20 Best Acting Programs In Providence, RI (2022 Updated)

Its been years since sitting in Dr. Kulo's class, and as he's retired, and I've gone on to an MBA and Doctorates, and been able to put them to pretty good use as a University Professor, I remember with GREAT fondness, my years at Salve coupled with the Newport experience. Money is money … but if you want a GREAT education and educational experience, Go To SALVE!!!!John Laski

The people at Salve Regina are wonderful. They really care about how you grow as a student and a person. You also can't beat Newport as the campus is beautiful and very relaxing. The school was such a wonderful find to discover and I hope they continue to grow but remain the hidden gem they are!John Farrell

This school has a campus as gorgeous as it gets. Located in Newport, RI on the water, the views out onto the ocean are phenomenal. The school itself is a bit pricey however you definitely get what you pay for. You won't be disappointed with your college experience if you choose this school.Chris Rallo

I loved the GAMM Theatre – went to multiple shows and was a huge fan. I took a couple friends there and one of them became delirious inexplicably mid-show, we had to move her to the waiting area. She later was brought to the emergency department and was found to have Ketamine in her system. Only drinks we obtained that night were cups of wine from the bar. This can obviously happen to anyone, anywhere – at any time, but I was devastated to hear about this occurring and ruining what otherwise should have been a wonderful night. The management staff was made aware but understandably could do little to address the issue after the event had occurred. Please stay vigilant – to all the staff and attendees.Robertito Cortez

An amazing theater that delivers hit after hit. The new location is beautiful, the new concession stand is awesome, and the shows are always memorable. I know several season ticket holders so I have the chance to attend often. If you are interested in exciting, well produced and acted theater, The Gamm is the place to go.Josh Trott

The Gamm has been my favorite local theater since I moved to RI 25 years ago. The acting is always superb, the play selections thoughtful and the staff couldn't be nicer. I look forward to renewing my subscription every year and enjoying everything this wonderful theater has to offer.Carol Conley

Fantastic. It was our first time seeing a show at the Courthouse Center of the Arts. It is a great place to see an intimate show. The concert was good, with no bad seat in the house. Staff were very friendly. There is a bar on the first floor. The proceeds form the show including the bar and the donation box in the lobby go to “theater, music, art and child development programs for children of all ages and abilities with inclusion programs for, what we call differently abled children.”Philip Green

I am a successful business owner and know with respect within this Southern RI town. I was shamed publicly by executive director on FB page for offering free tickets, which I had paid for but was unable to use, to Chicago Tribute Band. I was called a “thief”. She had neglected to do any fact checking before putting up her slanderous post. I have withdrawn my years of patronage and will not return to events nor invest any monies to this program until she steps down.Virginia Cauley

The venue was outstanding!!! The fund raising is inspiring!!! Letting people in was not. Stood out in cold for 10 or 15minutes. Then waiting again to get seats. Maybe let people in to get their seats . Then they can go get drinks and they would probably spend more. People our age like to know where they are sitting. 😊Great evening overall.Dp Siraco

Hi my name is Brittany ! . My son Goes to ocean state kidz and we absolutely love it !!. Ms. Laura and Mr. Matt the founders of ocean state kidz have been taken care of my son before and after school for 6 years !!!! They first were involved with Ms. Laura’s dads daycare liddle tots. They decided to make their dreams come true with opening an after school program for pre teens 6th ,7th and 8th graders and we couldn’t have been more prouder and excited for what they accomplished for Our kids and themselves with doing what they love. knowing families and kids out there still need after school programs even after elementary. They provide learning to grow and becoming a responsible teen in their center with helping make food so they can learn for at home also for having sports so the kids can stay busy and have fun and stay active !! And so much more ! Please check out their fb !! My son had the best summer ! He walked goats .. played outside games ! Went swimming! He even went sailing ! And so much more !!! They have music and dancing ! And my sons favorite karaoke ! They also host Friday night lights where they order food for the kids let them go outside to their gated area to play ball at night or stay inside with music and play games ! It’s 5-8:30 at night !! It’s a great independent experience for the kids with the right amount of staff to supervise!!! Please check it out !! My son and I love it their and love the staff !! They are family now ! Oh and by the way I was stuck with getting my son to school they even provide pick up at your front door for school !!! Thanks for taking a moment to read ! ❤️Brittany Hayes

