Tampa’s Premier Extracurricular Theatre Education Program
The Acting Studio App
About The Acting Studio
The Acting Studio was founded in 2002 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 32 years of 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 USF with degrees in Vocal Performance and Choral Music Education. Dan has over 33 years of 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.
Together, Victoria and Dan created the entire Musical Theater Department curriculum that is still used today. Dan has a vast amount of experience in Stage Craft, Production, and Technology.
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 judgment.
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 judgment or competition among their peers. This means that we give the time necessary for each student to succeed and that we have multiple casts so that every student is given the opportunity to have an active role that 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.
01. / acting & Musical Theatre For elementary, middle & high school students
This class focuses on all the skills it takes to produce a full length musical. During our season, we practice Improv and produce a full-length musical with multiple casts. This guarantees each student will receives a role that interests them. We explore in-depth study for successful character development. The class ends with a multiple full-length performances open to the public.
Classes are separated by grade level, with 2nd - 3rd grade in the Elementary Class, 4th - 8th grade in the Middle School Class and 9th - College grades in the High School Class.
02. / Character Development & advanced Acting technique
This class is an advanced look at the structure involved in creating a character. Areas like background, family structure, inspiration, motivation and personality and physical traits are explored and the actor is asked to create a character of their own making. The class evolves over the school year as the actors are encouraged to explore all aspects of their characters life including their relationship to other characters in the class.
03. / Acting & Improv for adults
Taught in 6-week modules, this class is for all experience levels and will cover everything from improvisational techniques to character development to scene study. It is a great outlet for discovering talent, preparing for auditions and having an opportunity to develop your creativity in a unique, collaborative space.
Please understand that though we know life can be challenging for Adults with challenging schedules, full and disciplined attendance is expected. Growth, as an Actor and in shared scenework, is impossible otherwise. There are no refunds for missed classes.
04. / Beginning dance for musical theatre
Taught in six-week modules, this class focuses on the introduction of basics and technique in dance. Students will learn a general understanding of multiple styles of dance with a focus on musical theatre.
“It’s all about the passion.”
Victoria watson | co-founder
Testimonials
Click to play video
Aasif MandvI:
(“EVIL” CBS, “The Daily Show” Comedy Central)
“I believe in The Acting Studio; I believe in Relevant Arts Instruction focused on Self Esteem. As a professional, I value the importance of encouraging creativity while building one’s self esteem. The Acting Studio does that and it shows in their students’ performances.”
Awards
2024-25 Season
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