How we formed

The Acting Studio was founded and is owned by husband and wife team, Victoria and Dan Watson.

Victoria is a USF graduate with two degrees in Performing Arts and Theater Education. Victoria has over 25 years experience in the industry.  She has worked with local prestigious private schools such as Berkley Prep and Corbett Prep as a Theater Instructor.  Victoria then worked for the well respected Cranbrook Theater School in Michigan, as the Director of the Junior Division and Main Stage Performances.

Dan graduated from Oakland University in Michigan and then attended USF, acheiving degrees in Vocal Performance and Choral Music Education.  Dan has over 30 years experience in Musical Theater Education and has taught locally at private schools such as Berkley Prep in Tampa.  Dan also worked for Cranbrook Theater School in Michigan as the Musical Director and had a very successful tenure. Dan has a vast amount of experience in Stage Craft, Production and Technology.

Together, Victoria and Dan created the entire Musical Theater Department curriculum that is still used today. 

The Acting Studio is the result of the passion and vision both Dan and Victoria always wanted to create.  A place where you can dream big, be creative and find your own voice in a nurturing environment with no judgement.

The r.a.i.s.e. Method

Each student is trained in a nurturing environment to reach their full potential. We teach teamwork and peer support. Our teachers feel it is their job to help every student achieve their personal best in an atmosphere free of judgement or competition among their peers. This means that we give the time necessary for each student to succeed and have multiple casts so that every student is given the opportunity to have an active role they care about. Whether you are looking for a safe environment to discover your talent or the professional skills needed for a career, the Studio covers everything needed to be successful!

We are also supportive of our parents and offer flexible scheduling and the ability to create your own schedule when it comes to additional rehearsal and performance times – we know life can be crazy and we want to make things as easy as possible while offering your child a place to grow up and be successful.

Victoria Watson

Co-FOUNDER

Victoria is a USF graduate with two degrees in Performing Arts and Theater Education. She has over 25 years experience in the industry and has worked as a theatre instructor at local prestigious private schools such as Berkley Prep and Corbett Prep. She has also worked for the Cranbrook Theatre School in Michigan, as the Director of the Junior Division and Main Stage Performances.

Daniel Watson

Co-FOUNDER

Dan graduated from Oakland University in Michigan and then attended USF, acheiving degrees in Vocal Performance and Choral Music Education.  Dan has over 30 years experience in Musical Theater Education and has taught locally at private schools such as Berkley Prep in Tampa.  Dan also worked for Cranbrook Theater School in Michigan as the Musical Director and had a very successful tenure.

Jonah Watson

Musical Theatre Voice teacher

Jonah Watson is a Tampa native, having gone to High school at Tampa Preparatory School. From there, he went to Florida State University where he got his degree in Theatre and Education. While he was there, he trained in voice, acting, direction, technical theatre and conducting. Since graduating in December of 2019, he has done freelance directing and music direction around the Tampa area. he is in his second year at the University of South Florida, where he is pursuing a degree in Music Education, with a focus in Voice and Conducting.