Drama classes in NYC

Drama at HSA

Discover the craft of storytelling through theatre, musical theatre, improvisation, on-camera acting, and performance.

Stories on stage and screen

Where young performers find their voice

HSA Drama brings Theatre and Musical Theatre into one collaborative home. Students develop acting, vocal technique, movement, improvisation, character development, and emotional expression while building the confidence to communicate with clarity and authenticity.

Led by working industry professionals, young artists learn through scene work, songs, choreography, monologues, on-camera technique, ensemble rehearsal, and live performance.

The HSA Drama experienceActSingMoveCreate
Choose your path

One department. Many ways to perform

Students can focus on acting, build integrated musical-theatre skills, or develop performance technique for film and television.

Stage & ensemble

Theatre & Acting

Build compelling characters through scene study, monologues, improvisation, script analysis, collaboration, and professional rehearsal practices.

Explore Acting Classes

Act, sing & move

Musical Theatre

Connect acting, vocal technique, and choreography in a complete performance experience centered on creativity, expression, and ensemble collaboration.

Explore Musical Theatre

Film & television

On-Camera Acting

Learn shot framing, camera movement, authentic screen character work, monologues, commercial technique, and professional audition skills.

Ask About On-Camera Study

Private acting instruction

Tuition fees and policies for private lessons

Private lessons give students focused time to strengthen technique, prepare auditions and monologues, or address individual artistic goals. These rates apply to private instruction in Music, Drama, and Dance. Confirm final pricing and availability with HSA before registering.

Swipe horizontally to view the complete tuition table.

Duration 4 Sessions 8 Sessions 12 Sessions 14 Sessions 16 Sessions
30 min $260 $520 $780 $910 $1,040
45 min $338 $676 $1,014 $1,183 $1,352
60 min $390 $780 $1,170 $1,365 $1,560
2026–2027 school year

Drama class catalog

Open a level to compare acting, improvisation, and musical-theatre classes. Select a course name to continue to registration.

Swipe horizontally to view all course details.

Beginner
Course Days Time Dates Location Instructor Grades Fee

Beginner acting fundamentals: script analysis, warm-ups, sensory exercises, monologue prep.

Sat 02:00 PM – 03:30 PM 9/19 – 1/23 HSA Theatre, HSA Theatre Stewart, Aaron 1–5 $550

A working rehearsal process for a Broadway musical, covering staging, choreography, vocal arrangements, character work, and tech prep, culminating in a fully staged production at the end of first semester. Highly disciplined: punctuality, off-book memorization, and ensemble accountability required. Audition only.

Sat 1:35 PM – 6:35 PM 9/19 – 5/29 Harlem School of the Arts, 112 Harper, LaTrisa 3+ $2,200
Improv 1Prep Track

Foundational improv: “yes, and,” active listening, short-form scene games.

Sat 12:00 PM – 01:30 PM 9/19 – 5/29 Harlem School of the Arts, Theater Hunter, Devin 1–5 $1,150
Musical Theatre 1Prep TrackClass Full – Waitlist Available

Beginner musical theatre blending vocal warm-ups with choreography toward a solo/ensemble number.

Sat 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 9/19 – 5/29 Harlem School of the Arts, 109 Hunter, Devin 1–5 $1,225

Storytelling and movement class for the youngest students using music and props.

Sat 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM 9/19 – 1/23 Harlem School of the Arts, 112 Stewart, Aaron Pre-K–K $475

Storytelling and movement class for the youngest students using music and props.

Sat 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM 9/19 – 1/23 Harlem School of the Arts, 112 Stewart, Aaron Pre-K–K $475
Intermediate
Course Days Time Dates Location Instructor Grades Fee
Acting 2Prep Track

Ensemble-focused acting: subtext, partner dynamics, rehearsal discipline.

Tue 04:45 PM – 06:45 PM 9/22 – 1/12 Harlem School of the Arts, 112 Hunter, Devin 3–8 $613
Improv 2Prep Track

Builds on Improv 1 with longer scenes and status work.

Mon 04:45 PM – 06:45 PM 9/21 – 2/1 Harlem School of the Arts, 232 Brooks, Thea 3–8 $613

Pre-professional training in acting-through-song, choreography, and audition technique.

