Mari JuarezStepping onto a stage or in front of a camera takes courage, practice, and honest direction.
You might explore creative hobbies like signing up for an art school or taking piano lessons to spark your creativity. But acting calls for focused training in areas such as character work, on-camera technique, voice, movement, and auditions.
Finding the best acting schools in Oklahoma comes down to matching the program with your age, goals, preferred format, and schedule.
That’s why we compared programs covering musical theater, film and television training, and residential summer intensives. Read here to find out which setup fits you best!
How much does acting school cost in Oklahoma?
Enrolling in an acting school in Oklahoma typically costs between $70 and $350 per month for studio training, while full-time university drama degrees range from approximately $13,920 to more than $36,000 USD per year.
| Program Type | Average Cost (USD) | Format Details |
| Group Studio Classes | $70–$350 per month | Weekly on-camera or scene training |
| Youth Semester Programs | $96–$350 per term | Production-focused after-school classes |
| Private Acting Coaching | $50–$150+ per hour | Individual audition and monologue preparation |
| Public In-State Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Tuition | $13,920–$27,000 per year | Full-time university drama degree |
| Private or Out-of-State Tuition | $28,000–$36,000+ per year | Four-year university arts programs |
1. Studio J Performing Arts Center
Website: https://www.studiojdanceok.com/
Address: 2241 NW 178th Street, Edmond
Contact: (405) 348-3377 | [email protected]
Hours: Tuesday, Thursday 4:30 PM- 6:30 PM
Studio J Performing Arts Center is a clear fit for younger performers who want musical theater rather than acting-only classes.
The Theater at Studio J program separates students into Take A Bow for Grades 1 to 5 and Standing Ovation for Grades 6 to 12. They blend acting, singing, and dance under a certified music educator.
Their 2026-27 season includes productions such as Finding Nemo Jr., Trolls Jr., High School Musical Jr., and Seussical Jr., giving each group a defined performance goal.
Students work on confidence and stage skills too while preparing for the final show.
The main limitation is age and added cost. The verified theater program is limited to school-age students, and families must register each semester and pay a $50 production fee per semester.
Customer Reviews
We’ve had such a great experience
We’ve had such a great experience at Studio J! My daughter loves going each week. The teachers have been very kind and are great at guiding the little ones. They run a smooth operation as well. Every step from enrollment to the performances has been incredibly easy.
— Kendall Beye | Google Review
Build confidence in their technique and stage presence
We love the positivity and faith based culture at Studio J. All the teachers are top notch and it’s a joy to watch our daughters thrive and build confidence in their technique and stage presence. Thank you Meredith and Studio J!
— Kristen Swanson | Google Review
2. Cody Mayo Studios
Website: https://www.codymayostudios.com/
Address: Studio Row, 317 S Trenton Avenue, Suite B, Tulsa
Contact: (918) 701-0808 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cody Mayo Studios focuses on on-camera work, with film and television acting classes, private coaching, self-tape support, and a separate improvisation program.
Their current youth lineup separates Grades 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12, while adult actors can enter the regular studio pathway. Middle-school students work on scene study, audition technique, story development, scriptwriting, and a micro-short film concept.
We sat in on a friend’s coaching session here, and the instructor’s breakdown of subtle facial expressions on camera was eye-opening. CMSimprov adds live performance training led by coaches with experience at The Second City and iO.
The catch is the entry policy, as every prospective Studio Actor must take the Studio Intensive first. Refunds generally aren’t offered, although ongoing classes may receive case-by-case credits.
Customer Reviews
Cody Mayo Acting studio is what Oklahoma has been waiting for
Cody Mayo Acting studio is what Oklahoma has been waiting for.
The space is great for actors who want to work and grow. Cody Mayo’s attention to the detail of the art form has taught me this, we are humans who act, not actors trying to play human scenarios. His “Experience” is one of many things he brings to the table of work and that’s great. But his approach to the work is executed with “excellence”, that’s the difference and what separates this studio from others in the state.
— Jus Julien | Google Review
My confidence as a professional working actor has been enhanced
…I attended the Fundamentals of Film & TV and now participate in ongoing Training and Coaching with Cody Mayo. I have grown so much in the past year and have learned so much from him and from the other actors in my classes. I’m sure they feel the same way. I have learned – acting techniques, on-set cinematic tricks/tips, self-management, audition techniques and skills, and so much more. My confidence as a professional working actor has been enhanced through training with Cody Mayo Acting Studio.
— Barbie Bailey | Google Review
3. OCU Performing Arts Academy
Website: https://www.okcu.edu/
Address: 2501 N Blackwelder Avenue
Contact: (405) 208-5516 | Main University: (405) 208-5000 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Oklahoma City University (OCU) Performing Arts Academy is more relevant for their Summer Music Programs than a year-round acting studio.
