Acting Academy for Kids & Teens

by Victoria Kertz

Summer Camps
Theater kids (and parents) rejoice! Summer is right around the corner, and the award-winning Acting Academy for Kids (AA4K) has big news—they’re raising the curtain on a third location for their popular summer musical theater camps for students ages 5 to 14—in Newport Beach!

Located at the Newport Theater Arts Center, just above the Mariners Mile neighborhood (near the Rusty Pelican), the new venue offers more than stunning views. Starting June 9, the new camp will run a 10-week schedule through August 15, mirroring the successful programs at its sister camps in Mission Viejo (Z Playhouse) and Irvine/Tustin (Lyceum Village). Visit ActingAcademyForKids.com for themes and camp details.

Competition Team Wins it All
The new camp comes on the heels of AA4K’s standout victory at Junior Theatre Festival West (JTF), led by the talented young instructors of the competition team, Mr. David and Miss Lily. In just their third year of competing, the 25-student team took home the prestigious All-Performance Group Award, standing out among more than 2,500 students!

Their success earned them the honor of performing a condensed version of Shrek the Musical for all 10,000 attendees—an incredible opportunity for these young thespians. Additionally, Arthur Waite, age 9, of Aliso Viejo, won the coveted All-Festival Individual Performer award, a rare achievement for such a young student!

At JTF, Broadway elite watch and coach performers throughout a fun-filled weekend in Sacramento. AA4K co-founders Stephen and Maggie Zygo were thrilled with the results and look forward to expanding the competition team in the upcoming academic year.

Beyond the performances, JTF is a bonding experience for students and families alike. “Out of all the things we do,” says Stephen, “it’s the most collectively cohesive experience for families as they travel together, cheer together, and create lifelong friendships. I really couldn’t be prouder!”

So Much More Happening
At Z Playhouse in Mission Viejo, AA4K hosts two afterschool programs in addition to JTF that meet throughout the year, its full-scale youth musical theater series and AA4K Studios, its TV/Film Department. Currently, there are four casts of kids preparing for Disney’s Moana JR! The teen musical theater program is back on track for summer, with the teens gearing up for a full-scale production of Hadestown! The full-length musicals are a spectacular showcase of young talent and the culmination of an entire summer’s hard work. Any level of experience is welcome!

Come “Z” Us at Z Playhouse
Are you an adult with the acting bug? The Z Playhouse offered its first community theater season last year, performing Cabaret, Little Women, Young Frankenstein, and Rent. In April 2025, they will be producing Heathers, and the summer show will be Into the Woods, so get your tickets now! Interested actors may find audition details or buy tickets at ZPlayhouse.org.

Looking for a laugh? The Z Playhouse sponsors a standup comedy show with Comedy in the OC monthly. Featuring well-known and up-and-coming names in show business, these standup shows are a first in Mission Viejo and a unique date night option.

Where to Find More
Registration is now open for aspiring actors ages 5 to 14 at all three summer camp locations. The 10-week program runs from June 9 through August 15, 2025 (with a four-day camp the week of July 4). Waitlists are available for full sessions. To ensure a safe and fun experience, all teachers and counselors at AA4K have undergone LiveScan background checks and are CPR and First Aid-certified.

To learn more about summer camps, after school programs, and opportunities for teenagers visit ActingAcademyForKids.com. For theatre tickets, standup comedy shows, and audition dates, please go to ZPlayhouse.org.

See you on stage this Spring and Summer!

Acting Academy for Kids & Teens
Ages 5-17
ActingAcademyForKids.com
949.427.0072
Z Playhouse: 24196 Alicia Parkway, Suites A, L & M, ​Mission Viejo
​Lyceum Village: 14281 Chambers Rd, Tustin
Newport Theatre Arts Center: 2501 Cliff Drive, Newport Beach