20 Best Acting Programs In Louisville, KY (2022 Updated)

Walden is a vibrant learning community that inspires students to think critically and creatively, encourages and supports risk-taking in the classroom, and emphasizes the importance of intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning. I had the great fortune of attending Walden during my very awkward middle school years and I truly believe that because of Walden and the environment it provided, I have become an all around more successful individual.Johnpaul McLean

Two Walden graduates, one currently in HS. The two graduates transitioned smoothly to college. Walden prepared them well. All three have loved their Walden years. They never once asked to look at other schools. The faculty and parent community is a pleasant bonus – supportive and close knit. Grateful for the positive impact Walden School has had on our family.Ben St Clair

I am a teacher at Walden and I absolutely love this school! It is a great place to work with a wonderful and welcoming environment. The faculty, staff, and administration work as a team and support each other as well as the students. It is great to work in a place where everyone is happy to be there!Maegan Albert

I thought the performance was great…have seen it many times. The dancers were tight & did the group dances together/ in zinc. The orchestra which accompanied the dancers were also spectacular. My parents were dancers in Europe for yrs. My father had a company. My father was Robert Iglesias mother Aida Ramirez. They toured for many yrs in Europe & also USA at Carnegie hall and were also on Ed Sullivan in New York. They danced flamenco Spanish folk & some ballet incorporated. I've taken ballet for yrs as I growing up. I've been around dance & music about 1/2 of my life. The ballet was wonderful as well as the music. Thank You Aida R Wages daughter of Aida Ramirez & Roberto IglesiasAida R Wages

Cultural pass adventure was a good experience but more details should have been provided. Ex. 30 minute classes during blocked time I thought I was going to be late for a 10 am start time so I rushed then found out I could have caught the next time slot. My kiddo had a blast in creative movement courseSidney Waddell

High-quality instruction for dancers of any age and skill level. Whether you're brand new to ballet or a seasoned professional staying on top of your technique during a break, you'll find classes to suit your needs along with a friendly community of hard-working students.Asher Taylor-Dawson

This may be extremely early as far as a review is concerned because my son just started junior kindergarten but my son loves it and is obviously learning in a new way. His JK teacher is working on her doctorate and the has been with the same assistant teacher for 10 years. That level of teacher (Mrs Andris) cannot be compared to public education and i doubt many private schools education levels.Daniel Wolford

Lovely campus and facilities. We used to live next to the school and went to several concerts and performances there. We also sent our children to some of their summer day camps. Would be a 5 star review except for their pricing. They are one of the more expensive private schools in east Louisville.Paul Guthrie

KCD is home . I attended from 3rd-12th grade . Now I have a senior and junior attending since their freshman year . I love supporting the second generation in such a wonderful environment . We are family ! I love being a Bearcat , the 2nd time around .Kassondra Harris

The Little Loom house has many cons before pros. Cons – Location is hidden, and easy to miss when driving on the road. Not wheelchair accessible! (Located on a hill, the place is very dependent on stairs.) Parking is horrible. Yes, they have the tiniest parking lot ever. Pros – The staff are lovely and do a good job. The looming demo is very fun! Good gift shop, seak and find activity, colouring books, and fun twisty-bracelet activity. If you have a Cultural Pass, use it to come and visit The Little Loom house, but beware you will be mad and annoyed with how *little* The Little Loom house really is.ThatPunkTimothy

The Little Loomhouse is a real treasure. With roots in the 19th Century, these cabins became home base for the great weaver, textile artist and folklorist Lou Tate. Since 1939, when Miss Tate acquired the site, the Little Loomhouse has been a magnet for visitors and users of all ages…including Eleanor Roosevelt, Frank Lloyd Wright and many others. Lovingly maintained and preserved.Doug Stern

Recently toured the main house and talked for quite a while with staff. It was a lifetime dream to get to see where Lou Tate lived for so many years. This was my old stomping ground growing up and so glad it's now a vital and growing organization dedicated to fabric arts.Dennis Horn

