Golden Globe-winning actor, producer, and humanitarian Idris Elba visits PS 294 in the Bronx, New York City to teach students the fundamentals of acting and drama. This episode of Celebrity Substitute celebrates confidence, creativity, self-expression, and the power of theatre to help young people discover their voices.
Idris begins by introducing students to the basics of acting through a series of improv exercises and scene work, encouraging them to think on their feet, make bold choices, and fully commit to the moment. Then, he helps the class build their own original characters from scratch, guiding them through character development, backstory, physicality, and emotional motivation. With Idris’s mentorship, the students step into entirely new personas and learn how actors bring characters to life on stage.
The lesson culminates in a powerful monologue showcase for the students’ teachers, where each young performer takes center stage as the original character they created alongside Idris. Through imagination, collaboration, and a lot of courage, the students experience the transformative magic of stage storytelling.
Subscribe for more celebrity surprises in real classrooms → YouTube.com/CelebritySubstitute
Hosted by Julian Shapiro-Barnum (Recess Therapy), Celebrity Substitute invites some of the world’s most recognizable stars to step in as teachers for unsuspecting public school students. The series is executive produced by EGOT winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul via their Ampersand production banner.
▶️ Watch Next:
→ Can Andrew Garfield & Florence Pugh Teach Kids to Act?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4AAY6Bsihc
→ Broadway Icons Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff Take Over a School Talent Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooXXdrUu5rU&pp=0gcJCT4LAYcqIYzv
→ Cynthia Erivo of WICKED and Stories that Defy Gravity!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfyQlcDcbOU
Follow us for more behind-the-scenes fun:
Instagram → @celebritysubstitute
TikTok → @celebritysubstitute
Facebook → Celebrity Substitute
Idris Elba is a Golden Globe-winning actor, producer, DJ, and musician best known for acclaimed performances in The Wire, Luther, Hijack, Beast, and countless film and television projects across drama, action, and comedy. Widely recognized as one of the most versatile actors of his generation, Elba has earned praise for his commanding performances, creative range, and commitment to inspiring the next generation through storytelling and the arts. Through his work across film, television, music, and philanthropy, he continues to shape global culture both on and off screen.
#IdrisElba
#Acting
#DramaClass
#TheatreKids
#Improv
#CharacterActing
#Monologues
#Theater
#PerformingArts
#ActingClass
#Drama
#MCU
#NYC
#Marvel
#CelebritySubstitute
#JulianShapiroBarnum
#BenjPasek
#JustinPaul
#AmpersandProductions
Video Source
