Finding Performing Arts Classes Near Me: 7 Top Local Options for 2025
Whether you're a parent in Riverton looking for your child's first ballet class, a student in Lehi aiming for a career on stage, or an adult in Draper hoping to rediscover a passion, the search for the right program is the first step on an exciting journey. Finding quality "performing arts classes near me" can feel overwhelming, with countless options spanning dance, music, and theater. How do you choose between a specialized music academy, a comprehensive dance studio like those found in Bluffdale, or a dedicated theater workshop?
This guide is designed to simplify that process. We've compiled the best local resources and online platforms to help you find top-tier training, whether you're in Sandy, Herriman, or another nearby community. We will explore what makes each option unique, from dedicated studios offering pre-professional training to platforms for finding flexible one-on-one coaching.
For each resource, you'll find a clear breakdown of what they offer, direct links, and screenshots to guide your search. Our goal is to provide a straightforward comparison, ensuring you have all the information you need to make a confident choice and begin your artistic training. Let's dive into the best local performing arts options available.
1. Encore Academy for the Performing Arts
Best For: A comprehensive, all-in-one studio experience for all ages and skill levels.
Encore Academy for the Performing Arts stands out as a premier destination for families seeking a well-rounded and deeply integrated arts education. Located in Bluffdale, this studio has established itself as a hub for students from surrounding areas like Herriman, Riverton, and Draper, offering an impressive spectrum of classes that cater to everyone from toddlers in Parent & Me sessions to adults in drop-in classes and aspiring pre-professionals. What truly distinguishes Encore is its ability to provide a complete performing arts pathway under one roof, fostering a community where beginners and advanced students grow alongside each other.
The academy's structured, yet supportive environment is built on a foundation of diverse and high-quality instruction. Rather than specializing in just one area, Encore provides robust programs across dance, music, and theater, allowing students to explore multiple disciplines or focus intensely on one. This makes it an ideal choice for families in cities like Lehi or Sandy looking for a single, reliable studio to meet the artistic interests of multiple children or for the student who wants to become a true "triple threat."
Key Features and Offerings
Encore’s curriculum is both broad and deep, ensuring a clear path for student progression and skill development. The well-organized programs, clear communication, and consistent positive parent feedback underscore its reputation for quality.
- Multi-Disciplinary Training: The studio offers an extensive list of classes.
- Dance: Ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, contemporary, ballroom, pointe, acro/tumbling, and specialized leaps & turns clinics.
- Theater: Acting, musical theater, improv, stagecraft, and script development.
- Music: Private and group lessons in voice, piano, violin, cello, guitar, flute, and composition.
- Structured Pathways: Students can progress from foundational classes to pre-professional tracks like the Competition Teams, Academic Company, or the Musical Dance Theater (MDT) Cohort.
- Abundant Performance Opportunities: Encore emphasizes real-world stage experience through recitals, showcases, community parades (like the Bluffdale Old West Days), and the annual Daddy Daughter Dance. This focus ensures students build confidence and stage presence. For more insight into their approach, you can explore their resources about the benefits of dance classes on Encore Academy's website .
- Supportive and Accessible Environment: The studio is celebrated for its welcoming atmosphere, individualized instructor feedback, and strong community. It also offers scholarship opportunities and a straightforward online system for booking trial classes.
Pros and Cons
| Comprehensive Programs: One-stop-shop for dance, music, and theater for all ages. | No Public Pricing: Tuition details require direct contact with the studio. |
|---|---|
| Strong Performance Focus: Ample opportunities to perform build real-world skills. | Location-Specific: The single Bluffdale campus may be a commute for families from farther areas like Lehi or Sandy. |
| Clear Progression Paths: From recreational classes to pre-professional cohorts. | High-Demand Classes: Popular class times may have limited availability or waitlists. |
| Positive Community Reputation: Consistently high praise from parents for organization and instructor quality. | |
| Accessible Entry Point: Easy-to-book trial classes make it low-risk for new students. |
Website: https://www.encoreacademyut.com
2. CourseHorse
CourseHorse acts as a centralized marketplace, aggregating a wide variety of performing arts classes from different schools and studios into one searchable platform. Instead of browsing dozens of individual websites, you can use CourseHorse to find and compare options for acting, dance, improv, and musical theater all in one place. This makes it an excellent starting point for anyone in the Bluffdale area looking to see the full spectrum of available performing arts classes near me.