I can't give you a good first-hand experience of the school's academic prowess, although my friends who have gone there constantly sing its praises, the theatre department blows me away time and time again. As a former company member, the director, Doug Sumey, is one of the most kindhearted and gentle people that I know. He is a fantastic director and he really makes you feel like you're doing the show for yourselves, rather than just for him. Every play I have seen here was fantastic. You can see a play anywhere, but if you want a new world for a few hours , come see an Assumption Rose Theatre productionCory Lentz

My daughter graduated from AHS very well prepared for college. She has life long friends, a deep faith, and 8 years after graduation, I am still learning stories she shares with me of her wonderful classroom experiences, fun on the ball field, and the list goes on and on. Best investment ever!!!Kathryn Fleischer

My family and I had been waiting to see this show since last year. When we heard that they were coming to Louisville, we were extremely excited and couldn't wait for the experience. Sadly we were disappointed in more ways than one. The theater seats were very congested and uncomfortable. There were open private balcony seating that was not available when we purchased our tickets. The theater informed us that we needed to provide a vaccination card or a 3 day prior negative Covid test. They were so concerned about social distance, that they had several unoccupied private seats that I'm sure people who have purchased to ensure their safety as well as comfortably. The aisle ways were narrow, slippery and overall unsafe. The production play was beautiful but the advertising was very exaggerated. At the most, there were only 12 performers on the stage until the last stage play. The stage was small and you could see the hot pink tape on the floor that marked the performers positions. The orchestra was flawless and the commentators were very knowledgeable and entertaining..For the amount of money that we paid for the tickets and the distance we traveled to see the play, I doubt that I would make another $500 investment in the Kentucky Center for Performing Arts again..Sauni D

We came here for Hamilton. Getting into and around the venue was a breeze. Parking garage around the corner is a blessing. We loved every minute of being here. All the lines to the bathroom, bar and souvenirs moved exceptionally fast. No issues seeing or hearing the performers. We'll be back here again. BTW if you haven't seen Hamilton, it is worth the time and money. The chemistry between the actors is real. The power in their voices, connections to their characters and with the message of each song is amazing. We've seen a fair amount of shows in NY on Broadway and we were blown away with this group of performers for Hamilton. I don't cry. Ever. But their performances were so real, so well delivered that you could not help but connect with them. The whole show will stir a sense of patriotism in you and seeing such a diverse cast boldly underlines what is great about America!Dirty Mike & The Boys

Saw the Broadway Across America production of Hamilton. Great show! Regarding the venue, the seats can be slightly snug for those with shared armrests. From what I can tell, every seat in the house has a good view of the stage. More beverage stations are sorely needed to serve patrons during intermissions. Additional restrooms would alleviate being rushed during intermissions as well. Arrive at least 45 minutes early for large productions.Ben H

This is my first trip to Derby dinner Playhouse since the pandemic. We went to see Murder on the Orient express. Of course I know the story and I’ve seen the movie. This was my first time experiencing it in live theater. We got there and we waited in the long short line to be taken to our seats. We had a great view from where we were. And the first item at hand was going to the buffet to get a meal. I really appreciated that they maintained hygiene protocols with the buffet. There were plastic gloves that you put on so that way everyone could touch the tongues without exposing themselves to other germs. The salad bar was fantastic and the hot meal line was great. They also had a condiment bar at the end for your butter, hot sauce, ketchup etc that you might need for your meal. As a vegetarian, I still had plenty of options with sides and the pasta & pesto. A server came around to all of our tables, got us drinks and some cocktails. There were even some themed cocktails for the show. I got the Orient Express which was very tasty. There was also some delicious desserts. Our server was attentive and kind. The show started, it was definitely a unique appearance. The actor playing Hercule Poirot was perfect. He had the accent down and the show was so incredibly well done with the flashbacks and the stage setup. You truly felt like you were on a train. This was the first time I realized the connection to the Lindbergh case with this story. It was truly well done, and we are planning out next opportunity to go to Derby dinner for another show!Mona T

