5 Best Performing Arts Academies in Zurich for Budding Performers
Curtains are up, nerves are on, and suddenly that first class feels very real. Zurich has no shortage of academies and dance studios, but finding one that suits your goals takes more than a quick search.
We compared course options, fees, schedules, and performance opportunities. That means less digging for you and more time figuring out where you’ll actually thrive!
Whether you’re chasing serious training or a fun weekend class, there’s a place to start. Here’s where to find the best performing arts academy in Zurich for your goals.
How much does performing arts academy education cost in Zurich?
Tuition for performing arts education in Zurich ranges from CHF 720 per semester for state university degrees up to CHF 40,000 per year for private professional vocational tracks.
| Option | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Higher Education (Swiss / Local) | CHF 720 to CHF 750 per semester |
| Higher Education (International) | CHF 1,220 to CHF 1,250 per semester |
| Higher Education Mandatory Fees | CHF 67 per semester |
| Professional Vocational Academies | CHF 20,000 to CHF 40,000 per year (CHF 120 audition fee) |
| Youth & After-School Programs | CHF 990 to CHF 2,440 per year (CHF 119 to CHF 244 registration fee) |
1. Close Encounters Theatre GmbH
Address: Pfingstweidstrasse 101
Contact: +41 76 577 43 80 | [email protected]
Hours: Daily: 9 AM–9 PM
Close Encounters Theatre brings a polished, multidisciplinary feel to performing arts training. Acting, singing, dance, improv, and stagecraft sit neatly under one roof for children, teens, and adults.
Adult students can move from tap and physical comedy to more focused monologue or audition coaching. It’s a well-curated mix for both confident beginners and performers refining a particular strength.
Many courses build towards showcases or other live performance opportunities, giving the training a welcome sense of occasion.
Seven-day opening hours add another layer of flexibility for students fitting classes around work or school.
The main consideration is language. English is the academy’s primary medium of instruction, so those wanting a predominantly German-language programme may be better suited elsewhere.
Customer Reviews
“The best”
The best!!!!! Other acting, theatre, and dancing schools and classes are in Zürich. But nothing compares to CET!!!! If you’re looking for a life-changing experience? Look no further!!! Tara Brodin and her team offer a kind, professional and artistic learning experience!! Highlight: you get to perform live on stage in one of the nicest theatres in town. Can‘t wait to do it again!!
— Kerstin | Google Review
“I had an amazing experience at CET Broadway Academy”
I had an amazing experience at CET Broadway Academy. This has been a chance to work with singing, dancing and acting professionals and progress in these three disciplines. Plus, the high-level production proposed by CET at the end of the course gives an amazing opportunity to perform in front of an audience, in a really nice theatre with the highest standards. I highly recommend CET!!
— Jean-Luc HAEFFLINGER | Google Review
2. Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) – Department of Performing Arts and Film
Address: Toni-Areal, Pfingstweidstrasse 96
Contact: +41 43 446 53 34 | Headquarters: +41 43 446 46 46
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 7 AM–9 PM; Sunday: 7 AM–5 PM (Toni department office hours)
For performers who want more than a weekly class, ZHdK goes straight into serious university-level training.
Its BA Theatre programme covers Acting, Directing, Scenography, and Theatre Education, with an MA Theatre pathway for advanced study.
Students work across disciplines and develop projects in a production-focused setting. Theatre der Künste adds a dedicated space for performances, presentations, and experimental work.
The wider department brings theatre, film, and dance into the same academic ecosystem, which gives the training a broader creative reach. Tuition is comparatively modest for a Swiss university, though additional semester fees apply.
The catch is that entry involves formal aptitude and entrance assessments, so it isn’t a casual enrolment option.
BA Theatre programmes are also primarily taught in German, which may limit accessibility for international applicants.
3. Simply Theatre Academy Zurich
Address: Gladbachstraße 119
Contact: +41 22 860 05 18 | [email protected]
Course schedule
- Monday: 4:15 PM–8:15 PM
- Wednesday: 3 PM–8:35 PM
- Thursday: 4:10 PM–8:30 PM
- Friday: 4:20 PM–8:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM–12:30 PM
- Tuesday & Sunday: No regular classes listed
Mondays
- Mini Drama (ages 4–6): 4:15 PM–5:15 PM
- Stage 1 Drama (ages 7–9): 5:15 PM–6:30 PM
- Stage 4 Drama (ages 14+): 6:45 PM–8:15 PM
Wednesdays
- Mini Drama (ages 4–6): 3:00 PM–4 PM
- Stage 1 Drama (ages 7–9): 4:10 PM–5:25 PM
- Stage 2 Drama (ages 10–11): 5:30 PM–7 PM
- Stage 3 Drama (ages 12–13): 7:05 PM–8:35 PM
Thursdays
- Stage 1 Performing Arts (ages 7–9): 4:10 PM–5:25 PM
- Stage 2 Performing Arts (ages 10–11): 5:30 PM–8:30 PM
- Stage 3 Performing Arts (ages 12–13): 5:30 PM–8:30 PM
- Stage 4 Performing Arts (ages 14–18): 5:30 PM–8:30 PM
Fridays
- Mini Performing Arts (ages 4–6): 4:20 PM–5:20 PM
- Stage 1 Performing Arts (ages 7–9): 5:30 PM–8:30 PM
- Stage 2 Performing Arts (ages 10–11): 5:30 PM–8:30 PM
- Stage 3 Performing Arts (ages 12–13): 5:30 PM–8:30 PM
Saturdays
- Stage 1 Performing Arts (ages 7–9): 9:30 AM–12:30 PM
- Stage 2 Performing Arts (ages 10–11): 9:30 AM–12:30 PM
- Stage 3+ Performing Arts (ages 12+): 9:30 AM–12:30 PM
Simply Theatre makes after-school training feel less like timetable Tetris. Its Zurich academy offers English-language drama and performing arts classes for ages 4 to 18, organised into clear Mini and Stage levels.