The platform is especially useful for its powerful filtering system. You can narrow down your search by specific dates, skill level (from absolute beginner to advanced), format (in-person vs. live-online), and age group. This level of detail helps you quickly find a class that fits your exact schedule and needs, whether you're a parent in Herriman looking for a kids' summer camp or an adult in Draper seeking a weekly drop-in acting workshop.
Key Features and User Experience
CourseHorse simplifies the enrollment process by allowing you to pay and reserve your spot directly on the site. Each class listing provides transparent details, including the price, schedule, instructor bio, and the name of the host studio. This is a major advantage over platforms that just link out to other websites.
However, its primary strength is in major metropolitan areas, so the selection for cities like Riverton or Lehi might be less extensive than in a larger city. It's also important to watch for small service fees that can sometimes be added at checkout. Despite this, its convenience and breadth of offerings make it a valuable resource. For those who want to build a solid foundation before jumping into a class, it can be helpful to learn more about the fundamentals of music theory to get a head start.
CourseHorse at a Glance:
| Class Types | Acting, improv, dance, musical theater, stand-up comedy |
|---|---|
| Best For | Discovering a wide range of local and online classes |
| Pros | Centralized checkout, robust search filters, gift card options |
| Cons | Selection can be limited outside major cities, potential service fees |
| Website | https://coursehorse.com |
3. Eventbrite
Eventbrite is a global ticketing and event technology platform where independent studios, individual instructors, and theaters post a wide array of one-off workshops, trial classes, and short courses. While not a dedicated class aggregator, it serves as a valuable discovery tool for finding unique and often affordable performing arts classes near me. You can uncover everything from a weekend improv workshop in Sandy to a pop-up dance class in Draper, making it ideal for sampling different disciplines before committing to a full-term program.
The platform excels at highlighting near-term, accessible events. If you're looking for an immediate opportunity to try something new, a quick search on Eventbrite is likely to yield several options. This makes it a great resource for adults in Riverton or Lehi with unpredictable schedules or for parents wanting to find a single-day acting camp for their kids without a long-term commitment.
Key Features and User Experience
Eventbrite’s primary function is simple ticketing. You can search by location and keywords like "acting" or "musical theater," and each event page clearly outlines the date, time, venue, price, and refund policy. The purchase process is seamless, with e-tickets sent directly to your email, eliminating the need to visit multiple websites or make phone calls.
The main drawback is the variability in quality, as anyone can create and post an event. It’s crucial to carefully read the event description, check the organizer’s profile, and look for reviews if available. Because events are often one-time-only, there's less opportunity for building skills progressively compared to a structured studio program. However, for those interested in the creative process behind the scenes, a one-off workshop can provide excellent inspiration and a solid starting point for those who want to learn how to write a theater script .
Eventbrite at a Glance:
| Class Types | One-off workshops, trial classes, short courses in acting, improv, dance, and more |
|---|---|
| Best For | Finding affordable, short-term classes and sampling different art forms |
| Pros | Instant ticket purchase, wide geographic coverage, great for low-commitment trials |
| Cons | Quality can vary by organizer, events are often one-time-only and can sell out |
| Website | https://www.eventbrite.com |
4. Groupon (Local)
Groupon is a well-known deals marketplace that can be a surprisingly effective tool for discovering local services at a discount. While not a dedicated class aggregator, its "Things To Do" section often features heavily discounted vouchers for dance studios, children's theater programs, and introductory workshops. This makes it a great resource for anyone in Bluffdale or Herriman wanting to test out different studios without committing to a full-semester tuition, and it's a budget-friendly way to search for performing arts classes near me.