We went for A Christmas Story and this was my first time going here. It was wonderful! Everyone has to wear a glove to go through the buffet which made me feel safer and everyone has to keep a mask on when they are not eating or drinking. For this particular show they had ramps set up, but you can call and ask if they have them set up for a certain show. This was relevant to us because we had an elderly woman in our party with a walker. I will say, however, that the ramps are very steep and she needed help to get up and down them, so just take that into consideration. When there are not ramps there are only three steps at each level so some people with limited mobility might still be able to make that work. They also do have seating on the uppermost level where one would not have to use the stairs and would still have a great view of the stage. The food was tasty and all the actors did a great job! Our server (I wish I could remember his name, he was a very tall dark skinned gentleman) was WONDERFUL! He made sure that our table had everything we needed at all times. Also, just to try and cover all the bases, there was plenty of time to use the restroom and get back to the table at intermission because, unlike some other entertainment venues, they have plenty of stalls in the restroom. Also, their restrooms are clean and they have a cute little gift shop 🙂 We will definitely be going back!Margaret Madden

I just left the show. And I am still smiling! I just love this place! The service is over the top wonderful. We had decided to try to upgrade our tickets at the last minute and they were very accommodating and very friendly about it too. So my daughter and I got to have a table by ourselves. We saw Steel Magnolias. It was so beautifully done! The actors were right on with each of the characters. They got laughs at all of the right spots and equally got the tears in all of the right spots. And the service was exceptional! I believe our server's name was William or possibly Williams. He made sure that we had everything we needed to make our experience fun and comfortable. And the Footnotes pre-show was also excellent. It was very entertaining the way they let us know about upcoming shows. Shows that I definitely do not want to miss! Thank you all so very much for such a wonderful experience! This was my Mother's Day gift and now stands as my annual Mother's Day gift….. And birthday gift….. And Christmas gift! *And also…. The food was excellent! 😋diane

Attended opening night of the opera and it was fantastic. The Brown is beautiful and comfortable with ever improving sound. This was one of the first post-pandemic shows but the staff was ready. There is ample parking across the street (surface lot) and in the parking garage behind the hotel (and theatre). The bar lines were slow due to only one of the two bars open for the show but one assumes that both will be available in future. Gentlemen who attend regularly know the fastest trip to an intermission restroom is downstairs.Cuzndupre

Beautiful old theater! It’s a great experience just to view the theater itself. I was able to go see Kelly Ripa who I have enjoyed since she first went on Live with Regis. The show was good but in the cost of the show we were included one of her books. Instagram showed her signing stacks of books. We thought we would get an autographed copy but no such luck. Also it was a pretty short show about 75 minutes and no question and answer period. The theater is great though!Dolly

So went to a comedian event tonight the show was great! No complaints about the artist at all ! The venue was my issue. I have long legs I had to sit uncomfortably side ways, thank goodness there was 1 empty seat next to me! Also the atrached parking garage for the venue had no access to the theatre it was closed off for a private event. As a physically disabled person the walk was painful!Lorraine Collins

Using Everything Cinema Productions to create a new demo reel was a top notch experience from start to finish. Their ability to skillfully listen, suggest and create my character type during the initial session was very evident with the custom scenes created to help me shine in the reel. The Everything Cinema Production team made me feel comfortable and at ease throughout this fun experience. Their level of detail including spraying down my flyaway hair really showed their commitment to making this a success. I would highly recommend them to any actor needing a new reel, some specific demo clips or a specific scene. Neil & Team are amazing!Amy Blackburn

My son had zero experience and Neil has really taken the time to instruct and lead from the ground up. His warm and customizable approach is truly paying dividends. Not only does Neil do a fantastic job of teaching the craft of acting, but he also focuses a lot on the business of acting. There is no playbook on "how to become a film actor". Neil really takes the time to understand his student's interests and desires. He is encouraging and wealth of information. My son works with Neil on a regular basis and is truly excited for each personal coaching session. I would encourage anyone to work with Neil and Everything Cinema Productions!Kevin Sadowski

My son is 12 and he's been acting professionally in film and theatre for several years. Neil has been a tremendous resource for us with everything from preparing professional demo reels and voiceovers to physical comedy workshops and audition coaching. Neil is knowledgeable and creative and he brings an individually-tailored approach to every project we've collaborated on with him. He does his research and makes this part of the process a truly rewarding learning experience. Everything Cinema Productions TRULY has everything you need to support your professional endeavors in the film industry.Hannegan Roseberry

