After-school acting classes for youth covering theater fundamentals, improvisation, and performance skills.
123 E Water St · Parking: Street parking available on Water Street and surrounding blocks (metered until 5pm weekdays, free evenings/weekends). Water Street parking garage located two blocks away.

Live Arts has been Charlottesville's premiere community theater since 1990, serving as both a performance venue and educational institution in the heart of downtown. Located at 123 East Water Street, the organization operates a black box theater that hosts 6-8 full productions each season, ranging from classic dramas and comedies to contemporary works and original musicals. The intimate 120-seat space creates an immersive theatrical experience where audiences sit just feet from the performers, making it one of the best live theater experiences in Charlottesville for those seeking professional-quality community productions.
“My daughter was painfully shy before starting these classes. After just one session, she's volunteering to read aloud in school and has made wonderful friends. The instructors truly care about each child's growth.”
“The showcase performance was amazing! I couldn't believe how much my son learned in 8 weeks. He went from nervous beginner to confident performer. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed and the energy is always positive.”
“Both of my kids take classes here and they absolutely love it. The teachers strike the perfect balance between structure and creativity. It's not just about acting—they're learning life skills like teamwork and self-expression.”
4.8 ★ avg rating · Verified Mar 27, 2026
