8 Celebrities Who Got Their Start in Theater

From Ariana Grande to Robert Pattinson, these stars honed their skills on the stage before making it big on screen.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Before they became famous actors and musicians, these eight celebrities got their start performing in local theater productions, school plays, and community theater groups. From Ariana Grande's early role in Annie to Robert Pattinson's first steps into the spotlight at a London drama club, their theater backgrounds laid the foundation for the successful careers we know today.

Why it matters

These stories highlight how early experiences in theater can shape and inspire future stars, providing them with valuable skills and a passion for performing that translates to success on screen and stage. They also showcase the importance of local and community theater programs in cultivating young talent and offering creative outlets for aspiring artists.

The details

The article profiles eight celebrities who got their start in theater, including Ariana Grande, Robert Pattinson, Anna Kendrick, Emma Stone, Chris Briney, Zendaya, Madelyn Cline, and Joe Locke. It details their early theater credits, from starring roles in musicals to ensemble parts in local productions, and how those experiences laid the groundwork for their eventual fame.

  • Ariana Grande made her Broadway debut at age 15 in 2013.
  • Robert Pattinson was first spotted by a talent agent after a performance with the Barnes Theatre Club in southeast London.
  • Anna Kendrick attended her first Tony Awards in 1998 after performing at the Lyric Music Theater in South Portland.
  • Emma Stone appeared in 18 productions at the Valley Youth Theatre in Arizona before moving to California.
  • Zendaya began taking classes at the Cal Shakes Conservatory in third grade, which helped shape her early love of performance.

The players

Ariana Grande

A singer and actress who performed in local theater productions in South Florida, including starring as Annie, before making her Broadway debut at age 15.

Robert Pattinson

An actor who got his start auditioning for the Barnes Theatre Club in southeast London, where he was spotted by a talent agent who helped launch his career.

Anna Kendrick

An actress and singer who honed her skills at the Lyric Music Theater community theater in South Portland, Maine, before attending her first Tony Awards in 1998.

Emma Stone

An actress who performed in 18 productions at the Valley Youth Theatre in her hometown of Arizona before moving to California to pursue her acting career.

Zendaya

An actress and singer who began taking classes at the Cal Shakes Conservatory in third grade, which helped shape her early love of performance.

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What they’re saying

“Before she rose to fame, Ariana Grande performed in South Florida at the Fort Lauderdale Children's Theatre, where she starred in Annie, and made her Broadway debut at just 15 in 13.”

— Ariana Grande (BuzzFeed)

“Figuring he would meet girls at his local dramatic society in southeast London, Robert Pattinson auditioned for the Barnes Theatre Club, where he was later spotted by a talent agent in the audience after a show.”

— Robert Pattinson (BuzzFeed)

“In third grade, a shy Zendaya began to come into her own after enrolling in classes at the Cal Shakes Conservatory, which her mother introduced her to through her work at the theater over 12 summers.”

— Zendaya (BuzzFeed)

What’s next

Ariana Grande is set to return to the stage in the West End revival of Sunday in the Park With George, acting alongside her Wicked costar Jonathan Bailey.

The takeaway

These stories of celebrities who got their start in local and community theater productions highlight the important role that early performance experiences can play in shaping the careers of future stars. They also demonstrate the lasting impact that theater programs can have in cultivating young talent and providing creative outlets for aspiring artists.