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Professional Educators
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Multiple Locations
School Programs
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Professional Educators

Acting Academy for Kids sets itself apart from other studios and performing arts programs in several ways.  Founders Stephen & Maggie Zygo both hold Masters' Degrees in teaching and they bring onto the AA4K team instructors who possess two distinct qualifications:

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR & PERFORMING ARTIST

AA4K teachers are typically both professional educators as well as professional performing artists.  Since our staff's central purpose is to educate your son or daughter, we bring on the best teachers in town, not just the best performers.  Teaching is a craft and talent that requires education and experience.  That is why our teachers are actually real teachers (most hold valid CA teaching credentials). Because of our staff's dynamic backgrounds in the arts and their dual areas of expertise, they are able to equip students with the tools they need to succeed in the performing arts.

Genuine Theatre

AA4K programs are held at a genuine Playhouse, with performances taking place on the theatre's mainstage with professional lights, sound, seating, and costumes. In addition to a real theatre experience, our Playhouse is located in the historical district of SJC connected to one of the most beautiful parks in the county complete with an outdoor stage, the Historical Town Center Park.

AA4K's unique school programs will always be held within a school auditorium able to fully function as a real theatre.

Multiple Locations

Camino Real Playhouse
31776 El Camino Real
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

The Gate
22521 Avenida Empresa, Suite 105
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

Cabrillo Playhouse
202 Avenida Cabrillo
San Clemente, CA 92672

Community Roots Academy
23431 Knollwood
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

Servicing Families From:

Aliso Viejo - Carlsbad - Corona del Mar - Costa Mesa - Coto de Caza - Dana Point - Dove Canyon - Foothill Ranch - Fountain Valley - Fullerton - Huntington Beach - Irvine - Ladera Ranch - Laguna Beach - Laguna Hills - Laguna Niguel - Laguna Woods - Lake Forest - Las Flores - Mission Viejo - Newport Beach - Newport Coast - Oceanside - Rancho Santa Margarita - San Clemente - San Juan Capistrano - Silverado - Trabuco Canyon - Tustin

School Programs

School Musicals

School Plays

Drama Teachers

AA4K will bring theatre or musical theatre to YOUR SCHOOL!  Whether your school is looking to host a full-scale musical or perform a Shakespearean play, AA4K can help you achieve your performing arts educational goals.  We will partner with your school and execute a program to meet your needs.  Fundraising is a huge part of any school's goals.  We helped one organization raise $6,000 in one weekend!   Why not let yours be next!  AA4K can also provide CA credentialed drama teachers with either our own curriculum or a curriculum that is specifically tailored to meet your school's needs.  Administrators:  Why go through the headache of hiring part time teachers when you can easily contract one of our dynamic educators to enrich your students' lives with the performing arts?

Contact us today for a quote!

Rave Reviews

WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING ABOUT AA4K?

Acting Academy for Kids helped transform our son from a shy athlete into a confident stage performer.  It’s a delight to see him willingly hang up his cleats one day per week to participate in the arts.  I highly recommend this theater program (and individual lessons if desired) for children of  all ages and interests. 

Colleen Edwards

Visit our About Us page to read more testimonials.   Click Here

Current Programs Upcoming Programs
Current

SPRING 2013 MUSICAL

Ages 4-13

 

Starts the week of April 15th
Performances in June 2013
 
TEEN TROUPE
Ages 12-17
 
 
 
 
Upcoming

JUNE 24th - August 30th

10 Individual Week-Long Performing Arts Summer Camps

Daily Music, Acting, Dance & Art with a culminating performance Friday afternoons for family and friends on our MAINSTAGE!

Age Groups: 4-6, 7-9, 10-13

THE CAMINO REAL PLAYHOUSE,

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

2 NEW LOCATIONS:

San Clemente: The Cabrillo Playhouse

Rancho Santa Margarita: The Gate

Visit our PROGRAMS page for details!

 

 

ACTING ACADEMY FOR KIDS © 2012
Our Mission X

What does every famous Hollywood actor have in common?  They took acting classes before they were discovered. Before Justin Beiber became a STAR, he first had to get training in how to act on stage and in front of a camera. Victorious, the cast of High School Musical, and American Idol stars all have had time to practice and train with the best!

Acting Academy for Kids is a television, film, theatre, and musical theatre program that offers a series of weekly after-school workshops and camps devoted to the education, skills, and resources needed to train the next generation of talented performers.  Programs are available for ages 4-17.

The acting class curriculum has been designed to meet the growing needs of students pursuing either television and film, theatre, or both in Southern Orange County.  Activities reinforce creative drama, beginning-advanced TV, audition prep, improv, scene study, and monologue performance.  As an on-camera class, the students witness first-hand how they appear on the “big screen”.

AA4K also offers musical theatre series that focus entirely on one popular Broadway production and culminate with a performance for family and friends.  The students are taken through the musical theatre process from start to finish and are cast, rehearse, and perform on a main stage with professional lights and sound! 

Additionally, Acting Academy for Kids helps students  grow vocally in private or group vocal lessons.  Our very own Carnegie Hall soloist, Stephen Zygo, instructs the kids in proper vocal technique and performance skills. 

