Actor and comedian Jason Manford warned people from working class backgrounds could be excluded from the arts if grassroots venues were not supported.
The 44-year-old said it was important people from poorer families had relatable role models.
He spoke to BBC Essex after Tiffany Theatre School in Clacton-on-Sea was forced into closure over funding issues.
“We’ll end up in a situation where the only people who are performing as actors, singers, comedians or musicians are people who can afford it,” Manford said.
He launched his award-winning career at a small venue in Chorlton, Manchester in 1999.
Manford said: “The arts are what separates us from the animals, this is the thing that makes us human and it’s important to keep it going.”
Tiffany Theatre School offered degree-level qualifications for up to 20 students over the past 25 years.
Staff and families rallied to raise £30,000 in four weeks to keep the doors open but fell short of the £200,000 needed.
Manford said if more small performing arts schools closed down then it would create a divide.
“The biggest problem is we’ll only hear from people with money and connections,” said the comic, who is performing in Southend-on-Sea on Friday.
“Where is the voice for working-class people, people living below the poverty line?”
He previously said “pure greed” had prevented him making money while performing at the Edinburgh Fringe.
“That becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy and that’s my biggest concern,” Manford added.
“The full circle is, who are our kids looking up to to say, ‘That person’s like me – maybe I could do that’?”
The Office for Students has been contacted for comment.