My daughter attended OSKC this past summer (2022) for the first time. Each day, she was excited and looking forward to attending camp. Weekly rotations of activities were presented, as well as bi-weekly field trips that included boat trips, swimming and amusement activities, just to name a few. She participated in dancing, acting, cooking and arts and crafts regularly. As an individual with a master’s in education, as well as directing a childcare/school age program in East Greenwich from 2015-2020, I can say I have never seen a program run so efficiently that provides such a wide variety of activities. The site itself is immaculate and the amount of things that the children are exposed to and/or participate in is like no other. All staff were engaged and completely professional in all ways. I 100% encourage any family to enroll your child in any OSKC program. My daughter will certainly be returning next summer!Kerri Valcourt

Ocean State Kidz Club (OSK) is a home away from home for my 6th grader. The transition from elementary to middle school can be daunting for any kid and especially for a reserved and quiet only child. My son has really come out of his shell and has so much fun at OSK that he asks us to wait until as late as possible to pick him up. Ms. Laura and Mr. Matt and the whole team provide a fun, inclusive and engaging environment for kids to decompress after a full day of school, make new friends, and have fun while learning. In fact, my son has known Laura and Matt since 1st grade from when they helped to run Liddle Tots II Teen before founding OSK. So when my son needed after care for middle school, it was a no brainer for us! He felt like he was back with a welcoming family who truly have his best interests at heart.Darlene Williamson

My daughter woke up one morning last summer and decided she wanted to take piano lessons, so after doing some googling, I decided to call FRAA. They answered all my questions, sent me all the info by email and we got her set up for lessons with Nolan. She has been taking lessons since September and absolutely loves the piano and loves her lesson. Nolan does a great job with meeting her where she is at. She is only 6 and sometimes she's cranky, sometimes tired after school, sometimes would rather dance instead of playing the piano at that moment… but Nolan always works with her. Whether they play freeze dance with the piano so she can get the dance moves out, or play a guessing game with some piano notes, Nolan always keeps her interested and she has learned so much (they do the book work too… she has 2 pages left in her first book!). We have had to do some lessons on Zoom as well due to illness, which is definitely hard to do with little kids, but Nolan was able to keep her attention on Zoom too which I think is very impressive! All of the other staff members we have interacted with have been friendly and enthusiastic. Another bonus is the performance space upstairs where the recital was held… it was the perfect size for a kid to perform but not get too bad of stage fright. I highly recommend Fall River Arts Academy and Nolan!Jessixa Williams

Everyone of the staff members here are amazing! From sales to reception to the instructors to the owners EVERYONE is incredible. Pricing is great for me with 3 of my children playing 3 different instruments, it’s affordable. The kids love that they are always doing something to show off their new skills. They have open mic for all and recitals and 2 different all star bands made up of students! They have exceeded all my expectations in the past year my children have been taken lessons! Steve and Nolan are with my daughters for Bass and Guitar and Mr.Zigman has my son for drums and I have never heard any complaints from my children. They absolutely love their instructors!patricia camara

Fall River Arts Academy, go above and beyond to welcome you into their store or classrooms. They have incredibly talented teachers, along with knowledgeable staff, that continue to provide each individual with endless support, along with great opportunities, to succeed in their musical careers. The open mic nights are absolutely wonderful in giving each individual some stage practice and confidence. Everyone is supportive and kind which is extremely special. We are beyond grateful to be part of this great family. 🎼Grace Chora

