Acting Academy for Kids

Acting Academy for Kids
By Shelley Hudson

Stephen and Maggie Zygo co-founded the Acting Academy for Kids in 2008 as both a community service and as a vehicle to pursue their lifelong passions in education and the performing arts. With public school budgets slashed in recent years, an unfortunate casualty has been the near elimination of cultural arts programs from the curriculum. The Zygos answered by developing a theater-based program to expose children and teens to acting, music, and dance and to teach skills that are inherent to performing—poise, confidence, collaboration, and discipline.

The foundation of the Acting Academy for Kids is based on providing a quality performing arts experience with an emphasis on fun. A distinctive feature of the Academy is that its teachers are primarily credentialed educators and professional performing artists. These industry experts teach students to stretch their boundaries in a safe, supportive environment. The benefits are virtually limitless—whether a child is new to the stage or a budding superstar, he or she will learn valuable life lessons while nurturing friendships and forging lasting memories. “Our teachers are passionate and enthusiastic artists,” says Stephen, “They know how to keep kids engaged while having fun.”

Another hallmark of the Academy is its partnership with local organizations such as the Camino Real Playhouse in San Juan Capistrano and the Cabrillo Playhouse in San Clemente. Both venues provide an authentic theater setting for the Academy’s classes and performances. Main stage theatres, a set-building workshop, professional sound and lighting systems, a conservatory, dressing rooms, and the Academy’s expansive inventory of costumes gives students a first-hand appreciation for how the elements of a full-scale production come together. “It’s important for us to demonstrate that all aspects of theatre are integral for the whole to shine,” explains Maggie, “The collaborative nature of performing arts encourages teamwork, compromise, and commitment.”

Acting Academy for Kids offers voice, piano & guitar lessons, acting classes, a musical theater series each season throughout the year (a Spring Series performance of GREASE starts in April) as well as an innovative series of summer camps. “Our camps are a great way to ‘test-drive’ the stage,” says Maggie, “Athletes and introverted or shy students learn just as much as kids who are natural performers. They gain the confidence to speak in public and explore a new form of self-expression.”

Each week-long camp introduces a different kid-voted, popular theme, and campers have the option to enroll for one week, all ten, or anywhere in between. Kids ages four through thirteen can participate, and no experience is required. With a low flat fee, flexible scheduling, and convenient locations in San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente, the Academy’s camps are ideal for busy parents who are seeking economical and enriching summer activities for their kids.

At the Academy’s flagship location in SJC, four distinctive daily classes provide the structure for summer camp, with each segment focusing on one element of the production—music, dance, acting, or fine arts. Outdoor breaks and lunchtime punctuate the schedule and provide students with an opportunity to refresh and play in the adjacent grassy park between sessions. Kids are divided into age groups with limited class sizes, allowing each performer to have a chance to get involved. The week culminates in a mini-musical performance on Friday afternoon in which every student has a role. Friends and family are invited to attend and cheer for their stars.

Extended scheduling options offer flexibility for parents and even more instruction for camp participants. Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with an early bird Sunrise Studio from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and an after hours Camp Unplugged from 2 p.m. to
5 p.m. Seasoned Activity Directors—typically college theater and/or education majors—facilitate the extended programs as well as teach the technical aspects of performances. Select Academy alumni teens also volunteer to make the campers’ experience a fulfilling one.

Acting Academy for Kids has enjoyed “training the next generation of talented performers” for nearly seven years, and the organization’s commitment to its founding principles and the community has generated a loyal following. Students from as far away as San Diego County and Newport Beach come to study with the Zygos, and Parenting OC named the Academy “Best Theater School” and “Best Children’s Live Theater” in 2013. “We have so much more to come,” offers Stephen, “We love to contribute to children growing into confident, creative young adults.”

Check out ActingAcademyforKids.com for schedules, themes, and details about summer camps, the Spring Musical (GREASE), and other upcoming projects. See you on stage!

[ Check out our behind the scenes footage of Acting Academy for Kids cover shoot! ]