Our Story
A Brief History of Who We Are
Founders Stephen & Maggie Zygo created Acting Academy for Kids for kids and teens to experience the performing arts in a fun and engaging way led by professionally trained educators in their respective fields. As credentialed and professional educators with Master’s Degrees in Education, the Zygos envisioned a dynamic learning environment where families could bring their kids to make new friends, grow new skills, and walk away with a new sense of confidence.
In 2007, while teaching the 4th grade at a local elementary school and making frequent trips to Hollywood to pursue his acting career, founder Stephen J. Zygo, decided to combine his twin passions of teaching and acting to create one of the most fun, professional, and exceptional performing arts schools in Orange County, Acting Academy for Kids. Originally a native of Rochester, New York, Stephen earned bachelor degrees in elementary education (NY & CA credentials) and musical theatre performance. After teaching middle school and directing theatre in New York, he moved to Honolulu, Hawaii to earn his MA in education where he also fell in love with his beautiful bride who was in the same graduate program. In 2006, Stephen and his wife Maggie decided to make California home. Shortly thereafter, Stephen created AA4K due in part to his having directed more than 40 youth productions, and he and his budding program were welcomed by the Capistrano Center of the Performing Arts board to spearhead efforts to implement AA4K growth. Fast forward almost a decade, and AA4K has spread it's wings and developed new and exciting relations in the community to bring arts education as far South as San Clemente to our central Orange county friend in Irvine.
In the 2008-2009 academic year, both Stephen and Maggie experienced teaching layoffs and were forced to make a BIG decision…move back to Hawaii, or Chicago (Maggie’s hometown - she’s a proud Northwestern alum) or New York (Stephen’s hometown) to find teaching positions OR take Acting Academy for Kids to the next level. AA4K recently celebrated its 9th anniversary of providing children and teens ages 4-17 with acting classes, vocal training, musical theatre series, and performing arts summer camps. AA4K is extremely proud of its amazing staff and instructors, dedicated volunteers, and growing cadre of talented performers. Over 10,000 students have made Acting Academy for Kids their home to grow as performing artists!
Where is AA4K Headed?
Acting Academy for Kids is branching out to local elementary and middle schools to produce high quality productions with children across Orange County. Currently AA4K provides theatrical and music arts services to several, local elementary schools. In addition, AA4K was the catalyst to unite Ladera schools and the pioneer of the Ladera Ranch School Musical with it’s crowd pleasing rendition of Peter Pan. Furthermore, AA4K has strategic partnerships in San Clemente where they are currently creating their "Forever Home" within a former restaurant at the Holiday Inn Express off of Pico and the 5 as well as the historic Cabrillo Playhouse. The newest theatrical partner is a brand new performing arts school in Irvine called OC Music & Dance. OCMD is a non-profit arts school designed by Charlie Zang, former CEO of Pick Up Stix. Charlie is the largest donor to the Pacific Symphony and believes in what AA4K can add to this burgeoning school's fabric! The vision for AA4K is to have 10 Acting Academies in 10 years---and ultimately an AA4K in every major city in America---DREAM BIG!!
As a family operated children’s theatre company, Stephen & Maggie will be hosting several visionary fundraisers led by Fundraising Coordinator, Michelle Theis, to help make this dream come true for kids all over the county. Any resources, donations, or advice will be welcomed by the Zygos as AA4K pursues this faith-driven venture.
Founders Stephen & Maggie Zygo created Acting Academy for Kids for kids and teens to experience the performing arts in a fun and engaging way led by professionally trained educators in their respective fields. As credentialed and professional educators with Master’s Degrees in Education, the Zygos envisioned a dynamic learning environment where families could bring their kids to make new friends, grow new skills, and walk away with a new sense of confidence.
In 2007, while teaching the 4th grade at a local elementary school and making frequent trips to Hollywood to pursue his acting career, founder Stephen J. Zygo, decided to combine his twin passions of teaching and acting to create one of the most fun, professional, and exceptional performing arts schools in Orange County, Acting Academy for Kids. Originally a native of Rochester, New York, Stephen earned bachelor degrees in elementary education (NY & CA credentials) and musical theatre performance. After teaching middle school and directing theatre in New York, he moved to Honolulu, Hawaii to earn his MA in education where he also fell in love with his beautiful bride who was in the same graduate program. In 2006, Stephen and his wife Maggie decided to make California home. Shortly thereafter, Stephen created AA4K due in part to his having directed more than 40 youth productions, and he and his budding program were welcomed by the Capistrano Center of the Performing Arts board to spearhead efforts to implement AA4K growth. Fast forward almost a decade, and AA4K has spread it's wings and developed new and exciting relations in the community to bring arts education as far South as San Clemente to our central Orange county friend in Irvine.
In the 2008-2009 academic year, both Stephen and Maggie experienced teaching layoffs and were forced to make a BIG decision…move back to Hawaii, or Chicago (Maggie’s hometown - she’s a proud Northwestern alum) or New York (Stephen’s hometown) to find teaching positions OR take Acting Academy for Kids to the next level. AA4K recently celebrated its 9th anniversary of providing children and teens ages 4-17 with acting classes, vocal training, musical theatre series, and performing arts summer camps. AA4K is extremely proud of its amazing staff and instructors, dedicated volunteers, and growing cadre of talented performers. Over 10,000 students have made Acting Academy for Kids their home to grow as performing artists!
Where is AA4K Headed?
Acting Academy for Kids is branching out to local elementary and middle schools to produce high quality productions with children across Orange County. Currently AA4K provides theatrical and music arts services to several, local elementary schools. In addition, AA4K was the catalyst to unite Ladera schools and the pioneer of the Ladera Ranch School Musical with it’s crowd pleasing rendition of Peter Pan. Furthermore, AA4K has strategic partnerships in San Clemente where they are currently creating their "Forever Home" within a former restaurant at the Holiday Inn Express off of Pico and the 5 as well as the historic Cabrillo Playhouse. The newest theatrical partner is a brand new performing arts school in Irvine called OC Music & Dance. OCMD is a non-profit arts school designed by Charlie Zang, former CEO of Pick Up Stix. Charlie is the largest donor to the Pacific Symphony and believes in what AA4K can add to this burgeoning school's fabric! The vision for AA4K is to have 10 Acting Academies in 10 years---and ultimately an AA4K in every major city in America---DREAM BIG!!
As a family operated children’s theatre company, Stephen & Maggie will be hosting several visionary fundraisers led by Fundraising Coordinator, Michelle Theis, to help make this dream come true for kids all over the county. Any resources, donations, or advice will be welcomed by the Zygos as AA4K pursues this faith-driven venture.
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:
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.
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 flagship location, The Z Playhouse, is located at the Holiday Inn Express in San Clemente. Our 2nd Playhouse location, The Cabrillo Playhouse, is located in the heart of downtown San Clemente, just steps from Avenida Del Mar, an avenue rich with dining and shopping opportunities that leads to the beach. Our third location utilizes the Performing Arts Center at Community Roots Academy. And our fourth location is at OC Music & Dance in Irvine. See our locations page for addresses and directions.
AA4K's unique school programs will always be held within a school auditorium able to fully function as a real theatre.
AA4K's unique school programs will always be held within a school auditorium able to fully function as a real theatre.
Multiple Locations
School Programs
*School Musicals* *School Plays* *Drama Teachers / Music 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 and music 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!
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 and music 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!
Testimonials