Have attended several Friday and Saturday night shows at Kismet, and it's always a great time. They have different rotating house teams that perform, then other special guests, and since it's improv, you'll never see the same show twice – which is awesome! The overall atmosphere is very welcoming, and the performances are great high-energy shows. They also have drinks and snacks available for purchase. I love going to their improv jam – it' a great opportunity to get on stage and try out improv with new people. Outside of their weekly shows, Kismet also offers classes for all levels of improvisors looking to grow their skills. Finding the spot can be a bit tricky the first time you go, as it's located in a large mill building, but check out their website for directions, and look for the signs out on show nights.Kristen Larsen

I've taken multiple classes with various teachers here and highly recommend them for anyone who wants to be more creative. You genuinely don’t have to be a performer to take classes and you’ll meet some seriously kind and funny people. It’s a comfortable place to have fun and try things out. The "improv fundamentals" sequence was super and a great foundation. The shows are fantastic. If you enjoy laughing, head on over. Teams take a suggestion (or suggestions) from the audience and create hilarious, ephemeral stuff. There’s also a bar open in the theater throughout the night. If you have kids, there’s a show geared just for them on Saturday afternoons. Also great: they pay their performers(!), a rarity in improv. This theater brightens the whole community.Jamie DeMotts

Kismet is a great improv/comedy theater and place to take classes. I have been consistently happy with the shows that I have seen there. They have a huge group of funny, friendly, and engaged performers and teachers. There is a community feeling at this theater that just makes you want to join a class! I highly recommend going to a show or taking a class at this great new edition to Rhode Island's improv scene.Michael Robbins

Creative dramatics! That is what attracted me to Drama Kids over other area drama programs and why I give Drama Kids 5 stars for making every student a star! What do I mean? Well, while most other drama programs teach end-product, performance-based acting skills, Drama Kids focuses on using creative dramatics as a fun and engaging tool for teaching LIFE skills AND gives every student a chance to shine with DRAMA skills, too. Each class -whether online or in person – uses a variety of drama-based activities with the aim of ensuring kids HAVE FUN while developing their personal confidence, creative thinking abilities, problem-solving skills, public speaking skills, leadership abilities, teamwork and more! Truly! The curriculum is written and delivered to do this. Miss Heather and her team do awesome with it! Of course, the LIFE skills are not the only skills kids grow in in Drama Kids. They also work on CLASSIC THEATER SKILLS. Each class gets students engaged working with elements of voice (articulation, projection, emotion, dynamics, and more!), movement (facial expressions, blocking, Laban movement techniques, etc.), characterization, improv, and more. Mini-scripts, improv exercises, performance pieces… They are all there! But, what isn't there is the high-pressure, competitive, so-and-so-is-the-star-and-so-and-so-the-extra atmosphere of some other drama programs. I LOVE this about Drama Kids! Miss Heather and her staff WORK WITH EACH CHILD EXACTLY WHERE THEY ARE AT, help them grow, and, naturally, let them SHINE! Year after year, I have seen my own children SHINE as Drama Kids stars, and also saw growth in their classmates each and every one of them. It's beautiful!Martianne Stanger

We are so grateful to Miss Heather, Miss Colby, and the entire Drama Kids program! My child had always had some social anxiety, and Covid / social distancing brought about additional challenges and setbacks. Drama Kids has been a constant right through the original Spring 2020 shutdowns when the classes shifted to virtual, and we've been fortunate to have in person classes for most of the past two years. Whether virtual, in person, masked, or unmasked, indoors or outdoors, Drama Kids has been the favorite activity in my house, and this year my younger child attends as well. I've always felt comfortable with the Covid/safety protocols and my kids were able to laugh, act, and enjoy an outlet during an otherwise stressful time. My five-year-old loves Drama Kids so much that he has been teaching the skits and improv games to the kids at his day care! There is a whole crew of two to four- year-olds at our day care who can't wait to join when they are old enough!Kelli McLoughlin

My son, who is currently in middle school, has been taking classes with Miss Heather at Drama Kids for six years. He has flourished in this wonderful program with her support and guidance. Miss Heather is a natural with the kids and has kept my son excited about theatre and motivated to continue working on his skills year after year. Miss Heather is professional, organized and most importantly, has a bond with each of her students. She truly gets to know each and every one of them and brings out the best in them. My son has gained confidence, learned to be comfortable on stage and has made long lasting friendships over the years. He looks forward to Drama Kids every week and has for the past six years! Even during COVID, Miss Heather has been working nonstop to keep the kids excited and engaged all in a very safe environment. I am grateful for his Drama Kids family and Miss Heather, who have been a constant positive influence in his life.Laurie Bishop

