Best Acting Classes in Berkeley, CA

15 studios listed · 5 in Berkeley · 2 open 24/7 · 8 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+

Data verified October 16, 2026

Empowerhouse Acting Studio

Empowerhouse Acting Studio

5.0 77 reviews
“Melissa's ability to balance fun with growth is a testament to her skill as a teacher and mentor, ultimately leading to a rediscovery of the excitement that drew me to acting initially”
Open 24 hoursSince 2019
825 Bancroft Way
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The Marsh Arts Center

The Marsh Arts Center

4.7 61 reviews
“They always have nice shows but the seats are really uncomfortable”
Since 1998Prices online
2120 Allston Way
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Provocation Theatre

Provocation Theatre

4.9 33 reviews
“For enthusiasts and amateurs, beginners and pros, Berkeley Improv has something for everyone.”
Open 24 hoursSince 2023
2177 Bancroft Way
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Synergy Theater

Synergy Theater

Since 2012
1201 University Ave
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Actors Ensemble of Berkeley

Actors Ensemble of Berkeley

4.7 2 reviews
“These folks always put on a great show”
Since 1967Online lessons
41 Somerset Pl
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Film Acting Bay Area

Film Acting Bay Area

5.0 19 reviews
“Celik is what I called a genius in this industry, if you want to learn from the best than you have to just give it a test!”
Coupons & offersSince 2010
Emeryville, CA · 2 mi from Berkeley
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The 15 acting studios listed for Berkeley, CA are shown on this page. What each one teaches, whether it works on camera or on stage, and which ages it takes are read off its own website.

Area overview: Berkeley, CA

5 of the 15 studios we list are based in Berkeley; the other 10 serve Berkeley from towns including San Francisco (12 mi), Oakland (7 mi) and Emeryville (2 mi). The studios on this page are rated from 4.5 to 5.0 across 1,900 reviews; 7 have 50 or more reviews. 2 are open around the clock; 8 are open on Saturdays and 7 on Sundays. 12 have ten or more years of experience, the longest 44 years. 2 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 15 of the studios on this page; 12 publish a contact page; 12 list a public email and 2 take bookings online. We count these figures across the studios on this page; distances are straight-line, and hours and prices change, so confirm the details with the studio before you enroll.

Where do I find acting class terms, levels and timetables?

All 15 studios here list a site of their own, and that is where the term dates, the levels and the difference between an ongoing class and a one-off workshop get spelled out. Listings carry what each studio says about itself, so read the class page rather than the summary.

American Conservatory Theater

American Conservatory Theater

4.5 54 reviews
“The mezzanine is the ideal place to sit.”
Coupons & offersFrom $100/classAges 8–19Since 2002
San Francisco, CA · 12 mi from Berkeley
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Kids N' Dance

Kids N' Dance

4.7 55 reviews
“Our little dancer has been doing to Kids n'Dance since she was three and she loves it (even over Zoom!”
25% off sibling discountFrom $15/classAges 12 mo–8Since 1996
Oakland, CA · 7 mi from Berkeley
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Bats Improv Theatre

Bats Improv Theatre

4.7 50 reviews
“Simply one of the best improv places you can go to”
From $225/hrOnline lessons3 instructorsSince 1986
San Francisco, CA · 12 mi from Berkeley
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Book onlineBook
Contra Costa Civic Theatre

Contra Costa Civic Theatre

4.7 42 reviews
“Adventurous programming that is enjoyable and, sometimes, makes you think.”
Ages 7–17Since 1960
El Cerrito, CA · 3 mi from Berkeley
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Leela Improv Theatre

Leela Improv Theatre

4.8 30 reviews
“It seemed the facilitators level of expertise ranged but they were all good and very friendly.”
Since 2010
San Francisco, CA · 12 mi from Berkeley
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Book onlineBook
Voice One

Voice One

5.0 18 reviews
“Top quality working pros sharing real-world experience, great visiting instructors, top agents giving direct feedback, challenging and energizing classes.”
Ages 9–12Online lessonsSince 1989
San Francisco, CA · 12 mi from Berkeley
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Beverly Hills Playhouse

Beverly Hills Playhouse

4.9 24 reviews
“Forget how much more well-rounded of an actor I've become (which has been a drastic improvement, by the way), I feel like the biggest impact this class has had is on me as a person; I have learned so much about myself, and my emotional life, that 2 years ago I wouldn't even recognize myself”
Since 1982
San Francisco, CA · 12 mi from Berkeley
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Mr. d'S Music Club

Mr. d'S Music Club

4.9 12 reviews
“There's a little bit of everything offered, from singing to dancing, and all different genres of music are explored.”
Since 2012
Oakland, CA · 7 mi from Berkeley
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Seele Stars

Seele Stars

5.0 41 reviews
“Everyday was super fun, and it helped them overcome some of their performance anxiety.”
Since 2018
2 mi from Berkeley
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HomeActing Classes and WorkshopsCaliforniaBerkeley, CA

Why these companies made our list

What students and parents say about studios in and near Berkeley

  • “Melissa is an awesome teacher and amazing actor who knows how to lead her students to the point where you can be confident in your abilities which is important when going out for auditions and agent meetings.” — from a review of Empowerhouse Acting Studio
  • “The entire community--its teachers as well as its students--is incredibly supportive and ensures you have a safe, non-judgmental space to be creative and grow regardless of your prior (if any) experience with improv.” — from a review of Provocation Theatre
  • “Super easy to join. Jed was super professional and I could feel his love for improv and how much he wanted to share it with his students.” — from a review of Leela Improv Theatre
  • “If you’re serious about the craft of acting, I highly recommend Melissa as a teacher.” — from a review of Empowerhouse Acting Studio

Excerpts from public reviews of the studios listed on this page.

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