My daughter went to the Hip Hop minis class for the first time and she had a blast! The instructor of the Tuesday class is amazing with kids! The class is small which means more personalized interaction with your kiddo so they can learn, enjoy and be great! The location is inside the Mellwood Arts Center on the second floor. The building itself is astounding, and the location is very easy to get to from downtown Louisville or the toll bridge.sasha robinson

My daughters wanted to give dancing a try. They learned ballet and tap for one season. The teachers were really great. The facility is larger than some others we toured. There was plenty of room for parents to wait. Unfortunately, Covid hit the USA as we were finishing our first season. Our family decided not to re-enroll during Covid spikes. This summer, however, my oldest daughter is very excited to try private voice lessons.Melissa Warner

Both of my 7 year old children were in a production this winter under the training and direction of Classic Melodies. Both of them learned so much and their production was fantastic! Bill and Melody also directed the he other 2 productions at our school with older children that were some of the best school-aged productions I’ve ever seen! I went to all several times even though my children weren’t in the other shows!Kalyn MacIntyre

My daughter has been dancing with Moss for 6 years now and she absolutely loves it. She started with Pre tap/ballet and now shes on the dance team for the third year in a row. All the teachers are amazing and treat the kids as if they are their own. I can honestly say that we feel truly blessed to be part of the moss family. I love seeing how the kids support and cheer for each other. As I was watching team practice on night, the music had accidentally disconnected from the speaker and i watched as all the team members started singing so that they could finish their dance.Holly Poyser

As a transplant to Kentucky I could not have asked for a better studio. Moss is professional, family orientated, filled with highly skilled instructors, modest in costume and music selection and so much more. Our daughter spends many hours at the studio and she is not only loved and challenged as a dancer but as a young women as well. She is cared for in so many many ways both in and out of the studio. The owners and teachers know her personally which is an important part of her dance experience. We have felt so welcomed by Moss and are so thankful we found it!Natalie Grinsteinner

My daughter has attended Moss Dance & Performing Arts Academy for almost 8 years now and absolutely loves it there. She has taken everything from voice lessons to dance classes to acting classes, and is adding piano soon. Her love of the performing arts has just grown over the years through Moss because of their passionate teachers. They love what they do there, they love the kids, and it shows. My daughter has made wonderful friendships there and loves her Moss family. All of her training at Moss has also made her a success in school as well!Michelle Casto

My wife (fiancee at the time) and I found Dance Louisville online when we decided that we wanted to do something special for our first dance at our wedding. We were pretty nervous, as neither one of us had ever danced before, and we didn't know what to expect. As soon as we entered the studio, we were greeted warmly, and our instructor, Emily, was incredibly kind, patient and talented. We had such a good time learning our first dance that we decided to do a second surprise dance, as well, and both were a huge hit! We were able to learn two completely different dances in about two months, and Emily and the rest of the staff at Dance Louisville were always welcoming and helpful. We've actually started taking lessons there because we had such a good time learning to dance! I would highly recommend Dance Louisville for anyone wanting to learn to dance in an awesome environment with great people.Grayson Sharpe

Been coming for nearly three months. To the point. Dance Louisville is great. The staff are friendly and experienced, the atmosphere is one of support and encouragement, and the students are good about welcoming and dancing with new people. The pricing packages are great for new students, giving you enough group classes and private lessons to decide which pricing options best fit your dedication and skill level as you progress further. If you are a casual dancer looking for a fun night out, the parties are a great way to spend an evening socializing. If you are an experienced ballroom dancer, there are showcases and competitions to challenge yourself. If you are nervous about your skill level, just bring a good attitude, be willing to practice, and Dance Louisville will help you become a better dancer.Brandon Meeks

After watching a few YouTube videos I decided I wanted to give west coast swing a try. In February, I found Dance Louisville. From the moment I entered the door I was greeted with enthusiasm that actually made me feel at home and welcomed. 5 months later, I go several times a week, take private lessons, and attend all events possible. The instructors are absolutely fabulous, knowledgeable, understanding, caring, and in general great people. The students are supportive of beginners. I highly recommend dance and Dance Louisville.John Hunt

