If your child lights up when performing in their school play, now is the perfect time to help them nurture their budding talents through acting classes.
Richmond’s Gateway Theatre’s year-long Acting for Stage & Film program offers something rare: professional theatre education designed specifically for youth, taught by working artists and grounded in both creativity and real-world experience.
The program is part of Gateway’s growing youth performing arts academy and is open to students ages 11 to 18. Classes are divided into two age groups, each tailored to different experience levels and developmental needs. Limited spots are available in each class to facilitate individualized attention, enabling students to progress at their own pace and develop self-confidence.
“This is our first year offering the Acting for Stage & Film class to both age groups,” says Renee Fajardo, education manager at Gateway Theatre. “Last year’s trial with the older students went really well, so we’re excited to expand.”
The younger group, for ages 11 to 13, builds foundational skills in acting for both theatre and on-camera work.
The first half of the year is focused on ensemble-building, voice and movement, and performing in a short stage piece. In the second half, students begin learning how to act in front of a camera, experimenting with short, creative projects like commercials or scene work.
“It’s less about career prep at that age and more about building comfort and confidence,” Fajardo says.
“They’re learning to express themselves, to tell stories, and to feel at ease when a camera is pointed at them.”
For students ages 14 to 18, the program offers a deeper dive into acting technique, with more mature scripts and an emphasis on professional skills. In the second half of the year, students learn how to adapt their performance for the screen, including self-taping and audition preparation. The class culminates in a filmed monologue that students can take home.
“There’s more career-focused content for the older group,” Fajardo says.
“We talk about the audition process and help them build tools they can use if they’re thinking about acting as a future path.”
One of the program’s biggest strengths is its setting. These acting classes for youth take place inside Gateway’s professional theatre in Richmond, giving students unique access to the inner workings of a live performance space.
“We have a team of professional artists working in the building,” Fajardo says.
“Students sometimes observe rehearsals for our mainstage shows, or hear from technical directors and stage managers. They get a real sense of what it takes to put on a production.”
The learning goes far beyond performance. Gateway’s theatre and on-camera training emphasizes ensemble-building, collaboration and communication. Students learn how to give and receive feedback, how to problem-solve in a group, and how to manage their own learning process.
“These are skills that help in school, in public speaking and in future creative careers,” Fajardo says.
“Even just learning how to be comfortable on a video call can be a big confidence boost.”
Parents also benefit from being part of Gateway’s arts community.
Families enrolled in the year-long acting program receive discounts to professional shows and are notified when auditions arise for Gateway productions. Students interested in auditioning can receive guidance and support to help them prepare.
To learn more about Gateway’s drama classes for kids and teens or to register for the upcoming session, visit www.gatewaytheatre.com.
