A new opportunity for theatrical experience is coming to the La Crescenta, Glendale and La Cañada communities with the launch of Stage Arts Academy of Southern California, a children’s theater company founded by seasoned entertainment industry professionals and credentialed local school teachers. The company is dedicated to training the next generation of young performers in the skills of singing, dancing and acting while building confidence for life. Fall classes start Sept. 3.

Stage Arts Academy offers a unique blend of professional-level instruction and nurturing educational support. All instructors are credentialed school teachers with a combined 30 years of experience working in the class room with specialties in drama, music and dance. 

“Not only are we teachers, we are all moms and know firsthand what a gift you give a child when you empower them with the confidence to share their talents,” said co-founder and music instructor Rebecca O’Neal.

Most performing arts programs toss kids right into rehearsals; Stage Arts Academy is taking the approach of offering year-round classes and workshops to deeply hone dance skills traditional to musical theater, teaching acting skills and not just having performers memorize lines, while also training students’ voices to win solos. Performers will utilize the accumulation of skills by performing in a year’s end Broadway musical. In this program students will be intensely trained in the foundational skills to succeed in their school plays, a professional career or land other performance opportunities.  

The program is the dream of co-founders Wendy Goldsworthy and Virginia Grigori. 

“I have driven my daughters to the surrounding areas for various performance programs but I wanted them to bond with kids in their own community, kids they would know in middle and high school. So when there were no local performance opportunities, I decided to start one myself,” said Goldsworthy.

The founders see the performing arts as a team sport with a focus on essential life skills – confidence, empathy and resilience – skills students will carry for the rest of their lives.

High school drama teacher and co-founder Virginia Grigori added, “We’re not just teaching theater – we’re helping kids discover their voice in a safe, collaborative environment where they can shine on stage and in life.” 

Co-founder, choreographer and dance teacher Chadaé McAlister said, “My best friends in life came from my various productions. Not only will the students learn necessary stage craft, they will make lifelong friendships.”

Fall classes run from Sept. 3 to Nov. 19. Spring classes will be announced in December. Performances will be at the Nocturne Theater (formerly Center Theater) in Glendale.

For more information visit StageArtsAcademy.com.