Children also have the opportunity to be instructed and trained by experienced performers and California credentialed teachers in our amazing Summer Performing Arts Camps for Kids.  Children can participate for one week or every single week offered!  So whether your child desires to simply become more confident, to have fun and hone their performance skills at the same time, or to pursue a professional career in acting, you have found the right place!  It’s time to watch your star shine!!
 

Expertise X

Originally a native of Rochester, New York, Stephen J. Zygo started his performing career in the 4th grade as a member of all-county choir and went on to perform in countless musicals, performing groups, dance ensembles, and theatrical troupes.

Recognized in New York State as one of the most promising high school performers (Elenbe Award Winner), Stephen then pursued a double major in Musical Theatre Performance and Elementary Education at SUNY Cortland. Stephen has directed over 75 youth productions in New York, Hawaii and California. His most recent productions were “Peter Pan” at St. Mary and All Angels School in Aliso Viejo, where he was recently the Theatre Arts Director and one of the 4th grade teachers on staff, and “Annie Jr.” and “Seussical Jr.” at the Camino Real Playhouse, where Acting Academy for Kids is the exclusive youth program provider.


In addition to theatre productions, Stephen has also been the director of a national beauty pageant circuit, American Queen Pageant, 2007, California Division. Stephen has performed in over 40 theatrical productions with title roles including Seymour in “Little Shop of Horrors”, Charlie Brown in “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown”, Jack in “Into the Woods”, and many more. Most recently, he was featured in Three Trees Theatre’s West Coast premiere of a new musical, “Magdalene”. In addition to acting, Stephen has been a featured vocalist at Carnegie Hall and you can currently see him sing on the Saddleback stage at Saddleback Church where he is a member of an elite singing group, VWM.


Stephen is managed theatrically and commercially in Hollywood by Joy Parris who is a manager and producer and the co-owner of Rich Girls Productions. Stephen has been seen in several commercials, independent films, Purpose Driven Life videos, and youth films for the thousands of children that attend Saddleback Church. One of Stephen’s most memorable experiences was working with Katie Holmes and Forest Whittaker on the film, “The First Daughter”. Alongside Stephen’s pursuit of being a successful Hollywood actor, he has founded Acting Academy for Kids to train the next generation of young performers to be the best in the business and to connect them with the people who can make their dreams come true.

What does every famous Hollywood actor have in common?  They took acting classes before they were discovered. Before Justin Beiber became a STAR, he first had to get training in how to act on stage and in front of a camera. Victorious, the cast of High School Musical, and American Idol stars all have had time to practice and train with the best!

Acting Academy for Kids is a television, film, theatre, and musical theatre program that offers a series of weekly after-school workshops and camps devoted to the education, skills, and resources needed to train the next generation of talented performers.  Programs are available for ages 4-17.

The acting class curriculum has been designed to meet the growing needs of students pursuing either television and film, theatre, or both in Southern Orange County.  Activities reinforce creative drama, beginning-advanced TV, audition prep, improv, scene study, and monologue performance.  As an on-camera class, the students witness first-hand how they appear on the “big screen”.

AA4K also offers musical theatre series that focus entirely on one popular Broadway production and culminate with a performance for family and friends.  The students are taken through the musical theatre process from start to finish and are cast, rehearse, and perform on a main stage with professional lights and sound! 

Additionally, Acting Academy for Kids helps students  grow vocally in private or group vocal lessons.  Our very own Carnegie Hall soloist, Stephen Zygo, instructs the kids in proper vocal technique and performance skills. 

Children also have the opportunity to be instructed and trained by experienced performers and California credentialed teachers in our amazing Summer Performing Arts Camps for Kids.  Children can participate for one week or every single week offered!  So whether your child desires to simply become more confident, to have fun and hone their performance skills at the same time, or to pursue a professional career in acting, you have found the right place!  It’s time to watch your star shine!!
 

What does every famous Hollywood actor have in common?  They took acting classes before they were discovered. Before Justin Beiber became a STAR, he first had to get training in how to act on stage and in front of a camera. Victorious, the cast of High School Musical, and American Idol stars all have had time to practice and train with the best!

Acting Academy for Kids is a television, film, theatre, and musical theatre program that offers a series of weekly after-school workshops and camps devoted to the education, skills, and resources needed to train the next generation of talented performers.  Programs are available for ages 4-17.

The acting class curriculum has been designed to meet the growing needs of students pursuing either television and film, theatre, or both in Southern Orange County.  Activities reinforce creative drama, beginning-advanced TV, audition prep, improv, scene study, and monologue performance.  As an on-camera class, the students witness first-hand how they appear on the “big screen”.

AA4K also offers musical theatre series that focus entirely on one popular Broadway production and culminate with a performance for family and friends.  The students are taken through the musical theatre process from start to finish and are cast, rehearse, and perform on a main stage with professional lights and sound! 

Additionally, Acting Academy for Kids helps students  grow vocally in private or group vocal lessons.  Our very own Carnegie Hall soloist, Stephen Zygo, instructs the kids in proper vocal technique and performance skills. 