Spotlight is a friendly place to come to see performances put on by local adults and children of all ages. You also can not beat the prices for these amazing performances. Must come here to get the experience.Lorina Capillo

Was disappointed that the actors had to wear masks. I personally couldn't understand/hear much. The mics helped when working or positioned well. I enjoyed watching anyway. Look forward to the next time.Wendy Mondragon

The place is awesome really good shows the director's are very nice and helpful would definitely recommend going and check it outRick Reed

Cosmo model & talent agency is the place to go. Agents who fight for, encourage, and support their talent. They also hold their talent accountable. It doesn’t get any better than that, in my book. Highly recommended to anyone seeking representation. They are a family style unit dedicated to getting their talent and models continuous opportunities to work and be successful to the fullest extent. this agency is legit. This was my first experience with modeling and I was impressed as to how smooth the process was. There were people there as well and it all took less than 2 hours to get it all done. I’m looking forward to getting work and I have confidence in Cosmo in helping me through this process. Fun to work with; hair, makeup, stylist. Artistic, talented photographer. They are very professional and are sincere about the business of locating potential talent.Savanna Hoefer

My 12 year old daughter expressed interest in modeling. I got online and searched for a legitimate Agency. I came across Cosmo Model & Talent Agency, submitted my daughters information and within a matter of minutes i was contacted by the Owner Craig, Who expressed genuine interest in getting to know us both and starting the interviewing process the next day! We were introduced to Tina who showed exceptional professionalism. She was very friendly and informative. She saw the beauty inside and out of my daughter who struggled with her self esteem. I am truly thankful for everyone at Cosmo for being an inspiration to young talent and making dreams a reality!Cierra Harper

We are new to Cosmo agency. Today was my sons photo shoot. Everyone was so helpful and nice. We came over prepared, I brought makeup, hair products, flat iron, and several other items just in case. upon arrival to my surprise they had everything we needed. The hair stylist was absolutely amazing and knew exactly what to do, she had tons of products. The makeup artist was also very nice and helpful. The wardrobe lady just went through all the clothes we brought and put outfits together. Ed the photographer had a way about him that helped my son to relax and get the best shots of his natural beauty. We are so excited to see where this leads us.january gilbert

I danced with SISA from ages 10-18 and have worked closely with Debbie throughout the years since. As a student, SISA provided me with an excellent technical foundation which opened the door for me to complete my undergraduate degree in Dance- a rich and rewarding experience. SISA students do not only learn the technique of their art, however- as they study they develop self-discipline, responsibility, artistry, teamwork, and a solid base of knowledge about the performing arts industry. And, most importantly- it's FUN! This is a fun-loving, friendly environment and both the staff and students welcome newcomers with open arms. Highly recommend.Erin Bready

SISA is an inclusive and welcoming school that provides excellent arts education. I am an alumna of both the drama and vocal programs and went on to get a degree in music. If you are interested in pursuing a career in the arts, no one will work harder to get you there than Debbie!Grace Robertson

I love that they offer all forms of art not just dance. My children have participated in all areas and we are enjoying the new art classes. Anyone looking for a place where all feel welcomed and want more than just dance should definitely check this school out.Aniesa Wiseman

Update: 2.21.19 – This was a 1 star review until today. After then owner contacted me and was gracious enough to provide me with a gift card for a second try, I figured there was nothing to lose. I must have visited this place last time on a bad night because the restaurant that I went to today is 100% different from last time. The food was amazing! This time around I had the Loin-ee-pops to start, they where tender and juicy and delightful. I didn't think they where worth the $10 but definitely something to try. I had the Ruben and my boyfriend had the fish sandwich, they where tasty. The Ruben was perfectly sliced and the house made thousand island dressing was on point and the fish was fried to perfection. I will be back! 1 Star review: Boy do I hate giving 1 stars but sadly sometimes you just have to. I ordered the black bean burgers and I have to say it was one of the worst I have ever had. I was eating refried beans on a bun with lettuce and onion. There was no flavor and it was mushy beyond belief. My best friend ordered a penne and sausage dish that had more salt than the ocean and was accompanied by a sad portion of sausage. I guess the only good thing was my best friend said her Manhattan had a heavy pour and tasted delicious.Brittany Longmire

