Kids & Teens Acting Program

The Kids & Teens Acting Program includes Year I Kids Program, where students explore storytelling, movement, vocalization, character development, and ensemble work. It also offers Year II Kids Program, Year I Teen Program, Year II Teen Program, Year III and Above Ensembles, Improvisation and Sketch Comedy, Year III Standard Musical Theatre, Advanced Musical Theatre, Junior Players, Teen Players, and Teen Playwriting. Some classes meet once a week for 2 hours, and specific offerings have set Saturday, Tuesday, or Wednesday times.

Programs

• Year I Kids Program — Grades 3-6 · 1 day per week for 2 hours; class times vary by grade and day · Students explore storytelling, movement, vocalization and character development with an emphasis on ensemble work.
• Year I Teen Program — Grades 7-12 · 1 day per week for 2 hours; class times vary by grade and day
• Teen Playwriting — Ages 14-18 · Saturdays 9:00-11:00 a.m. · Write, read and discuss playwriting; learn the basics of play structure and work to find a unique voice. All levels welcome.
• Year II Kids Program — Grades 4-6 · 1 day per week for 2 hours; class times vary by grade and day · Second-year students refine skills and grow individual confidence, range, and understanding of character and story.
• Year II Teen Program — Grades 7-12 · 1 day per week for 2 hours; class times vary by grade and day
• Year III and Above Ensembles — Grades 5-12 · Tuesdays 4:00-6:00 p.m.; Saturdays 9:00-11:00 a.m.; Saturdays 1:30-3:30 p.m. · Students continue to explore characterization, emotional truth and availability, active pursuit of an objective and ensemble storytelling.
• Improvisation and Sketch Comedy — Grades 8-12 · Saturdays 11:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m. · Explores working within an ensemble and writers groups to create narrative-based sketches and improvised stories. Encourages truth in acting while cultivating comedic voice.
• Year III Standard Musical Theatre — Grades 8-12 · Saturdays 9:00-11:00 a.m. · $505 · Prepares the actor for audition and performance with emphasis on music and text interpretation, healthy use of voice, selection of material and audition techniques.
• Advanced Musical Theatre — Grades 9-12 · Saturdays 11:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m. · $505 · Students deepen their skills and delve deeper into character development and script analysis of a song, with an emphasis on using music and text to create strong objectives.
• Junior Players — Grades 5-8 · Tuesdays 4:00-6:00 p.m.; Saturdays 1:30-3:30 p.m. · $630 · Requires a full-year commitment of 30 weeks, with extra rehearsal time before public performances.
• Teen Players — Grades 9-12 · Wednesdays 5:00-7:00 p.m.; Saturdays 1:30-3:30 p.m. · $630 · Requires a full-year commitment of 30 weeks, with extra rehearsal time before public performances in May.

At a glance

• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Price range: $505–$630
• Current session: Fall Session (Sep 1–Nov 7, 2026); Winter Session (Jan 12–Mar 20, 2027); Spring Session (Mar 30–Jun 5, 2027)
• General schedule: SCR's Theatre Conservatory runs with Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions. New students are accepted into Fall and Winter; Spring is for returning students only.

About the provider

For more than five decades, the Theatre Conservatory and its staff of professional working artists have been an integral part of South Coast Repertory. Conservatory Director Hisa Takakuwa is mentioned, and classes are taught by a faculty of theatre professionals. South Coast Repertory is described as Orange County's Tony Award-winning theatre. The mission statement says the program is a safe and welcoming environment for children to build self-confidence, communication skills and creativity, and to develop creative problem-solvers, inspired communicators and innovative thinkers.

Tuition is $450 per 10-week session and $400 for each additional sibling, inclusive of fees. The sibling discount is automatically applied online. Spring session is for returning students only. Year I accepts new students into Fall and Winter. Year II requires completion of at least 2 sessions in Year I. Year III and above requires completion of at least 2 sessions in Year II. Junior and Teen Players require strong recommendations, an audition and interview process, and a full-year commitment.

What families say

“Current and past students talk about the quality of what they learn—and how Conservatory Director Hisa Takakuwa inspires them.” — Current and past students

Last updated September 13, 2026.