Acting Classes & Workshops

Train Where the Work Is Real

Professional instruction in the Bean Method, taught by working artists on the same stage where ABCT has produced 104+ plays and musicals. Adult classes for ages 18 and up, and youth training for ages 12 to 17.

Adult ClassesYouth Classes

Questions? Call (504) 862-7529

On stage: Fences, 2015

Who Teaches

  • Ateja Lewis

    Beginning Classes

    Ateja Lewis

    Assistant Director and Acting Coach at ABCT. Ateja guides new actors through the foundations: listening, truthful behavior, scene study and stage presence.

  • Tyler Nowell Felix

    Intermediate Classes

    Tyler Nowell Felix

    ABCT’s Youth Program Director and an ABCT-trained actor whose credits include Off-Broadway’s Dungeons & Dragons. Tyler coaches audition and monologue work.

  • Anthony Bean

    Advanced Classes

    Anthony Bean

    Founder and Artistic Director, creator of the Bean Method, and a working actor and director for more than fifty years. Mr. Bean leads advanced scene study.

Adult Classes

Ages 18+

  • Beginner

    Beginning Acting Workshop

    Fundamental acting techniques, including scene study, character development and stage presence.

    Length
    8 weeks
    When
    Tuesdays, 7:00–9:00 PM
    Teacher
    Ateja Lewis
    $400Enroll

  • Intermediate

    Monologue Mastery

    Perfect your audition pieces with professional coaching and performance technique.

    Length
    6 weeks
    When
    Saturdays, 2:00–4:00 PM
    Teacher
    Tyler Nowell Felix
    $250Enroll

  • Advanced

    Advanced Scene Study

    A deep dive into complex character work with challenging contemporary and classical material.

    Length
    12 weeks
    When
    Thursdays, 7:30–10:00 PM
    Teacher
    Anthony Bean
    $475Enroll

  • All Levels

    Improv & Comedy

    Build spontaneity, quick thinking and comedic timing through improvisation.

    Length
    8 weeks
    When
    Wednesdays, 7:00–9:00 PM
    $300Enroll

  • All Levels

    Voice & Movement

    Develop vocal projection and physical expression for the stage.

    Length
    6 weeks
    When
    Sundays, 1:00–3:00 PM
    $250Enroll

  • One-on-One

    Private Coaching

    Personal sessions for audition preparation, scene work and individual instruction, scheduled around you.

    Format
    Private sessions
    Scheduling
    By consultation
    Ask for ratesSchedule a Consultation

Three young ABCT actors in a scene

Youth Classes

Ages 12–17

School Year

Youth Theater Program

Creative expression and confidence building through theater games, scene work and performance, taught in the Bean Method. Many ABCT alumni now working in film, television and theater started here.

Ages
12–17
Length
10 weeks
When
Saturdays, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
$300
Enroll Your Teen

Younger actors, ages 7–17, can join us in the summer. See Summer Camp →

What to Expect

  1. 1

    Choose your class

    Start at your level. New actors begin with the Beginning Acting Workshop; experienced actors can move into Monologue Mastery or Advanced Scene Study.

  2. 2

    Enroll

    Click Enroll and complete the short form. Students under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign up with them.

  3. 3

    Come ready to work

    Wear clothes you can move in, bring a notebook, and come ready to listen. Classes meet at office: 4527 Tchoupitoulas Street.

Every class is taught in the Bean Method, ABCT’s training system: truth before performance, culture as foundation, discipline over impulse, and character from the inside out.

Learn the Bean Method

From the Classroom to the Stage

ABCT students train alongside the company that performs our seasons, and many go on to be cast in them.

  • The Mountaintop, 2013
  • The Old Settler, 2006
  • Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, 2013
  • The Glass Menagerie, 2015

Meet the ABCT alumni working in film, TV and theater →

Questions

I’ve never acted before. Which class should I take?

Start with the Beginning Acting Workshop with Ateja Lewis. It is built for first-time actors. Improv & Comedy and Voice & Movement are also open to all levels.

How old do I need to be?

Adult classes are for ages 18 and up. The Youth Theater Program is for ages 12 to 17 during the school year. Summer Camp welcomes ages 7 to 17.

Can I take more than one class?

Yes. Many students pair a scene study or monologue class with Voice & Movement or Improv.

Do students have opportunities to perform or take part in ABCT productions?

Yes. Students are encouraged to audition for ABCT productions and to get involved backstage. Depending on the production, opportunities may include acting, stage crew, production support and other behind-the-scenes work. It gives students a chance to put their training to use in a real theater.

What is the missed-class policy?

Because ABCT training is progressive and ensemble-based, regular attendance is important. Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and rehearsals. If a student must miss a class, the student or parent/guardian should notify ABCT in advance whenever possible. We generally do not make up missed classes individually, but students are responsible for catching up on any assignments, scenes or material covered.

What is the refund policy?

Registration and tuition payments are generally non-refundable once a student has enrolled and a space has been reserved. If ABCT cancels a class or program, an appropriate credit, rescheduling option or refund will be provided. Special circumstances may be reviewed individually by ABCT administration.

Two ABCT actors in an intense dramatic scene from The Color Purple: The Musical

This is what the training is for

Not pretending. Telling the truth.

The Bean Method trains actors to bring honesty to every moment, so that when the lights come up, the audience believes every word.

The Color Purple: The Musical · ABCT, 2015

Serious Actors Train.

Committed actors endure. Disciplined actors last.

Choose a class, or call (504) 862-PLAY (7529) and we’ll help you find the right place to start.

Choose a ClassAll Programs