OUT OF TOWN REVIEW – While traveling down to Tennessee from Ohio our party stopped in Louisville for dinner. We weren't prepared to find this gem ! The first thing we noticed was the tight knit welcoming vibe as you walked in. The two young gentlemen behind the bar (possibly brothers ?) were super welcoming. The menu was unique and fun . The food was amazing. The tots were crisp, burgers juicy and melt in your mouth , they have a chocolate milk drink that will have you wanting more. All the community events were posted leaving us all agreeing we'd have to stop back up on the trip home. On our second trip stopping back we actually got to see some classical music playing love which was incredible . The food held the same amazing standard. The whole vibe was amazing and felt like setting out of a movie. Definitely the place to stop if you're passing thru !Kenzy Dalton

My husband and I just left tonight’s comedy show early. Everyone that we talked to was nice, but we were overall fairly disappointed in the performance. The thing I can’t get over is the fact that there were two sewing needles with string attached pushed into my seat. I sat down on them, because who thinks to check for that? It wasn’t a fun start to my night. I also had a fairly large moment of panic due to being pregnant and what risks that could bring. The employee my husband showed the needles to basically didn’t care (actually, my husband said he was pretty snotty about it). I can’t fathom that level of disregard for customers, or other people in general. We won’t be back.Leann McCreary

Spotlight is an amazing community theatre and so much more. They deliver quality productions, time after time. There are so many good actors and they support everyone. They appreciate their tech crews and writers. The children take great care to be supportive of one another. The atmosphere is fun and you can even buy refreshments. But hurry back to your seats because you don’t want to miss a thing.Patricia Watkins

We won ticket to this place at a geocaching event in Berea. We went not knowing what to expect. But we loved the play we seen it was their version of Dracula awesome show & friendly people. We have tickets for their Christmas show I can't wait to see it. We will definitely have to come back for more shows. I highly recommend this place for a night of family fun and good entertainment.Kevin Hansford

If you love live theater be it comedy, drama, musicals you can find it all here. Beautiful theater warm and freindly host and hostess. They have children's shows as well as adult shows. There are restrooms and refreshments sold in there huge lobby. Well worth a visit.Scottie J's Rock&Roll and sports

I can’t say enough good things about KY Shakespeare Festival. They always do such high quality performances and I love how much the Central Park locations has grown and stayed so nice over the years. It’s a fabulous location and the talent is top notch! We loved the take on Twelfth Night in the guise of the 1920’s jazz era in New Orleans!! Seriously, check them out each Summer and you won’t be sorry!Ashley Hostetter

What’s better than Shakespeare in the Park, Louisville’s Central Park, on a warm summer evening? FREE Shakespeare in the Park all summer long. Great outdoor productions, food trucks if you’re hungry, plenty of parking on the surrounding streets, and dogs are allowed to attend. Donations to defray production costs are accepted, but not required. Worth the trip!Bob Atkin

My partner and I saw a show on a muggy summer’s evening. The acting was very impressive, but the heat made it pretty unbearable to sit there for 2.5 hours, and it didn’t help that I could barely understand what the actors were saying (partly because I can’t understand Shakespeare, partly because the microphones were not very loud).Elliot Gross

This venue is Beautiful with functional high quality space to host your events. The sound system, video, picture screens, bars, staff, space, etc are exceptional. I attended Rheonna Nicole's Lipstick 💄 Wars Poetry Slam which is always phenomenal. This is the first time that I volunteered and it was an honor! ❤️💋You have to experience the Love ❤️ and Laughter of "Lipstick Wars Poetry Slam" for yourself. 🤣Andrea Caldwell

Saw Lido Piamenta and Sylvan Esso and had the time of my life! I liked the venue for the open standing room AND seated balcony options. I liked how it had a lot of room but still felt cozy and intimate. Event staff were friendly and efficient and the facility was clean and felt safe.Jana LaRue

Nice venue but the VIP section has one major flaw in the form of this railing that surrounds the venue. They needed to use glass like what's used in sports arenas to avoid the severely obstructed views of the stage, see picture for example.Andrew Winkler