The platform works by letting you purchase a voucher for a specific class package, such as "four weeks of ballet" or "a one-month unlimited hip-hop pass." You then redeem this voucher directly with the studio. For parents in Draper looking to enroll a child in a new activity or adults in Sandy wanting to try a dance class for the first time, Groupon provides a low-risk entry point to explore local performing arts offerings.
Key Features and User Experience
Groupon’s main appeal is the significant savings, with discounts often ranging from 50-70% off the standard price. Each deal page includes user ratings and reviews, which can provide valuable insight into the quality of the studio and instruction. The platform's local category pages, like "Dance Classes in Salt Lake City," make it easy to see what's available nearby.
However, the user experience requires an extra step, as you must contact the studio to book your spot after purchasing the voucher. It's crucial to read the fine print, as many deals are for new customers only, have expiration dates, or require advance reservations. While dance classes are common, finding deals on specialized acting or musical theater programs can be less frequent, so the selection can vary. For those seeking a more structured curriculum, it may be better to explore dedicated youth programs that offer consistent training paths.
Groupon (Local) at a Glance:
| Class Types | Dance (ballet, hip-hop, ballroom), kids' theater, some acting/music intros |
|---|---|
| Best For | Trying out multiple studios at a reduced cost |
| Pros | Significant discounts, user reviews on deal pages, good breadth in suburbs |
| Cons | Vouchers have restrictions, selection varies, requires extra booking step |
| Website | https://www.groupon.com |
5. Mindbody
Mindbody is a widely used studio booking platform and consumer app that many local dance, theater, and music schools use to manage their class schedules. While it's heavily known in the fitness world, its robust system also serves as a powerful aggregator for discovering and booking drop-in classes, making it a valuable tool for anyone searching for performing arts classes near me in communities like Sandy or Lehi. It connects you directly to the real-time schedules of participating studios.
This platform is particularly useful for those seeking flexibility, such as an adult in Draper looking for a single drop-in ballet class or a student in Riverton wanting to try a new voice lesson without a long-term commitment. Many local studios integrate their membership systems with Mindbody, sometimes offering dynamic or last-minute pricing for unfilled spots, which can be a great way to find a deal. The app essentially acts as a direct portal to a studio’s booking system, which can be a lifesaver if the studio’s own website or app is difficult to navigate.
Key Features and User Experience
The primary advantage of Mindbody is its direct integration with studio scheduling, allowing you to often book and pay for a class directly within the app. This creates a seamless experience from discovery to enrollment. You can explore various studios, view their complete, up-to-the-minute schedules, and reserve your spot in just a few taps.
However, the user experience can sometimes be inconsistent, with occasional reports of booking glitches or app reliability issues. Furthermore, its search filters are not as granular for performing arts as they are for fitness. You might need to search specifically by studio name or class style (e.g., "Musical Theater" or "Hip Hop") rather than relying on broader categories. Despite these minor drawbacks, its widespread adoption by studios across the country makes it an indispensable discovery tool for flexible class options.
Mindbody at a Glance:
| Class Types | Dance (all styles), voice, acting, music, theater workshops |
|---|---|
| Best For | Finding and booking drop-in classes and last-minute deals |
| Pros | Broad coverage across the US, direct in-app booking, often bypasses clunky studio websites |
| Cons | App reliability can vary, performing arts filters are less specific than fitness filters |
| Website | https://www.mindbodyonline.com |
6. Wyzant
Wyzant operates as a vast online marketplace connecting students with private tutors and coaches across hundreds of subjects, including the performing arts. For those seeking personalized, one-on-one instruction, Wyzant is an invaluable tool for finding acting coaches, voice teachers, and even public speaking instructors. It allows you to search for local experts available for in-person sessions or expand your options to include online coaches from anywhere in the country, making it a flexible way to find performing arts classes near me.
This platform is ideal for a student in Bluffdale who needs focused attention on a monologue for an audition or a resident of Sandy wanting to build vocal confidence without committing to a group class. You can filter tutors by their hourly rate, location, experience level, and user reviews, giving you granular control over your search. This personalized approach is Wyzant's key differentiator from studio-based group programs.