Joe is a miracle worker. Our little guy is a rescue and is about 6 years old. He is the sweetest and is great with (most) people, but he was aggressive with other dogs. Also, he pulled really hard on the leash (once I face planted when he went after a squirrel 🐿️). Also, he is not at all treat driven, so distraction was impossible. These things made walking on the bike path and vet visits extremely anxiety producing. Also, we weren't able to visit family and friends with dogs and bring him with us. We were worried that his age might influence his ability to be trained, but no. After only a few short weeks with Joe training us and our little guy, he has shown incredible improvement that I didn't know was possible. He rarely jumps when people come or pulls on the leash now. He also has started off leash training, and we are strengthening our trust and bond. The biggest miracle was the aggression training though. He has now started socialization training with Joe and has been able to be around other dogs without trying to fight them and is actually making dog friends. The socialization class Joe runs after the training is incredible, as it provides a safe and controlled environment for our little fur babies. I can't say enough about Joe and have already recommended him to my family and friends. Best dog trainer in RI.Candace Famiglietti

I had a rescue Cane Corso that was completely out of control on the leash. It is always a struggle to find a dog trainer that can work with dog breeds that are a bit difficult. Joe was amazing. He taught me how to properly and fairly correct my dogs unwanted behavior. Joe also is available via text to ask questions and get great advice during and after the training period. I spent a summer working with a professional schutzhund trainer that trained New Jersey state police dogs and Joe is a perfect medium for professional working dogs and the average person wanting to gain control of their dogs. It is absolutely worth the money. This isn’t just sending your dog off to be trained, it’s a method to teach you how to train and work with your dog. Thank you Joe!Andrea Buonanno

I can't recommend Joe enough, he seriously is a dog whisperer! I have a 6.5 year old German Shepherd who was showing aggression. After just one lesson with Joe he gave us the tools and information needed to stop this behavior right away. Not only did he fix the aggressive behavior he also helped with other bad habits my dog did(barking at UPS, barking at people/dogs walking outside, jumping, meeting other dogs and even his eating behavior). Joe always makes himself available if you have any questions between training sessions. Super reliable and very professional. Strategic K-9 Training also offers group classes for dog interactions. Which thanks to Joe my dog and I are now apart of!Jennifer DeFusco

I have worked with dozens of theater companies all over New England and none of them could compare to JDP. JDP is one of the most professional and welcoming theater groups I have ever worked with. The entire team behind the scenes work tirelessly to make sure that everyone looks clean and beautiful for their productions. Their kind and friendly nature creates a warm environment for people with any kind of theatrical background to be comfortable and grow with the craft. The directing team is magnificent and brings some thing special to every show. The costumes never disappoint with their Broadway like glitz and glam. JDP really is the Broadway of Rhode Island. I seriously could not recommend this theater company enough. If you have the opportunity to even audition for the lovely people at JDP, you should take it and feel the magic that we all do.Aimee Lyn Meunier

I have worked with many theater companies and none have made me feel more at home than JDP. they appreciate and care about every one of their performers and has one of the most accepting and wonderful environments to be in. The crew is fantastic and kind and they run a very professional company. A company who cares about its actors and listens to them. A company that is dedicated to make wonderful productions and showcase the talent of Rhode Island. Every production is better than the last because they are also dedicated to grow as a company and become even better then they are. Every show I do with them hold lifelong happy memories. The time I’ve had at JDP has been wonderful and I have found my second family with them. I will be staying with JDP for years to come 🙂Amelia Akkaoui

