Whether your kiddo is just dipping their toes into ballet or already belting show tunes like a Broadway star, Outschool offers live, online performing arts classes for kids that are fun, flexible, and full of personality. And here’s the best part: you can save up to $30 on your first class using my personal code MSALLIE20—and it works for any class on the platform, not just mine!

As a theater teacher on Outschool and a parent to a young dancer, I’ve seen how powerful these classes can be. They build confidence, spark creativity, and create connections—all from the comfort of home.

Let’s dive into why our family loves it and why yours just might, too.

Outschool: A Creative Playground for Kids

Outschool is an online learning platform offering live Zoom classes for kids ages 3–18. It’s packed with engaging, small-group lessons taught by passionate educators in everything from acting and singing to coding, cooking, and creative writing.

The performing arts classes are especially magical. Whether your child wants to try ballet, drama, improv, tap, musical theater, or vocal training, they can explore it all without needing to commit to a full year of lessons or drive to a studio.

Classes are incredibly flexible and low-pressure. That means kids can test the waters without the commitment of a long-term program, or they can go all in with weekly rehearsals and performance-based courses. It’s all about what works best for your child.

And it’s not just for the extroverts. If your child is a little nervous to perform in front of a crowd, online classes can feel safer and more accessible. They can build skills and confidence at their own pace—with lots of encouragement along the way.

My Life as a Theater Teacher on Outschool

As a lifelong theater lover and professional actress, teaching acting classes on Outschool has been a dream come true. I work with kids from all over the world, helping them explore everything from improv games and monologues to scene study and character work.

What I love most? The joy kids bring to class. They show up excited, ready to play, and totally open to trying something new. I’ve seen shy students blossom into bold performers and outgoing kids discover the power of listening and ensemble work.

The small class sizes mean every student gets personal feedback and real time to shine. It’s a creative, supportive space where kids aren’t afraid to be silly, expressive, and themselves.

My Daughter’s Ballet and Music Journey on Outschool

As a parent, I’ve also experienced Outschool from the other side—watching my daughter thrive in her online ballet and music classes.

When she wanted to try ballet, she struggled with being comfortable in front of a group trying out a new skill. Enter Outschool. We signed up for a beginner ballet class with a wonderful teacher, and it was love at first plié. She twirled, stretched, and beamed with pride—all from our living room.

We’ve also taken music classes together, from singing to rhythm games and basic piano. These classes are fun, interactive, and taught by experienced musicians who know how to keep kids engaged.

Outschool has made it easy for us to try new things without pressure. If my daughter wants to explore jazz dance next week or ukulele next month, we can find a class that fits our schedule and her curiosity.

Creative Confidence Starts Here

What sets Outschool apart from other platforms is the energy. These aren’t pre-recorded videos or boring lectures (although self-paced options are available as well). They’re interactive, live classes led by real teachers who love what they do.

For performing arts, that energy is everything. Kids don’t just watch—they perform, participate, and connect. They collaborate on scenes, cheer each other on, and build confidence in a space that feels fun and safe.

And because Outschool classes are global, kids meet peers from around the world. It’s not just a class—it’s a community.

Want to Try It? Here’s How to Save

If you’re ready to give online performing arts classes for kids a try, there’s never been a better time.

Use my personal code MSALLIE20 to save up to $30 off your first Outschool class—and yes, this discount works for any class on the platform, not just mine. Whether your child wants to try theater, dance, coding, art, or even dinosaurs, this code gives you a risk-free way to explore.

? Click here to browse performing arts classes on Outschool

My Teacher Profile

Check out the Ballet Class my daughter loved!

The Final Bow

Performing arts classes on Outschool have opened up a world of possibility for my family—and I’d love for yours to experience the same joy. Whether your child is a future star or just wants to try something new, there’s a class out there that’s just right for them.

Try it. Let your child explore. And don’t forget to use MSALLIE20 to make your first class even sweeter.

Lights, camera, confidence—it all starts with just one click.

The post Why We Love Performing Arts Classes on Outschool appeared first on The Little Performer.

1. The Silly Statue Warm-Up

What it does: Loosens the body, sparks creativity, and encourages quick thinking.

How to play: Have the kids spread out in the room and strike a silly pose like a statue. You (or a leader) walk around and tap one person on the shoulder at a time. When tapped, they must “come to life” and act out what their statue was doing. For example, if they posed as a chef, they might pretend to whisk batter or taste-test soup. Keep it quick and silly!

Why it works: This warm-up encourages kids to think on their feet and step into different characters right away. Plus, the sillier they get, the more they’ll relax and have fun.

2. Tongue Twister Warm-Up

What it does: Warms up the voice, improves diction, and gets everyone laughing.

How to play: Pick a fun tongue twister and have everyone say it together, slowly at first. Gradually speed it up until it becomes hilariously difficult to say without tripping over words. Some favorites are:

• “Red leather, yellow leather.”
• “Unique New York.”
• “She sells seashells by the seashore.”

Take turns seeing who can say it the fastest without messing up. You can even have kids create their own tongue twisters for extra fun!

Why it works: Clear speech is essential for actors, and this warm-up adds a playful challenge that builds vocal confidence.

3. Pass the Emotion

What it does: Develops emotional range, facial expressions, and teamwork.