Key Features and User Experience
Wyzant's strength lies in its transparency and direct communication model. You can view detailed tutor profiles that list their credentials, teaching philosophy, and ratings from past students. The platform allows you to message potential instructors directly to discuss your goals before booking a lesson, ensuring a good fit. It even offers a "Good Fit Guarantee" for your first hour with a new tutor.
However, Wyzant is primarily designed for individual instruction, so it’s not the place to find ensemble-based acting troupes or large group classes. The quality of instructors can also vary widely, so it's crucial for users to thoroughly vet profiles and reviews. While private coaching is fantastic for honing specific skills, many performers also benefit from the energy and collaboration of group settings, such as those found in adult hip hop dance lessons that foster a community environment.
Wyzant at a Glance:
| Class Types | Private coaching for acting, voice, public speaking, musical instruments |
|---|---|
| Best For | Personalized one-on-one lessons, audition prep, and flexible scheduling |
| Pros | Highly flexible scheduling, transparent tutor profiles, direct messaging with instructors |
| Cons | Not suitable for group classes, quality varies between tutors, requires user vetting |
| Website | https://www.wyzant.com |
7. ActivityHero
ActivityHero is a marketplace designed specifically for parents seeking activities for their children and teens. It aggregates a vast selection of camps, after-school programs, and classes, including a strong focus on the performing arts. For families in areas like Sandy or Bluffdale, it serves as a powerful search engine to discover local acting, dance, and musical theater programs without having to visit multiple studio websites. This makes it an invaluable tool for finding performing arts classes near me that are tailored to younger students.
The platform excels at helping parents navigate the complexities of scheduling. Its filters are built around a family's needs, allowing you to search by age, specific dates, time of day (after-school vs. weekend), and format, such as in-person or live-online. This is particularly helpful for parents in Herriman trying to find a summer drama camp or a weekly toddler dance class that fits a tight schedule.
Key Features and User Experience
ActivityHero streamlines the discovery and registration process with detailed provider pages that often include parent reviews, schedules, and a direct checkout system. This means you can often find, book, and pay for a class all in one place. The seasonal catalogs for summer, winter break, and spring break are especially useful for planning ahead.
However, the platform is almost exclusively child-centric, so adults in Draper or Lehi looking for classes will find very few options. The strength of its local catalog can also vary depending on the city, and some class listings may redirect you to the provider's own website to complete the registration. Despite these points, its kid-focused approach makes it a top resource for parents. For those with very young children, it's also a great way to discover programs, and you can find tips on choosing the best dance classes for toddlers to help make an informed decision.
ActivityHero at a Glance:
| Class Types | Acting, dance, musical theater, music lessons, circus arts |
|---|---|
| Best For | Parents looking for kids' and teens' classes and camps |
| Pros | Kid-focused filters, seasonal catalogs, parent reviews, simple checkout |
| Cons | Very limited selection for adult classes, catalog varies by location |
| Website | https://www.activityhero.com |
Performing Arts Classes Near Me — 7-Option Comparison
| Encore Academy for the Performing Arts | Moderate — structured programs, enrollment procedures and schedules | Moderate — tuition-based, local campus; trial classes lower risk | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — sustained technique, performance experience, progression | Ongoing training, pre‑professional pathways, family programs | Deep multi‑discipline offerings; strong performance pipeline; individualized instruction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CourseHorse | Low — centralized marketplace workflow for browsing & booking | Variable — transparent pricing but service fees may apply; best in large metros | ⭐⭐⭐ — good for finding classes and reserving seats | Discover & book multi‑session or single classes across studios | Robust filters, centralized checkout, vetted class details |
| Eventbrite | Low — simple event listing & ticketing flow | Low — many low‑cost trials and pop‑ups; wide geographic reach | ⭐⭐½ — good short‑term sampling; quality varies by organizer | Finding near‑term workshops, one‑off events, pop‑ups | Wide coverage, instant e‑ticketing, frequent affordable options |