JDP is an INCREDIBLE company! They have made a safe and welcoming space for everyone. This theater company is unlike any community theater I have ever seen. There is no detail that goes unnoticed at JDP so the production value is always outstanding. From the moment I stepped foot into this company, I was filled with love and support from everyone. There are so many different aspects for self-growth within this company from private lessons, to extra dance classes. All of the teaching artists at this company and their board, care so deeply about each and every single person involved in their shows. I highly HIGHLY recommend getting involved at JDP. You will open a door for yourself that you never imagined before!Olivia Lancellotta

Other than a hill, a lot of stairs and too few parking spots (no HC spots) this is a cozy theater (2 of them) with good entertainment at a good price. Beware that the bathroom is upstairs so the whole place is tough for those with mobility challenges or fear of ice. Wish there were a few more walkable shops or restaurants near by.bruth F

Cute theatre for local performances and low ticket price but limited seating and it's hot. Parking is a challenge and handicap access is tough with brick sidewalks. Not their fault but… Membership gets you tickets otherwise they can sell out.B Ruth

Lots of talent there and the Sunday afternoon receptions, complete with center pieces, designed with a motif related to the play, are outstanding. Did l mention that you also get to meet the actors ?Mary Frappier

I saw One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Next last night. It was the most compelling performance of that heartrending play I have ever seen. Jay Walker’s portrayal of the Chief was sublime – well directed and flawlessly executed; a Tony caliber performance. The energetic portrayal of MacMurphy by Teddy Lytle was excellent. As was Madison Weinhoffer’s Nurse Ratshed – I wanted to kill her myself! In fact, the entire cast was terrific. It was a privilege to attend.Stephanie Pressman

Go check out the Wilbury. The building feels really hip and cool, and the shows feel that way, too. You’ll see Theatre here that you won’t see anywhere else in Rhode Island. I like that the space is flexible and intimate. Definitely worth a peek if you want to have an adventurous night out.Bradly Widener

Great local theater. I've only been the one time so far to see Constellations and it was a nice experience. Nice open space and plenty of room to see what's going on no matter where you sit. The staff is friendly and they have a bar as well. Will definitely go back to check out more playsJosh Lima

The guesthouse provides a welcoming home for visitors to Providence. We were in the third-floor spacious king garden-view room, and enjoyed four nights there while visiting nearby Brown University. The room is quiet and private. There's a kitchen down the hall and a nearby space with chairs and a table. We came in May when the trees are in full leaf, so we enjoyed the 3rd floor view of the treetops every morning. There are pull-down blinds on the windows to keep out the sunlight. It's airy and well ventilated, and there were no odors even when the place was closed up. We barely heard other people in the building, so interior noise is minimal. The bed was in very good shape and pillows seemed new. We were very pleased with the room’s ample space for clothes. There’s an armoire and additional rack space with many hangers, and a dresser. The en suite bathroom was also spacious and clean, with plenty of towels and a good supply of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. There was a freestanding cabinet in the bathroom for towels and a place for toiletries. Our wifi signal was strong and reliable, and there are plenty of electrical plugs for charging your phone, etc. The location of this lodging makes a car rental unnecessary because it is close to downtown and College Hill. It was easy to catch a Lyft or Uber ride. The top reason to stay, however, is the warm, friendly reception given by the owner and the property manager. They were so nice! We felt like old friends, talking with them in the garden over iced coffee and cookies. They look after their guests, giving them as much privacy as they want, but also offering what many hotels lack, namely warmth and hospitality. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.Ed Miskevich

I can't say enough good things about this place. My sons and I were looking for a casual, attractive, low-key place to hold an outdoor memorial celebration for my late husband. I'm so happy that I called the Brooklyn Coffee, Tea and Guesthouse! The friendliness and helpfulness of Chef Phyllis and her staff is so much appreciated. She gave me good advice on the menu and what options were available to us. On the day of the memorial, when we arrived, we found the the garden set up beautifully. Such a lovely place. We had opted to have an assortment of appetizers and some fruit & cheese and mezze platters. They were all delicious. The folks who joined us that day have commented on the excellence of the food, the service and the friendly and welcoming ambiance. We were about 70 people and the garden accommodated us easily, with plenty of room to move around and visit with each other. Thanks to Chef Phyllis and her wonderful staff the memorial celebration was just what we had hoped it would be — an opportunity for friends and family to say goodbye to my husband in an informal, pleasant, and happy atmosphere. I happily recommend the Brooklyn Coffee, Tea & Guesthouse to anyone looking for a place to hold a comfortable, friendly gathering. Thanks Chef Phyllis and team!Dorcas Haller

