.
Sunday afternoon stand-up comedy writing workshop with group exercises and writing games, for advanced comedy students. Open only to those who have previously taken part in Kids 'N Comedy monthly shows, classes or workshops (2+ years in the program or advanced students).
In this after school class students will collaborate to make their own shorts films and learn screenwriting, camera operation, acting, directing, editing and sound design! The semester ends with a screening for friends and family.
What ages are theater classes for in Upper West Side?
Most theater classes in Upper West Side run for ages 3 years through 12 years (and teen classes for some studios). Specific age bands are listed on each class page so you can filter by what fits your child.
How much do theater classes cost in Upper West Side?
Prices in Upper West Side range from about $30 through $65 per class; semester packages are typical. Free events and drop-in pricing are flagged on each class card.
Do I need to register in advance for theater classes?
Most studio-run theater classes require advance registration through the studio's booking page. Library and city-park theater programs are typically drop-in, though some popular sessions release a limited number of tickets in advance.