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on-camera trainin, built for kids

The team here at Forge Film Acting built the on-camera acting classes we would have wanted as young actors. While so many schools and studios offer training for theater, musical theater, and college auditioning, the gap for kids' on-camera acting training was missing, so we built what we wished we had as kids! ​​

Instead of kids fitting into adult classes when they're ready, our classes are built for kids, packed with material written for their age group, and training geared towards the actual on-camera projects they can expect to work on as professional child actors. 

kids acting classes

weekly classes for kids' ongoing acting training
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what to expect

Whether you are just starting out on camera, or working in the industry, this class will strengthen your confidence on-camera, and give you the tools you need to nail on-camera auditions, build your actor toolkit and grow in a joyful, supportive environment. 

 

Kids Academy classes have 2 different age groups. While the level and depth of information changes between the age groups, the structure of all Kids Academy classes follows our model below:

Camera Technique
Know your angles and use the frame to your advantage Find freedom of movement and tell a story without dialogue. 
Commercials
TV & Film
Showcase
Nail commercial auditions: the breakdown, slate, taking direction, callbacks, and MOS. 
How genre informs performance, breaking down the script.
• The camera picks it all up: find authenticity and truth through listening and reacting
• Make the audition yours: You bring a unique perspective & the power of you is always enough 
Rehearsal before class culminates in a Showcase for agents and the Compass Casting team! 
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kids intensives

  • Pro Series with Actor John Pirruccello
    Pro Series with Actor John Pirruccello
    early bird pricing
    Sat, Dec 13
    Chicago Forge
    After Broadway's Glengarry Glen Ross, catch Actor John Pirruccello back in Chicago for his one-day Scene Study intensive at Forge Film Acting, which gives actors a place to work through scary roadblocks in their process.
  • Pro Series with Actor John Pirruccello (DAY TWO!)
    Pro Series with Actor John Pirruccello (DAY TWO!)
    Sun, Dec 14
    Chicago Forge
    After Broadway's Glengarry Glen Ross, catch Actor John Pirruccello back in Chicago for his one-day Scene Study intensive at Forge Film Acting, which gives actors a place to work through scary roadblocks in their process.
  • Commercial Auditioning with Jaclyn Friedlander
    Commercial Auditioning with Jaclyn Friedlander
    Sat, Jan 10
    Central Forge at Flyover Film Studios
    Jump into commercial auditioning with actor and tv host Jaclyn Friedlander's one-day audition intensive! Get a taste of what it’s like to break down commercial scripts, make acting choices, use the camera to your advantage, and take commercial direction.
  • Headshot Mini Session: Jeff Kurysz
    Headshot Mini Session: Jeff Kurysz
    Sun, Jan 11
    Chicago Forge
    Shoot one look with Chicago headshot photographer Jeff Kurysz
  • On-Camera Kiddos
    On-Camera Kiddos
    Sat, Jan 17
    Central Forge at Flyover Studios
    Work with Chicago actor and teaching artist Emma Knott in her one-day on-camera acting intensive that gives a taste of her weekly class
  • Showcase: Winter 2025
    Showcase: Winter 2025
    Sun, Jan 18
    Chicago Forge
    Join us for a no-holding-back feedback session with four prominent Chicago talent agents.
  • Audition for Film & TV Intensive with Sarah Cayce
    Audition for Film & TV Intensive with Sarah Cayce
    Sat, Jan 24
    Central Forge
    Work with Casting Director Sarah Cayce in a compressed version of her weekly class, compressed into one day (including her full online lecture series!)
  • Demo Camp
    Demo Camp
    Sat, Feb 21
    Chicago Forge
    Demo Camp is back for our first session of the new year!
  • Showcase: Fall 2025
    Showcase: Fall 2025
    Sun, Nov 16
    Chicago Forge
    Join us for a no-holding-back feedback session with four prominent Chicago talent agents.
  • Demo Camp: Horror Edition
    Demo Camp: Horror Edition
    Sat, Nov 01
    Chicago Forge
    Demo Camp is back one more time in 2025, this time with the option to be horror specific with your scenes.
  • Headshot Mini Session: Jeff Kurysz
    Headshot Mini Session: Jeff Kurysz
    Sun, Oct 12
    Chicago Forge
    Shoot one look with Chicago headshot photographer Jeff Kurysz

Meet the Teacher: 

Emma Knott is a Chicago-based actor who brings a light, lovable energy to her roles on screen and stage, as well as to her teaching work, having taught art and theatre classes for years in the Chicagoland area. Learn more about Emma's acting work and teaching philosophy in our blog!

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Questions?
Don't hesitate to reach out!  Reach us at hello@forgefilmacting.com

Need help with college auditions?
Coachings are available both in person and online!

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