If you’ve watched House of Cards, Stranger Things, Hidden Figures or Marvel’s Black Panther, you’ve seen former students of Acting Out Academy in action. Keep reading to learn how this academy turns today’s drama kings and queens into tomorrow’s biggest stars.

Acting Out Academy

students sitting and standing around a room raising hands — Captivating classes! Photo via Meg Deusner

Acting Out Academy is where actors of all ages go to become world-class entertainers. For the past decade, Acting Out has honed the skills of thespians both young and old through classes and private lessons. Over 200 children and adults have attended the academy, many going on to star in commercials and films.

Former students have included:

Hannah Riley- Paper Towns
Forrest Deal- Young Sheldon
Maxwell Ross- Tag
Mea Allen- I, Tonya
Wil Deusner- DC’s Stargirl
Marcelle LeBlanc– Fear Street: 1978
Other notable student films have included Lifetime and upcoming Marvel and Disney movies

How it all began

ACA founder Meg Deusner acting in a scene. Woman and child sitting at dinner table — Meg still has her foot in the acting world and frequently stars in TV shows and commercials. Photo via Meg Deusner

Meg Deusner has loved the acting world since her first role in a local Annie play as a child. After getting her start in Los Angeles, Meg moved to Birmingham to start a family. She soon decided she wanted to share her love of acting and children with the community, and thus Acting Out Academy was born.

The program serves as a safe environment for children to be themselves. Each class starts with a check-in where students are encouraged to talk about what’s going on in their lives. This helps students build relationships in their groups and relate real-life experiences to their artwork.

“We create a safe environment for kids to be able to be themselves. The idea that who you are is good enough. You don’t need to change yourself at Acting Out Academy, you come to the table with who you are.”
Meg Deusner, Acting Out Academy Founder

About the team

Two instructors sitting on the floor smiling — We have no shortage of local talent. Photo via Meg Deusner

For over ten years, founder Meg Deusner was Acting Out’s only instructor, but now her first-class students have come back home to take up the reigns. Nathan Fisher and Kate Edmonds were only ten years old when they began studying at Acting Out Academy. Through their time under Deusner, they learned her specific technique called, “the onion,” and used this technique to prosper in the acting world, starring in various shows and movies. Now, a decade later they’ve come back to teach younger students while still filming their own projects!

During camps and special events, instructors from various sects of the entertainment industry including casting directors, dialect instructors and stunt instructors teach students (and parents) skills of the business.

The lessons don’t end with acting techniques though. Meg and her instructors are sure to teach students and parents the business of the film industry and how to maintain a career in it. Who could be more perfect than current pros?

“We’re not only give them the tools to be successful, we’re also teaching them the steps to be successful and work in film and TV.”
Meg Deuser, Acting Out Academy Founder