Sat 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM 9/19 – 5/29 HSA Theatre, HSA Theatre Harper, LaTrisa 5–9 $1,100

Rehearsing scenes blending dialogue and song from shows like Matilda and Annie.

Fri 04:45 PM – 06:45 PM 9/25 – 6/11 Harlem School of the Arts, 109 Hunter, Devin 3–8 $1,225
Advanced
Course Days Time Dates Location Instructor Grades Fee
Advanced ActingPrep Track

Conservatory-style class for classical/contemporary scene work.

Tue 04:45 PM – 06:45 PM 9/19 – 6/21 HSA Theatre, HSA Theatre Peguero, Natalia 8–12 $1,225

Pre-professional audition prep, harmonization, rehearsal leadership.

Wed 04:45 PM – 06:45 PM 9/19 – 6/21 Harlem School of the Arts, 112 Harper, LaTrisa 8–18 $1,226

Ballet fundamentals, jazz technique, Broadway-style choreography.

Fri 05:00 PM – 07:00 PM 9/25 – 6/11 Harlem School of the Arts, 106 Harper, LaTrisa 8–12 $1,225
Improv 3Prep Track

Advanced long-form improv (Harold, montage) building full pieces from a suggestion.

Mon 04:45 PM – 06:45 PM 9/19 – 6/21 HSA Theatre, HSA Theatre Diaz, Jennifer 8–12 $1,226
Not sure where to begin?HSA’s Drama team can help identify the right class level and performance pathway for your child.

Contact HSA

Beyond weekly classes

From first rehearsal to final bow

Intensives, showcases, productions, master classes, and industry connections give students meaningful ways to apply their craft.

Ages 5–7

Junior Stars Intensive

A one-week performing-arts intensive combining singing, dancing, and acting in a fun, supportive environment. Students build confidence and creativity before sharing a showcase for family and friends. No prior experience is needed.

Ask About Junior Stars

Ages 8–13

Rising Stars Intensive

Young artists strengthen acting, singing, dancing, and ensemble skills through focused instruction and rehearsal, culminating in a showcase performance. No prior experience is needed.

Ask About Rising Stars

Studio to spotlight

Showcases & Productions

Scene-study presentations, seasonal showcases, full musical productions, community performances, and mainstage projects let students apply their skills in HSA’s professional black box theatre and beyond.

Find a Performance Class

Professional perspective

Master Classes & Industry Connections

Guest directors, casting professionals, Broadway artists, and working actors provide workshops, feedback, mentorship, and insight into professional pathways on stage and screen.

Learn More

Interdisciplinary by design

Drama connects every part of performance.

Theatre and Musical Theatre students collaborate with HSA’s Music, Dance, and Media & Design departments, building the teamwork and versatility required for real-world productions.

Explore Classes

Get to know us

Learn from working theatre artists

HSA instructors are active actors, singers, directors, choreographers, and performance professionals who bring real-world perspective and individual attention into every rehearsal room.

Meet Our Teaching Artists

Technique.Expression.Confidence.
Take the next step

Take the stage at HSA

Browse the Drama catalogue or contact our team for help choosing between Theatre, Musical Theatre, and on-camera training.

Helpful information

Frequently asked questions

What opportunities do you offer for young artists?
For students ages 8–17 who dream of pursuing the arts as a career, HSA offers HSA Prep and HSA Pre-Prep. These programs provide advanced artistic training in a supportive environment and help young performers build skills, confidence, and professional discipline.
How do you determine the right class level for my child?
Our department directors evaluate each student’s current skills, interests, and experience so they can recommend a class that feels both challenging and supportive.
Does my child need prior performance experience?
No. Beginner classes and the Junior Stars and Rising Stars intensives welcome students without prior experience. More advanced and audition-based courses list their expectations in the catalogue.
What does the academic calendar look like?
HSA’s academic program generally runs in two 16-week terms. Some Drama offerings meet for one term, while full-year performance and Prep Track classes continue across both terms; review each catalogue listing for its exact dates.
Do you offer classes for very young performers?
Yes. Tiny Tales in Motion introduces Pre-K and kindergarten students to storytelling and movement through music, imagination, and props. Junior Stars offers an intensive option for ages 5–7.