How to play: Sit in a circle. One person starts by picking an emotion (happy, scared, angry, excited, etc.) and acting it out with their face and body. They then “pass” that emotion to the next person, who must exaggerate it even more before passing it on. Keep going until everyone has had a turn, and the emotion has grown wildly over-the-top.

Why it works: This acting warm-up helps kids explore emotions in a safe, playful way while learning to express themselves with their whole body and face. It also strengthens their ability to connect with others on stage.

4. Animal Transformations

What it does: Sparks imagination, encourages physical acting, and loosens the body.

How to play: Call out the name of an animal, and have the kids transform into that animal using their bodies, voices, and movements. For example:

• A roaring lion prowling the savannah.
• A slow, sleepy turtle crawling on the floor.
• A playful monkey swinging through trees.

Encourage them to exaggerate every detail, from how the animal walks to the sounds it makes. You can even have them act out scenes as their animal character—what happens when a lion meets a penguin?

Why it works: Acting isn’t just about words; it’s about fully embodying a character. This acting warm-up helps kids explore physicality in a fun and creative way.

5. Mirror Magic Warm-Up

What it does: Builds focus, teamwork, and body awareness.

How to play: Pair the kids up and have one person act as the “leader” while the other is their “reflection.” The leader moves slowly—raising an arm, tilting their head, making a funny face—and their partner must copy them as closely as possible, as if they’re looking in a mirror. After a minute or two, have them switch roles.

Why it works: This classic theater warm-up improves observation skills and focus, while also teaching kids how to work closely with a partner. Plus, the giggles that come from funny faces and movements are always a bonus.

Why Acting Warm-Ups Matter for Young Performers

Acting Warm-ups are more than just a fun way to start class—they’re a foundation for great performances. They help kids:

• Shake off nerves and build confidence.
• Improve focus and concentration.
• Develop vocal and physical skills.
• Foster creativity and teamwork.

So, the next time your little performers hit the stage (or the living room floor!), make sure they’re warmed up and ready to shine. These exercises are quick, easy, and guaranteed to bring out their inner star. Break a leg!

The post 5 Fun Acting Warm-Ups for Kids appeared first on The Little Performer.

1. Promoting Creativity and Imagination

One of the most important benefits of children’s theater is that it promotes creativity and imagination. Theater provides a platform for children to brainstorm and explore their ingenuity. Whether they are acting on stage, designing costumes, or creating props, they are encouraged to think outside the box and express themselves in new and exciting ways.

Through the creative process of theater, children can learn to think critically and problem-solve. Working together as a team to develop characters, storylines, and sets helps children grow their own communication and collaboration skills. This is not only useful in the performing arts but in all aspects of life.

Furthermore, children’s theater can help children develop their sense of self. By exploring different characters and stories, children can discover parts of themselves they may not have been aware of before. This creates a stronger sense of identity for each child. 

2. Developing Communication Skills With Children’s Theater

Kids have to learn how to communicate effectively when they act in a play. For the audience to hear what they’re saying, they need to listen, speak clearly, and project their voice. Not only does this help them on stage, but also in their daily lives as they work with others. Listening to those around you while being present and expressing yourself is a huge skill both onstage and offstage.

3. Teaching Empathy and Understanding Through Children’s Theater

Children’s theater can help children develop their emotional intelligence. Through the characters and stories they portray, children can learn to identify and express their emotions healthily. 

Theater is also a great tool to teach children about different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. Watching stories come to life on stage can aid them in understanding more clearly the feelings and experiences of others, which encourages the development of empathy. 

Children’s theater can also help break down stereotypes and biases. By exposing children to different cultures and experiences, they can learn to appreciate and celebrate diversity. This can embolden children to become more open-minded and accepting of others.

4. Boosting Self-Confidence

Performing in front of an audience can be daunting, but also empowering. Children who participate in theater learn to trust their abilities and feel more confident in themselves and what they can do. They get a chance to truly see themselves in a fresh perspective. 

Furthermore, theater can help children develop public speaking skills. By learning to project their voice and speak clearly on stage, children can become more confident and comfortable speaking and performing in front of others. For instance, in many theater classes, students must practice performing a variety of monologues and pieces in front of their peers and teachers, which can help them build confidence in public speaking.

5. Providing a Sense of Community

Children’s theater is often a collaborative effort that requires a team of actors, designers, and directors to work together to create something unique. This invokes a sense of community and belonging that can be difficult to find elsewhere.

Through theater, children can make new friends and develop a true feeling of camaraderie with their peers. This can be especially important for children who may struggle to find their place in other areas of their lives. Theater gives them an opportunity to shine and a sense of purpose and accomplishment. 

6. Encouraging a Love of the Arts

Children’s theater can be the spark that ignites a lifelong love of the arts whether they go on to pursue a career in theater or simply become lifelong theatergoers. Exposure to this art form at a young age can have a lasting positive impact on their lives.

By encouraging children to engage with the arts, we are helping to create a society that values and appreciates creativity and self-expression. This can have far-reaching benefits for our communities and our world.

Children’s theater is an incredibly important and valuable art form. It has the timeless ability to move hearts and minds in ways that few other things can. By supporting children’s theater, we are investing in the future!

The post Children’s Theater: 6 Ways Your Child Can Benefit From It! appeared first on The Little Performer.