Brooklyn Coffee and Tea Guest House is amazing! I just threw my parents a 30th anniversary at their back outdoor venue and it was beautiful . Kelly and Sabrina did a wonderful job setting up and help prepare for this party . they both were so kind and helpful throughout the entire process. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone or any event or just to enjoy the tea house for a cup of coffee. I can’t thank them enough for all the tremendous support and kindness and help they brought to bring this party together!!Ariana Carito

Great place set in a parking lot very close to a beautiful pond with a bridge. The grounds have gorgeous flowers all around and fragrant lillies fill the air. The staff are amazing and very friendly. Definitely recommended.Vellentie fam Vellentie

We went to As You Like It – excellent acting and the outdoor production was perfect. Good snacks and a bar. Looking forward to the next show. A really fun different night out in downtown Wakefield – try it!Julia Techentin

Cute theatre with a talented and energetic cast. They have a fun mystery theater with a twist – the audience chooses the killer. They also have refreshments including wine beer and seltzer.Kathy S

The theater is still under renovation. The owner is showing such great enthusiasm and passion in renovating not only the theater but creating a restaurant on the second floor balcony called the Rolfe along the Park Place Cafe next door and a Comedy venue. This whole facility is alive and kicking like it's never done before. We enjoyed our Saturday afternoon at the Park Cafe with so many choices for Desserts, Pizza, Salads, Sandwiches, Coffee, Teas etc. There's even mentioned they have Open Mic. I would suggest checking the website for all up to date menus and events! What a great asset to the community!Mark

First time going to see a show at this theater. You'll sink into your seat in comfort. Still not much leg room. It Went to see Jim Breuer and the acoustics/sound were great too. They just need to fix the flow at the bar. People are entering while others are lining up at the bar it was a long wait and difficult to move around.Chrissy Ann

I love going to this place for parties, it is spacious and very nice. Wish the drinks were including but they gotta make their money. If you ever go to an event, make sure to get there early because parking on park Ave sucks lol, other than that, it's a beautiful space to rent for a nice event or and intimate occasionMushi Belone

This is a very special organization. Not only do they bring quality arts educational programs to our community but their concerts though out the year are professional and well put together! Thank you NEMPAC for bringing this service to the community!Yvonne Cox

NEMPAC not only provides accessible and exceptional music and performing arts programming, they create community and maintain those relationships. It's a joy being a part of an institution that puts their community first!Kayla Tomas

East a fantastic organization well established in the community and authentic in how they deliver quality educational and professional concert series.Alex Senchak

My child finished the summer program with Ms. D and signed up for the fall semester. Amy facilitated the transaction. She was most knowledgeable as well as welcoming but she was also thorough with the forms. Very efficient and detailed: I appreciate that level of service. She recommended the next program to fit my child’s skill level. She also provided tips and told me more about what this company had to offer. The interaction was so great especially for a new dance mom like myself. Many thanks to Amy for all the help.S Bradley

I took the beginner adult classes here and I absolutely loved it! It is a very welcoming and inclusive environment for dancers of all levels!Sydney Treanor

The theater is a wonderful addition to the island. The building is new, the production area is intimate, and the actors are very very talented. My only suggestion is to sell bottle water on intermission. Aside from that, the adaptive version of a Nantucket Christmas Carol was brilliant. I look forward to another show.tim curran

What a great treat! Professional theater of the highest order on this tiny island 30 miles at sea! I have seen such fine productions here, featuring Broadway stars.Jay Hammer

Have not been disappointed yet in the quality and variety of theatre produced here. The Weir is wonderful and riveting – a must see!Kathy Baird