Acting as a core subject at the Ahrensburg Musical School
The Ahrensburg Musical Theatre School is more than just a dance school – Acting is one of our three core disciplines, on an equal footing with singing and dance. In each of our combined courses, acting lessons are an integral part of the weekly training.
Our tutors are not merely dance teachers, but active actors and musical theatre performers with engagements on professional stages in Germany and internationally. This sets us fundamentally apart from other dance schools in the region.
What do our pupils learn in acting lessons?
Our drama training covers – depending on age group and experience level:
- Improvisation and spontaneity
- Character development and scene work
- Voice and speech training
- Facial expressions, gestures and body language
- Stage presence and overcoming stage fright
- Working with scripts and monologues
Drama for all age groups
At MSA, we offer drama lessons as part of our musical theatre courses for all age groups:
- Musical Mini Movers (ages 3–6): Playful first experiences of role-play and creative expression exercises
- Musical for children (6–10 years): Creative exercises, speech training, first steps in scene work
- Musical for Teens (ages 11–14): In-depth acting training with scene and role work
- Musical Adults (aged 15 and over): Scene work, monologues, stage performance
- Private tuition: Individual acting coaching for all age groups
Why study acting at a musical theatre school?
At a traditional drama school, the focus is on the spoken word. At the Ahrensburg Musical Theatre School, we go a step further: our students learn to combine acting with singing and dancing – exactly as required on professional musical theatre stages. This combination makes the lessons more varied and practical than those in spoken theatre alone.
That doesn’t mean acting takes a back seat here – quite the opposite. Precisely because our students sing and move at the same time, their acting becomes all the more authentic. They learn to convey emotions not just through words, but through their whole body.
What are the benefits of drama lessons for children and young people?
Drama lessons foster skills that have an impact far beyond the stage. Parents regularly tell us how their children have changed as a result of their lessons at the MSA:
- Self-confidence: Those who have learnt to speak and perform in front of an audience also carry themselves with greater confidence in everyday life – whether giving presentations at school or later in their careers
- Empathy and social skills: Role-play involves putting oneself in other people’s shoes. This strengthens empathy and the ability to work as part of a team
- Concentration and presence: Role-play requires full attention. Children and young people learn to be in the moment and to stay focused
- Language skills: Voice and speech training improves pronunciation, volume and expressiveness – valuable skills for school and everyday life
- Creativity: Improvisation and free play encourage creative thinking and the courage to try new things
Our tutors – professionals from the stage
What sets the Ahrensburg Musical Theatre School apart from other institutions in the region is this: our tutors are not merely educators, but active stage performers with engagements at renowned theatres and in major musical productions. They bring genuine professional experience to the classroom – from the Hamburg State Opera and the St. Pauli Theatre to international tours.
This practical knowledge feeds directly into the acting lessons: our students learn not only theory, but also techniques and approaches that have been tried and tested on the world’s greatest stages. Get to know our team.
Performances – real stage experience rather than just training
With us, acting doesn’t stay in the rehearsal room. Every course builds up to a performance. Our students have already performed on various stages: at the Ahrensburg Town Festival, at the Altonale, in our own musical productions such as ‘Ritter Rost’, and in major anniversary shows in the Alfred-Rust-Saal.
Preparation for entrance exams
With our Entrance Exam Training (APT), we offer a specialised intensive programme for anyone aspiring to a professional career in acting, musical theatre or the performing arts. The MSA is recognised as preparatory vocational training.
Book a taster lesson now
Are you looking for acting lessons, a theatre school or an acting group in Ahrensburg and the surrounding area? The Ahrensburg Musical School combines acting, singing and dance under one roof.
Easily accessible from the Stormarn region
The Ahrensburg Musical School is centrally located in Ahrensburg, at Bogenstraße 47. Easily accessible from Bargteheide (approx. 10 mins), Großhansdorf (approx. 10 mins), Trittau (approx. 15 mins), Ammersbek (approx. 10 mins) and Hamburg-Volksdorf / East Hamburg (approx. 20 mins).
Frequently asked questions about acting lessons
Does the MSA offer acting lessons only?
Acting is one of our three core disciplines and an integral part of every musical theatre course. For personalised acting training, we also offer one-to-one lessons – even without taking part in a group course.
At what age can you start taking acting lessons?
From as young as 3 years old in the Musical Mini Movers. Playful role-play and first theatre experiences are available even for the very youngest children. For older children, teenagers and adults, there are separate courses with age-appropriate training.
Can you prepare for entrance exams at the MSA?
Yes. Our Entrance Exam Training (APT) provides targeted preparation for entrance exams at art and music colleges. The MSA is recognised as a preparatory course for vocational training.
What sets the MSA apart from other theatre schools?
At MSA, we combine acting with singing and dance to create a holistic musical theatre training programme. Our tutors are active stage professionals with engagements at major theatres – none of the other dance schools in Ahrensburg offer acting lessons.
Does my child need any previous experience?
No, not at all. Our courses are structured so that even complete beginners can get off to a good start. Participants are grouped according to age and experience, so that nobody feels overwhelmed or underchallenged.