Behind the Curtain: What Your Child Actually Does in Acting Class

“So… what do they do in there?”

The real answer is something parents don’t usually expect.

They learn to be present.

Not in the sit-still, pay-attention way. In the full-bodies, available-to-the-moment way that acting actually requires, and that most of us lose somewhere around age nine.

Every part of class is built to protect that, grow it, and give kids a place to practice it with other kids doing the same thing.

Here’s what that looks like in an actual class at West End Playhouse.

Warm-Up (10–15 minutes)

We check in with each other first. Names, how the day went, what’s been happening during the week. Even kids who only see each other once a week start to develop real friends in these moments.

And it’s important.

In a creative space, it’s important to build these relationships because you can’t take risks in front of people you don’t feel comfortable with.

Then we get moving.

Hands shake out. Bodies stretch. Voices warm up. We play games like Zip Zap Zop, or Sound Ball that are fast, loud and a little ridiculous.

The goal is to get kids out of their heads, where they might be feeling self conscious, and into their bodies where we’re just having fun.

A warmed-up and relaxed actor is a present actor.

The Main Activities (55-70 minutes)

Depending on the class and the week, students might:

• Play some improv games that train listening and quick thinking
• Work on a short scene with a partner
• Explore a character through voice or movement
• Rehearse lines and blocking for an upcoming showcase

Every activity is planned and has a purpose. But truthfully, my favourite moments are when we go off script and let our imaginations take us someplace new. It looks like chaos and it feels a little wild, but man, is it fun.

What often looks like kids being loud is usually just kids using their imagination to come up with a character/scene, committing to an impulse, or trying something new. …And sometimes it’s because we’re fighting over costumes and props, but that’s all part of the learning process too.

Actors spend years working on these skills, kids do them naturally.

Cool-Down and Reflection (5–10 minutes)

We come back together at the end. Sometimes it’s a quick game. Sometimes we share something that surprised us, something we noticed, or how we felt.

It’s always surprising how aware kids are of what’s happening around them or with others. It’s the part of the class I love the most.

It helps kids feel seen. Kids that might not feel that in their everyday at school. It’s what helps build confidence and self-awareness. And it’s kid led.

What you’ll notice at pickup:

Your child will probably be slightly out of breath.

Possibly still in character.

And likely leaving with more energy than they started with.

…sorry about that.

Come see for yourself.