Conservatory Classes

NCTC’s Conservatory has been a leader in theatre education in the Bay Area for over 40 years. We offer classes in acting, musical theatre, and performance in our 3-theater facility. Stay in the know! Follow NCTC Education on Instagram and Facebook.

Questions about registration or booking an interview/tour? Contact us at conservatory@nctcsf.org.
Questions about programming or performance opportunities? Contact Education Director Stephanie Temple (she/her) at Stephanie@nctcsf.org.

Conservatory Open House
Runs Sep 27, 2025
Session:Fall
Students:Grades 3-8
Ready to hit the stage? Whether you’re a seasoned performer or brand new to theatre, our one-day Open House is the perfect way to jump in and play. Come meet our amazing Teaching Artists, connect with fellow young actors, and get a sneak peek at the fun in store this fall. You’ll play improv games, sing your heart out, and explore your creativity in a playful, supportive space. This is your chance to stretch your imagination and get back into the drama groove. Come for the fun. Stay for the DRAMA!
Teen Acting Lab
Runs Oct 18 - Dec 13, 2025
Session:Fall
Students:Grades 6-8
Ready to bring the laughs? In this high-energy acting class, middle school performers will dive into the world of sketch comedy, improv, and physical humor inspired by the golden age of vaudeville and variety theatre. Students will create bold, original characters, craft hilarious scenes, and sharpen their comedic timing through fast-paced games and collaborative performance work. Whether you're a natural class clown or just looking to try something new, this is your chance to take risks, get creative, and make the whole room crack up—on purpose!
Youth Musical Theatre
Runs Oct 18 - Dec 13, 2025
Session:Fall
Students:Grades 3-5
Whether it’s your first time singing and dancing or you’re ready for a tune-up, this class will give you a little bit of everything. Using songs from showbiz musicals such as The Greatest Showman, we’ll work on storytelling through singing and use easy-to-follow choreography to build dynamic performances. Students will perform in an original Conservatory showcase, Make ‘em Laugh on 12/13 from 12-1 pm (featuring scenes and songs from our Acting and Musical Theatre classes).
High School Acting Lab
Runs Oct 18 - Dec 13, 2025
Session:Fall
Students:Grades 9-12
In this fast-paced, high-energy acting class, high school performers will explore the art of sketch comedy, improv, and physical theatre with a nod to the bold characters and big laughs of vaudeville and vintage variety shows. You’ll write and perform original scenes, develop unique characters, and sharpen your timing, collaboration, and stage presence. This advanced class, led by Education Director Stephanie Temple, will challenge you to take creative risks and go for the big laughs! Students will perform in an original Conservatory showcase, Make ‘em Laugh on 12/13 from 12-1 pm (featuring scenes and songs from our Acting and Musical Theatre classes).
Youth Acting Lab
Runs Oct 18 - Dec 13, 2025
Session:Fall
Students:Grades 3-5
Get ready to giggle and goof onstage! In this seriously funny acting lab, students will explore silly characters and comedy skits inspired by the golden age of vaudeville. Through games, improv, and sketch-style scenes, our budding class clowns will build confidence, timing, and teamwork—all while having an unforgettable time.
Teen Musical Theatre
Runs Oct 18 - Dec 13, 2025
Session:Fall
Students:Grades 6-8
Whether it’s your first time singing and dancing or you’re ready for a tune-up, this class will give you a little bit of everything. Using songs from showbiz musicals such as The Greatest Showman, we’ll work on storytelling through singing and use easy-to-follow choreography to build dynamic performances. Students will perform in an original Conservatory showcase, Make ‘em Laugh on 12/13 from 12-1 pm (featuring scenes and songs from our Acting and Musical Theatre classes). 
PRIVATE COACHING: High School and College Auditions
Runs Oct 25, 2025 - Jan 31, 2026
Session:Fall
Students:Grades 8-12
Got a big audition coming up? Let one of our professional Teaching Artists help you step into the spotlight with confidence. In these personalized one-on-one coaching sessions, you’ll get expert guidance on everything from monologue selection and character development to mastering your delivery and calming those pre-audition jitters. Whether you’re prepping for a school play, a conservatory program, or a dream role, these sessions are designed to help you stand out. Most students book 2–3 sessions depending on their goals and the material—because every great performance starts with great preparation.
High School Performance Ensemble: Play Production
Runs Jan 10 - May 3, 2026
Session:Winter
Students:Grades 9-12
This ultimate theatre production class is for teens who are ready to step into the spotlight in a professional setting. The process is fast-paced and geared towards those seeking a challenge or those interested in studying theatre in college. Students will have an opportunity to help choose the project, whether it be a comedy, drama, murder mystery, farce, or a completely new play. Led by Education Director Stephanie Temple, actors perform in a full-scale ensemble production with a two-weekend run. Come work with a group of like-minded students and create something new!
Teen Acting Ensemble: Mini-Play
Runs Jan 24 - Mar 21, 2026
Session:Winter
Students:Grades 6-9
Take the spotlight and bring a story to life! In this dynamic, hands-on acting class, teen performers will collaborate on a 20-minute mini-play—complete with costume pieces, props, and a final performance on a professional stage for family and friends. Students will dive deep into character development, sharpen their script and memorization skills, and discover what it really takes to build a performance from the ground up. Along the way, you’ll learn how to take direction, support your ensemble, and experience the thrill of creating theatre as a team.
Youth Acting Ensemble: Mini-Play
Runs Jan 24 - Mar 21, 2026
Session:Winter
Students:Grades 3-5
Step into the limelight! In this immersive class, students will create a 20-minute mini-play—complete with costume pieces, props, and a final performance on a professional stage for family and friends. Here’s your chance to work together on a story, develop your character from start to finish, and learn what it takes to build a performance from page to stage. This is a great way to learn how to work with scripts, take direction, memorize lines, and bond with your fellow actors over the thrill of performance!
COSTUME PLAY!
Runs Jan 31 - Mar 14, 2026
Session:Winter
Students:Grades 3-5
Put on a hat—become a whole new character! In this imaginative acting class, students will explore through costume pieces and character play. Each week, a new set of costume items—hats, capes, glasses, animal ears, and more—will inspire wild and wonderful characters. Students will discover how costumes change the way we walk, talk, and express ourselves, from sneaky villains to royal queens, goofy sidekicks to wild animals. Through creative movement and storytelling, kids will build confidence, imagination, and performance skills—one fabulous outfit at a time!
Stage Makeup for Teens
Runs Jan 31 - Mar 14, 2026
Session:Winter
Students:Grades 6-9
In this hands-on class, students will learn the fundamentals of stage makeup while exploring a range of exciting theatrical looks. From fantastical fairies and classic mimes to creepy monsters and realistic wounds, each week brings a new challenge. All makeup and supplies are included—just bring your imagination.