| Groupon (Local) | Low — voucher purchase then studio booking; some restrictions | Low — deep discounts but vouchers may have fine print | ⭐⭐ — cost‑effective for sampling; continuity depends on studio | Trying multiple studios on a budget or introductory offers | Significant savings, broad local deal variety |
| Mindbody | Moderate — depends on studio integration; booking flows vary | Moderate — app convenience; studios may support in‑app payment | ⭐⭐⭐ — reliable for drop‑ins and schedule access when studios use platform | Drop‑in classes, last‑minute bookings, studios using Mindbody | Aggregates real schedules; direct studio bookings and membership integration |
| Wyzant | Low — direct 1:1 tutor matching and messaging | Higher per‑hour cost; flexible online/in‑person scheduling | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ — strong for personalized skill gains with private coaching | Private lessons (voice, acting, public speaking), targeted skill work | Transparent tutor profiles, flexible scheduling, first‑lesson guarantee |
| ActivityHero | Low — parent‑friendly booking for youth programs | Moderate — kid‑focused; seasonal catalogs; some redirects to providers | ⭐⭐⭐ — effective for kids’ camps/classes and seasonal programs | Parents booking kids/teen classes, camps, after‑school activities | Age filters, seasonal catalogs, simple parent checkout and reviews |
How to Choose the Right Performing Arts Program for Your Family
Navigating the world of performing arts education can feel like a grand production in itself. You've explored a variety of powerful tools, from comprehensive platforms like CourseHorse and Mindbody to specialized resources like Wyzant for private coaching and ActivityHero for youth programs. We've seen how local deal sites like Groupon can unearth hidden gems and how a dedicated studio like Encore Academy provides a focused, high-quality training environment right in your community. Now, it's time to take center stage and make your final decision.
Defining Your Artistic Goals
The first step in choosing the right program is to clearly define what you or your child hopes to achieve. Your primary motivation will significantly influence which studio or class is the best fit.
- For a Fun, Recreational Outlet: If the goal is simply to have fun, build confidence, and explore a new hobby, look for programs that emphasize a positive, low-pressure environment. Classes with flexible drop-in options or shorter sessions can be an excellent starting point.
- For Pre-Professional Training: For aspiring performers with serious ambitions, the criteria are different. You'll want a program with a structured curriculum, experienced faculty with professional credits, and opportunities for performance or competition. This is where a dedicated institution excels, offering a clear path for growth.
Key Factors to Consider
With your goals in mind, use this checklist to compare the "performing arts classes near me" that you've shortlisted. This is especially important for families traveling from nearby communities like Riverton or Lehi to a central studio in Bluffdale.
Faculty and Instructors: Who will be teaching the class? Look at their biographies. Do they have real-world performance experience and a passion for education? Great teachers inspire great students.
Studio Culture and Atmosphere: Is the environment supportive and encouraging? Does it feel competitive or collaborative? The best way to gauge this is by visiting in person or taking a trial class.
Logistics and Schedule: Does the class schedule fit with your family's commitments? Consider the commute time from your home in Draper or Sandy. A convenient location and schedule are crucial for long-term consistency.
Curriculum and Progression: Ask about the teaching methodology. Is there a clear curriculum that allows students to advance and build on their skills year after year?
Pro Tip: Don't underestimate the power of a trial class. It's the single most effective way to determine if a studio's teaching style, facility, and community are the right match for you. Feeling the energy of the room firsthand provides insight that no website can offer.
Taking that first step into a studio is the beginning of a rewarding journey. The skills learned in the performing arts-discipline, creativity, teamwork, and self-assurance-extend far beyond the stage. You're not just investing in a class; you're investing in a passion that can last a lifetime.
Ready to experience the difference a dedicated, passionate, and professional environment can make? For families in Bluffdale, Herriman, and surrounding areas seeking top-tier training in dance, music, and theater, Encore Academy for the Performing Arts offers a comprehensive program for all ages and skill levels. Discover our supportive community and expert faculty by scheduling a tour or booking a trial class today at Encore Academy for the Performing Arts .