Whether your child is ready for the spotlight or working up the courage to try, these DMV theater programs offer a welcoming stage for every kind of kid.

Is your child ready for the spotlight or suffering from stage fright? Acting classes can be a great way to help children break out of their shell or explore new talents. Read up on some of the best theatre classes in the DMV.

WASHINGTON, DC

The Theatre Lab

This award-winning theatre program encourages students to take risks and develop their creative spirits. The Theatre Lab offers several school year and summer courses to help students develop confidence and acting skills. This organization was a finalist for Washington Parent Picks best DC day camps.

  • Address: 900 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC
  • Best ages: 8-16
  • Cost expectation: Prices vary based on level and type of production
  • Tip: Consider taking your child to an adult production at the Lab so they can get a feel for the experience.

The Keegan Theatre

An imaginative way for young kids to develop creative skills and social skills. Activities include interactive events surrounding featured Keegan plays and immersive play production activities.

  • Address: 1742 Church St. NW, Washington, DC
  • Best ages: 6-10
  • Cost expectation: Up to $20 for single day events, $500 per week of summer camp
  • Tip: See if Keegan has any programs at your child's school.

MARYLAND

Imagination Stage

Take your kids inside their favorite stories at Imagination Stage. While younger kids can take part in educational musical production courses, older students can explore social issues in the Theater for Change program. Imagination Stage was the winner of Washington Parent Picks best theater and performance venues.

  • Address: 4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda
  • Best ages: 6 and up
  • Cost expectation: Prices vary based on program
  • Tip: Use Theater for Change as an opportunity to discuss and learn about your child's social and political value system.

Drama Learning Center

Providing theater education for nearly 40 years, the Drama Learning Center offers programs that allow students to learn about all aspects of the production process.

  • Address: 9130 Red Branch Road Suite 1, Columbia
  • Best ages: 4-18
  • Cost expectation: $300-$700 for younger kids, $810-$875 for teen programs
  • Tip: Consider starting with a shorter "bootcamp" program to help your kids get a feel for the stage before diving into a full production.

VIRGINIA

Traveling Players

A great place to develop a variety of acting skills, Traveling Players' curriculum encompasses character creation, stage combat, improv, comedy and play reading. Classes are offered in a variety of formats from traditional performance to Dungeons & Dragons Improv.

  • Address: 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons
  • Best ages: 4 and up
  • Cost expectation: Prices vary based on program type
  • Tip: Improv can help kids develop social skills and think on their feet.

Lopez Studios

With various levels and focuses, Lopez Studios is a great location for students looking to develop specific skills or dive into more niche theatrical interests. Students from Lopez Studios have gone on to perform in Off-Broadway plays and in Netflix series.

  • Address: 11425 Isaac Newton Square, Reston
  • Best ages: 4 and up
  • Cost expectation: $425 per month
  • Tip: Explore the different class types to see what your child might be interested in.

Northern Virginia Performing Arts

Teaching a number of skills from dance to scene study to film, NoVAPA puts well-trained and impressive young actors center stage in a variety of shows in different genres.

  • Address: 18980 Upper Belmont Place, Leesburg
  • Best ages: 5 and up
  • Cost expectation: $300-$1,000
  • Tip: Consider bringing toddlers to a Parent & Me Dance class.

Alexandria Children's Theatre

A welcoming environment for children of all levels and backgrounds, ACT encourages children to come together and get on stage. Scholarships are available for all winter programs.

  • Address: 3700 Burgundy Road, Alexandria, and 1200 N Quaker Lane, Alexandria
  • Best ages: 4-14
  • Cost expectation: $1,200
  • Tip: Encourage your child to step out of their shell at camp and try new things.

Moonlit Wings

Give your kids a chance to soar at Moonlit Wings. With drama classes inspired by popular stories and stage interpretations of films like "KPop Demon Hunters," Moonlit Wings is a fun and unique theater experience.

  • Address: Locations vary based on program; private in-home classes available. Check the website for more details.
  • Best ages: 7-14
  • Cost expectation: $1,440 for two-week programs, $720 for one-week programs
  • Tip: If your kids love Moonlit programs, consider booking an acting workshop for their birthday.