Students can choose focused drama sessions or broader performing arts classes blending acting, singing, and movement. Holiday camps add another way to stay creative when regular school takes a break.
There’s a nice sense of progression here, with some academy students moving from weekly classes into auditions for Simply Theatre productions.
Several weekday and Saturday options give families a bit more breathing room when planning around school.
One thing to keep in mind is the age range. Regular weekly classes are aimed at under-18s, so adults looking for ongoing training will need another academy.
Customer Reviews
“Simply Theatre offers a wonderful range of courses”
Simply Theatre offers a wonderful range of courses for students from Minis upwards. It’s a wonderful community, and the teaching team are excellent, and their passion for Theatre and Performance Art is infectious. As well as their courses, they also put on Summer Camps and fabulous productions on professional stages. The facilities are amazing too. Simply Theatre is a great opportunity for those who want to perform and also learn important life skills and confidence. Highly recommended.
— S W | Google Review
“Fantastic performing arts studio offering courses in drama and musical theatre”
Fantastic performing arts studio offering courses in drama and musical theatre. This is a great place to send your kids aged 4-18. The teachers are very professional, and there is always a great atmosphere. Highly recommended!
— Lasse Bystrup | Google Review
4. Stage Academy of Switzerland GmbH
Address: Hallwylstrasse 26
Contact: +41 44 858 04 17 | [email protected] | Fax: +41 (0)44 858 04 18
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 9 AM–5 PM
Official teaching schedule:
Tuesday evening — Vocals & Musical, 2 hours
Wednesday evening — Breath & Movement / Speaking & Communication, 2 hours
Saturday daytime — Acting, 4 hours
Minimum 8 teaching hours per week
Stage Academy of Switzerland keeps serious training on a schedule that still leaves room for real life.
Its two-year Acting & Vocals diploma combines weekday evening classes with Saturday sessions, making the format easier to manage alongside school, work, or other commitments.
The weekly programme covers vocals, musical training, breath and movement, speaking, communication, and acting.
With at least eight teaching hours each week, it’s structured enough to feel vocational rather than casual. The setup suits students who want a clear routine without switching to full-time study.
German-language instruction adds a strong local focus, especially for performers planning to work in the Swiss-German market.
The trade-off is commitment. Applicants face an audition or casting process, and the programme is aimed at ages 14 to 27, so older adult learners will need another route.
Customer Reviews
“Fantastic acting school”
Fantastic acting school! The instructors are dedicated, practical, and provide honest, constructive feedback. The classes are diverse – from monologue work and scene work to improvisation and on-camera work – and foster courage, precision, and authenticity. There’s always someone available to answer your questions and address your concerns. Highly recommended!
— Marco Meier (mmr56) | Google Review (Translated by Google)
“Excellent value for money and a great investment in the future”
This acting school, Stage Academy of Switzerland, is highly recommended – excellent value for money and a great investment in the future!
We all learned so much, including about ourselves. All of our classmates developed tremendously throughout their time at the school with the help of competent instructors and guest lecturers, and the graduation performance was a huge success!!
We will miss the classes very much 😢
A huge thank you goes to our main instructor, Grazia Pergoletti, as well as our improv instructor, Tim Owe Georgy, our singing teacher, Samia Afra, and last but not least, Michaela, the school director…
— Asked for a Lemon? | Google Review (Translated by Google)
5. EPI SKINIS Performing Arts Theatre School
Address: Hermetschloostrasse 70
Contact: +41 76 204 89 00 | [email protected]
Course schedule: Monday: Act & Connect, 7 PM–9 PM; Tuesday: Acting Technique, 7 PM–9:30 PM; Friday: Improv & Comedy Lab, 7 PM–8:30 PM, starting January 2027; Saturday: Deep Acting Lab, 2 PM–5 PM, twice per month
EPI SKINIS brings a little Greek theatre spirit to Zurich. Its Greek-language programme welcomes beginners and more experienced performers through acting, improv, comedy, and deeper technique-focused classes.
Newcomers don’t need previous stage experience or a polished monologue to get started. Selected courses offer drop-in rates, while monthly, annual, and multi-class options give students a few ways to structure their training.
Act & Connect keeps things approachable, while Deep Acting Lab digs further into technique with twice-monthly Saturday sessions. This suits students ready to commit rather than casual attendees.
It’s a strong option if you speak Greek and want a community-led theatre space without jumping straight into formal conservatory training.
Of course, classes and workshops are conducted in Greek, and the Deep Acting Lab requires regular participation rather than drop-ins.
Non-Greek speakers may struggle to follow acting exercises, direction, and group work, especially in technique-heavy classes.
Customer Reviews
“A group that focuses on theatre and pays particular attention to the human aspect of things”
A group that focuses on Theater and pays particular attention to the human aspect of things. Everything is carried out professionally, with extra attention to detail and a whole lot of love! I had a great, wholesome experience and would encourage everyone to either participate or attend the plays/events that are being held! I’m sure it’ll surprise you positively!
— Billy Tolis | Google Review
“My heart started to open”
My heart started to open. To open to a new me that I experienced on „stage“, but more importantly through the hearts of my so-called new family. Theatre is not just art; Vivetta taught me that becoming one and syncing together in the group is setting a basis for anything about to bloom.
— Arianne Denzler | Google Review