Children also have the opportunity to be instructed and trained by experienced performers and California credentialed teachers in our amazing Summer Performing Arts Camps for Kids.  Children can participate for one week or every single week offered!  So whether your child desires to simply become more confident, to have fun and hone their performance skills at the same time, or to pursue a professional career in acting, you have found the right place!  It’s time to watch your star shine!!
 

What does every famous Hollywood actor have in common?  They took acting classes before they were discovered. Before Justin Beiber became a STAR, he first had to get training in how to act on stage and in front of a camera. Victorious, the cast of High School Musical, and American Idol stars all have had time to practice and train with the best!

Acting Academy for Kids is a television, film, theatre, and musical theatre program that offers a series of weekly after-school workshops and camps devoted to the education, skills, and resources needed to train the next generation of talented performers.  Programs are available for ages 4-17.

The acting class curriculum has been designed to meet the growing needs of students pursuing either television and film, theatre, or both in Southern Orange County.  Activities reinforce creative drama, beginning-advanced TV, audition prep, improv, scene study, and monologue performance.  As an on-camera class, the students witness first-hand how they appear on the “big screen”.

AA4K also offers musical theatre series that focus entirely on one popular Broadway production and culminate with a performance for family and friends.  The students are taken through the musical theatre process from start to finish and are cast, rehearse, and perform on a main stage with professional lights and sound! 

Additionally, Acting Academy for Kids helps students  grow vocally in private or group vocal lessons.  Our very own Carnegie Hall soloist, Stephen Zygo, instructs the kids in proper vocal technique and performance skills. 

Children also have the opportunity to be instructed and trained by experienced performers and California credentialed teachers in our amazing Summer Performing Arts Camps for Kids.  Children can participate for one week or every single week offered!  So whether your child desires to simply become more confident, to have fun and hone their performance skills at the same time, or to pursue a professional career in acting, you have found the right place!  It’s time to watch your star shine!!
 

What does every famous Hollywood actor have in common?  They took acting classes before they were discovered. Before Justin Beiber became a STAR, he first had to get training in how to act on stage and in front of a camera. Victorious, the cast of High School Musical, and American Idol stars all have had time to practice and train with the best!

Acting Academy for Kids is a television, film, theatre, and musical theatre program that offers a series of weekly after-school workshops and camps devoted to the education, skills, and resources needed to train the next generation of talented performers.  Programs are available for ages 4-17.

The acting class curriculum has been designed to meet the growing needs of students pursuing either television and film, theatre, or both in Southern Orange County.  Activities reinforce creative drama, beginning-advanced TV, audition prep, improv, scene study, and monologue performance.  As an on-camera class, the students witness first-hand how they appear on the “big screen”.

AA4K also offers musical theatre series that focus entirely on one popular Broadway production and culminate with a performance for family and friends.  The students are taken through the musical theatre process from start to finish and are cast, rehearse, and perform on a main stage with professional lights and sound! 

Additionally, Acting Academy for Kids helps students  grow vocally in private or group vocal lessons.  Our very own Carnegie Hall soloist, Stephen Zygo, instructs the kids in proper vocal technique and performance skills. 

Children also have the opportunity to be instructed and trained by experienced performers and California credentialed teachers in our amazing Summer Performing Arts Camps for Kids.  Children can participate for one week or every single week offered!  So whether your child desires to simply become more confident, to have fun and hone their performance skills at the same time, or to pursue a professional career in acting, you have found the right place!  It’s time to watch your star shine!!
 

What does every famous Hollywood actor have in common?  They took acting classes before they were discovered. Before Justin Beiber became a STAR, he first had to get training in how to act on stage and in front of a camera. Victorious, the cast of High School Musical, and American Idol stars all have had time to practice and train with the best!

Acting Academy for Kids is a television, film, theatre, and musical theatre program that offers a series of weekly after-school workshops and camps devoted to the education, skills, and resources needed to train the next generation of talented performers.  Programs are available for ages 4-17.

The acting class curriculum has been designed to meet the growing needs of students pursuing either television and film, theatre, or both in Southern Orange County.  Activities reinforce creative drama, beginning-advanced TV, audition prep, improv, scene study, and monologue performance.  As an on-camera class, the students witness first-hand how they appear on the “big screen”.

AA4K also offers musical theatre series that focus entirely on one popular Broadway production and culminate with a performance for family and friends.  The students are taken through the musical theatre process from start to finish and are cast, rehearse, and perform on a main stage with professional lights and sound! 

Additionally, Acting Academy for Kids helps students  grow vocally in private or group vocal lessons.  Our very own Carnegie Hall soloist, Stephen Zygo, instructs the kids in proper vocal technique and performance skills. 

Children also have the opportunity to be instructed and trained by experienced performers and California credentialed teachers in our amazing Summer Performing Arts Camps for Kids.  Children can participate for one week or every single week offered!  So whether your child desires to simply become more confident, to have fun and hone their performance skills at the same time, or to pursue a professional career in acting, you have found the right place!  It’s time to watch your star shine!!