Performing Arts, Music, & Theater Classes and Programs for Kids in Manhattan

UPDATED November 2019: Whether you are introducing your toddler to music and creative movement classes or a high schooler preparing for a career in stage and film, this guide offers the options for music, theater, and other performing arts programs in Manhattan. You’ll find resources for at-home music and voice lessons, as well as after-school private and group classes in a studio setting. Various types of musical instruction are available at these music and theater programs in New York City, whether you’re looking for traditional lessons, mommy-and-me music and movement programs, or your kid just wants to learn to play guitar in a rock band. If your child is more of a thespian, there are after-school musical theater and acting classes for children in kindergarten through 12th grade, taught by Broadway professionals. Some after-school performing arts programs even offer acting, theater, and music camps over school breaks. For the most serious performer with professional acting aspirations, prep programs for stage and screen are also available. These performing arts classes and programs are located throughout New York City, including locations on the Upper West Side, Lower East Side, Chelsea, Upper East Side, Midtown, and Battery Park City.

Check the boxes to connect with these businesses

Music Classes

A CLASS ACT NY
200 W 60th St, #28 E, NYC
212-315 3010

A Class Act NY’s mission is to enrich lives through the performing arts. Instructors include Broadway, TV/film stars, talent reps, directors, and casting directors from NY and LA who provide actors with an invaluable education and industry connections. Programs range from kids–adults.

FUTURE STAR MUSIC AND ARTS CENTER
646-828-5656 646-656-1083
Email [email protected]

Future Star Music and Arts Center provides all levels of music and arts education to children. Our instructors graduated from world-top institutes with years of teaching and performing experiences. We will help children find and build their talents in music and arts. Find us, find the right choice!

HARLEM SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
645 Saint Nicholas Ave., New York
212-926-4100

Harlem School of the Arts offers world-class training and exposure to the arts across multiple disciplines. Secure your spot in new music, dance, theatre, and art and design classes for ages 18 months to 18 years. Children will stimulate creativity, build self-confidence, and add a dimension of beauty to their lives.

NORDOFF-ROBBINS CENTER FOR MUSIC THERAPY (THE)
35 W. 4th St., 11th floor , New York
212-998-5162
Email [email protected]

The Nordoff-Robbins approach to music therapy is based on the belief that everyone possesses a sensitivity to music that can be utilized for personal growth and development. We provide a variety of services, including individual music therapy, group music therapy, and specialized music instruction, for all ages, with or without disabilities.

Theater & Performing Arts Programs

A CLASS ACT NY
200 W 60th St, #28 E, NYC
212-315 3010

A Class Act NY’s mission is to enrich lives through the performing arts. Instructors include Broadway, TV/film stars, talent reps, directors, and casting directors from NY and LA who provide actors with an invaluable education and industry connections. Programs range from kids–adults.

CHICKENSHED NYC
7 E. 96th St., New York
646-569-5742
Email [email protected]

Chickenshed NYC is an American cousin of London's Chickenshed Theatre Company, which for more than 40 years has been a leader in creation of unique, inclusive theatre for children of all abilities and backgrounds. Inclusive theatre workshops are offered for ages 6-13, interactive puppet shows for kids ages newborn-6.

HARLEM SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
645 Saint Nicholas Ave., New York
212-926-4100

Harlem School of the Arts offers world-class training and exposure to the arts across multiple disciplines. Secure your spot in new music, dance, theatre, and art and design classes for ages 18 months to 18 years. Children will stimulate creativity, build self-confidence, and add a dimension of beauty to their lives.

PLAY ON! STUDIOS
Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew, 263 W. 86th St.,
347-709-4149
Play On Studios Theater Camps
Lena Moy-Borgen, director

Email [email protected]

Play On! Studios offers after-school programming in theater. Our classes meet weekly-the perfect solution for busy NYC kids in grades kindergarten-eighth! We keep class sizes small, so kids get the personal attention and non-competitive environment they need to do their best. Explore improvisation, playwriting, or put on a play in a theater.

SAY, CONFIDENT VOICES
212-414-9696 x208, Kate Detrick
Email [email protected]

SAYs award-winning Confident Voices after-school and weekend creative arts program for kids who stutter, ages 8-18, has three sessions during the 2019-2020 season. The Songwriting Project begins Sept. 27, followed by the Short Play Project on Dec. 13 and the Mentor Project on April 17. For more information or to register visit say.org/programs/confidentvoices.

TADA! YOUTH THEATER
15 W. 28th St. (at Broadway) 3rd floor, New York
212-252-1619
Email [email protected]

All TADA! classes are team-taught by two professional teaching artists. Personal and creative growth takes place in a structured and supportive environment where ensemble methods are taught to encourage collaboration. All classes balance the process of skill development with the joy of musical theater and culminate in a high-quality performance.