About our Acting Program
Our acting program welcomes students of all experience levels to explore the art of performance in a supportive, dynamic environment. Through engaging exercises, scene work, and improvisation, students build foundational skills, strengthen their stage presence, and learn to express themselves with clarity, authenticity, and confidence.
- Stage presence: Build confidence and connect authentically with an audience
- Voice and movement: Develop control, clarity, and expressive physicality
- Improvisation: Think creatively, stay present, and react truthfully in the moment
- Scene study: Analyze scripts and bring characters to life through dialogue and action
- Character development: Explore emotional depth, motivation, and backstory
Our Acting Teachers
Rikki Baynard
Acting
Rikki Baynard is a classically trained actor and teaching artist with a background in musical theatre and literature. A graduate of Circle in the Square Theatre School and the University of Florida, she brings a blend of performance skill and academic insight to her work. Gainesville audiences may recognize her from Cabaret, No Exit, and The Importance of Being Earnest. Rikki is passionate about helping students explore story, structure, and self-expression through the arts.
Talia Nixon
Acting
Talia Nixon is a choreographer, performer, and educator specializing in musical theatre dance. She holds a Bachelor of Arts with a Minor in Dance from the University of Florida and is completing her Master of Arts in Arts in Medicine, where her work explores the role of the arts in education and community well-being. She has choreographed productions including The Addams Family (Gainesville Community Playhouse), Little Shop of Horrors (Acrosstown Repertory Theatre), and The Lightning Thief Musical (Acrosstown Repertory Theatre), and has performed in shows such as American Idiot, Kinky Boots, and Cabaret. Talia has worked as a teaching artist at various arts spaces in the Gainesville community, most notably at the Hippodrome State Theatre, where she developed and led dance and theatre classes for young performers. Proficient in Broadway styles, jazz, and modern dance, she also has extensive experience preparing students for auditions and offering private dance instruction. Dedicated to fostering both technique and self-expression, Talia is passionate about helping students thrive as confident, creative musical theatre artists.
Bennie
Radford. Jr
Voice - Acting
Bennie Radford brings a vibrant blend of performance experience and dedicated teaching to the LyriCo Conservatory voice faculty. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Technology, Vocal Performance, and Theatre from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois. Bennie has performed in professional and community theatre across Illinois, New York, and Florida, with credits including Once Upon a Mattress, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Ragtime, and Little Shop of Horrors. As an instructor, Bennie works with singers of all ages and skill levels, helping them prepare for musical theatre auditions, worship performances, and confident, healthy vocal growth. His warm and encouraging teaching style, grounded in real world stage experience, equips students with the tools they need to thrive on stage and beyond.
Early
Whitaker
Acting
Early is a Gainesville-based director, actor, and arts educator passionate about uplifting young artists. She is currently studying at the University of Florida for her Bachelor’s in Digital Film & TV Production, where she has recently worked as assistant director at the School of Theatre & Dance and a stage manager for the student-founded nonprofit The Mountain Productions. With a background in character development and performance, she encourages students to dive deep into theatrical conventions and hone in on techniques they can carry with them on future projects.
Amanda
Barwick
Acting - Yoga
Amanda Barwick is a classically trained vocalist and theatre educator with over a decade of performance and teaching experience. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida and has been a vibrant presence in the Gainesville theatre community, with notable performances in Ragtime, Falsettos, and A Little Night Music. In addition to her work on stage, Amanda is an accomplished vocal director, frequently collaborating with local community theatres and high school productions to support the next generation of performers. A certified yoga instructor, she integrates somatic practices into her teaching, helping students build not only technical skill but also physical awareness, emotional resilience, and confidence in their craft.
FAQ
How old does my child have to be to start taking acting lessons?
Acting lessons are great at any age! But we focus on acting starting at around 6.
Do you offer private Acting Lessons?
Yes! Our Acting instructors are available to help you grow or get you ready for an audition in private sessions.
Do I need to stay for my child’s lesson?
You are welcome to drop off your child and return a few minutes before their lesson is done! If you would like to sit in on your child’s music class, we always have an open door policy and you are free to sit in at any time.
How many students in each group class.
Classes range from 5- 8 students. Class size varies to make sure all students get individual attention.
How much do classes cost? What's included?
You can see our tuition Here
All books, level wristbands, and access to our knowledge base and scheduling software are included.
Do you have any perfomances?
Yes we do! For music students, we have two big events every year (typically one in the winter, and one in late spring). We also offer smaller performance opportunities throughout the year as well.
How long do classes run?
These classes will run year round, but if you want to withdraw we just ask for a 30 day notice.
Acting basics
Monologues
Dialect
Stage Presence
Projection
Audition prep
Confidence
Articulation
Mask Work
LOCATION ADDRESS
3601 SW 2nd Ave, Gainesville
FOR FURTHER INQUIRY
(352)-756-0005
EMAIL ADDRESS
Simple Monthy Tuition
Group Lessons
Make Music with Friends!-
50 Minutes
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Books included
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Similar age groups
Private Lessons
30 Minutes-
Personalized attention
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Books included
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Reschedule on our platform
WANT A LONGER LESSON?
We also offer 45 Minute And 60 Minute Private Lessons.
Have more questions?
Click Below and We'll Send You More Info
Have questions or just want to learn more about what LyriCo has to offer? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know which programs you’re interested in, and our team will personally follow up with information tailored to your goals. Whether you’re looking to teach, take a class, or get involved in our creative community, we’re here to help you find your place at LyriCo.
FOR FURTHER INQUIRY
(352)-756-0005