The academy’s 10-day High School Pre-College Intensive combines acting and dance classes, voice lessons, and self-tape preparation. They also offer college-audition guidance for students considering the performing arts.
Ages 12 to 15 can join a two-week residential musical-theater program that ends with a fully staged production. Rising grades 9 to 12 have a three-week musical-theater option with daily acting, singing, and dance.
Moreover, residential students are supervised around the clock by counselors and resident assistants.
That said, their verified acting-related programs are seasonal, intensive, and residential rather than regular weekly classes.
Customer Reviews
The professors, instructors, counselors and students were exceptional
My daughter learned so much during the Pre-College Intensive for Musical Theatre at Oklahoma City University. The professors, instructors, counselors and students were exceptional. I highly recommend this program and we are grateful for the opportunity.
— Katie Coligado | Google Review
Amazing instruction during her 3 weeks at OCU’s high school theater intensive
Our daughter received amazing instruction during her 3 weeks at OCU’s high school theater intensive. OCU makes student safety their top priority. The students that were accepted into this program were exceptional and helped challenge our daughter to grow. We love that the instruction was given by faculty members.
They performed Legally Blonde at the end and it was fantastic! We would highly recommend!!
— Sarah Thomas | Google Review
4. Thelma Gaylord Academy
Website: https://thelmagaylordacademy.com/
Address: 1801 NW 16th Street
Contact: (405) 524-9310 ext. 100 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Building confidence from a young age starts with structured stage training, and Thelma Gaylord Academy offers progressive acting levels for ages 5 to 18. This intensive program is under Lyric Theatre.
Beginners start with basic acting skills like pretend play, stage directions, and character development before progressing to more advanced scenes and roles. Private lessons are available for audition preparation and focused coaching.
We spoke with a parent whose daughter attends the pre-professional track, and she praised how the coaches helped her prepare audition reels.
She added that high-school juniors and seniors can also take Performance College Prep, with a Senior Showcase for students enrolled in both fall and spring.
Unfortunately, the higher-level pathways require more commitment. Advanced acting uses faculty placement, while Academy Professional Artist Training requires vocal, monologue, and dance auditions plus a full school year.
Customer Reviews
The staff is absolutely fantastic in every way
My son has been a student with the academy for the past 3 years, and I can’t say enough good things about them. Not only do they put on amazing productions, but the staff is absolutely fantastic in every way. Kind, compassionate people with extensive theatrical knowledge. I highly recommend Lyric TGA!
— Michelle MG | Google Review
The instruction and shows are developmentally appropriate for kids
My daughter has had a great experience at LTGA! The academy is very well organized, which has really allowed her to just learn and thrive. The instruction and shows are developmentally appropriate for kids. We are so happy to be a part of LTGA!
— Whitney Cole | Google Review
5. ArtWorks Academy of Performing Arts
Website: https://artworksacademy.com/
Address: 3251 Market Place, Suites 110 and 130, Norman
Contact: (405) 397-1824 | [email protected]
Hours: Contact for accurate class schedules
ArtWorks Academy of Performing Arts is a strong fit for students who learn best by getting into a production. They stage nearly 15 plays and musicals each season, with classes ranging from early-childhood programs to adult musical theater.
Students in the Grades 7 to 12 Acting and Play Production class study acting fundamentals and audition technique. Take note that every enrolled student is cast in the semester play.
Younger performers can join Acting Adventures, where Grades 3 to 8 use voice, movement, imagination, and rehearsal to build a one-act production.
Adults have a mixed-level musical-theater class, while Grades 4 to 12 can audition for performances at concerts, festivals, and community events.
The trade-off is the production commitment. Their tuition may be joined by enrollment and production fees, and some classes require extra Friday, Saturday, or extended rehearsals near show week.
Customer Reviews
It’s supportive, encouraging, and confidence-building
I drove my daughter to rehearsal last night, and she was overflowing with nervous energy. They would be doing a read-through of the script, and a cold read in front of a crowd is understandably anxiety inducing for a new reader. “Sit next to someone you trust. Someone who you feel comfortable asking for help,” I suggested. “But that’s everyone,” she replied. That’s the environment they have created in their musical theatre program. It’s supportive, encouraging, and confidence building. And it comes from the top down…
— Amy Coldren | Google Review
Fabulous teachers that are kind, patient, and very knowledgeable
Fabulous teachers that are kind, patient, and very knowledgeable. My daughter has blossomed in dance in the past few months and at 5yo tells me she’s working on keeping her hips square. My stage shy son loved performing the Wizard of Oz, and now wants to work on dance. They encourage the kids, and celebrate their victories. Such an amazing and nurturing environment.
— Cali Coward | Google Review
