Acting Academy for Kids

PARENTS & KIDS RAVE THAT AA4K IS THE BEST IN THE OC!

By Victoria Kertz

It all started with Peter Pan — not the animated movie, but a live children’s production that Stephen Zygo auditioned for many years ago. He was cast in the role of Smee, the villainous Captain Hook’s lovable sidekick, which sparked his lifelong dedication to the performing arts.

Zygo, a graduate of SUNY Cortland’s very first musical theatre program, founded and operates the dynamic Acting Academy for Kids (AA4K). As one of Orange County’s most renown children’s after-school theatre and summer camp programs, it offers a variety of performance classes for all ages. Zygo recently opened the company’s flagship location in Mission Viejo, complete with soundproofed lesson rooms, an expansive dance studio and a state-of-the-art theatre showcasing a stunning LED lighting wall and seating for 120 people.

It’s here that kids can really sink their teeth into the arts and get a comprehensive education in an array of performance mediums, something Zygo is passionate about bringing to the community. Kids can focus on the popular disciplines of voice, dance, acting or music, but also have the opportunity to learn the technical side of live theatre. AA4K’s behind-the-scenes education in theater production includes light and sound design and a Junior Directors program, allowing participants to enjoy a truly hands-on experience in what occurs off-stage.

AA4K is also one of the few performing arts centers for kids that offer a TV and Film program and a recording studio. Artistic Director, Monica Cortez, is dedicated to comprehensive youth offerings that meet the interests of children both in front of the camera and in areas that support the creative process. Zygo says that some of the film opportunities at the new Mission Viejo location will even enable kids to receive IMDB credit.

AA4K might be best known, however, for its long-running summer camp program, now entering its 12th season. This year, Zygo and his team are offering camps in several Orange County locations: at the new Mission Viejo theatre, the historic Cabrillo Playhouse in San Clemente and at the Lyceum Village in Irvine — a children’s after-school enrichment campus that has its own theatre.

“Summer camps are a wonderful opportunity to ‘test-drive’ the arts,” Zygo says.

Kids can choose from four classes: music, acting, dance or fusion, which is a combination of all three. Students will work together to produce a full-scale mini-musical, all in one week. This year, Aladdin, Frozen-Solid 2, The Greatest Showman and others are available for kids ages 4 to 14. Each show rotates between AA4K’s three summer camp locations.

“We really try to make sure the kids get as much stage time as possible,” shares Zygo. “Casts are kept small so that we keep kids engaged,” he adds. With intimate cast sizes, children have the chance to play two to four roles in each production.

Camp instruction is provided by a staff of experienced, returning teachers — veterans of Zygo’s academy and performing artists program themselves. “Our staff is really amazing, especially our teachers, since they are dual-focused. Many of them are teaching artists who still perform. They typically also have degrees in the arts,” he says. A passionate group of high school and college students add another layer of assistance. Most of them are former students of Zygo’s as well.

“A lot of the kids that were former AA4K students are now applying for positions with me,” Zygo says with a smile. The entire staff, whether permanent or for summer only, are Livescanned and CPR certified to ensure the safety of everyone involved, he says. “All three venues are kid-safe and family-safe,” Zygo adds. The buildings are also made to be inclusive and safe so that parents have peace of mind.

Whether your child is showing a new interest in the performing arts or is honing their musical skills, Acting Academy for Kids is a welcoming place to learn, improve and create memories that will last a lifetime. Summer camp registration is now open for 2020. Please visit ActingAcademyForKids.com/summer-camp for more information and registration.

“We want kids to have a great summer with us,” Zygo says. “Whether it’s one week or more!”

ACTING ACADEMY FOR KIDS | AGES 4-17 | ActingAcademyForKids.com | 949.427.0072