ACT-1 Academy for Children's Theatre
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
ACT-1 Academy for Children's Theatre provides a deeply supportive, inclusive, and loving environment where children are celebrated for who they are while developing advanced musical theatre skills. It produces 'phenomenal', 'master class' level productions, including sophisticated musicals like 'Les Miserables', fostering significant long-term personal growth, deep connections with directors (Chera and Sierra), and a strong, family-like community for both performers and their families.
Key Highlights
- ✓Offers an extremely welcoming and accepting environment where children are celebrated for their individuality.
- ✓Staff, coaches, and directors (specifically Chera and Sierra) are described as 'amazing' and provide exceptional care, guidance, and support.
- ✓Produces 'phenomenal' and 'master class' level productions, noted as superior to other children's theatre in Los Angeles.
- ✓Provides opportunities for children to participate in extremely sophisticated musicals, such as 'Les Miserables'.
- ✓Focuses on honing incredible theatrical skills and fostering significant personal growth through every production.
- ✓Children genuinely enjoy their experience, frequently having 'the time of their life' during participation.
- ✓Fosters a strong 'family' atmosphere among participants and creates lasting connections with directors, extending into adulthood.
- ✓Offers robust family support, with an involved parent group and directors going 'out of their way' during challenging times.
- ✓Shows are 'spectacular' and enjoyable for audiences, even for parents whose child is not currently performing.
- ✓Offers long-term engagement, with one child participating in over 20 shows across 11 years.
Standout Features
- ⭐Incredibly supportive and inclusive culture that celebrates individual children.
- ⭐High-caliber instruction and direction from experienced professionals, specifically mentioning Chera and Sierra.
- ⭐Opportunity to perform in complex, sophisticated musical theatre productions.
- ⭐A strong sense of community and family among participants and parents.
- ⭐Focus on both advanced skill development and significant personal/emotional growth.
- ⭐Directors provide long-term mentorship and form lasting connections with students.
- ⭐Spectacular, high-quality productions that showcase young talent.
- ⭐An involved parent group that contributes to a supportive community.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Consider this academy if your child has struggled to find an accepting group, as it strongly emphasizes inclusivity and celebration of individuality.
- →Expect a high level of theatrical instruction and production quality, suitable for dedicated young performers.
- →Be prepared for a potentially long-term commitment, as many families experience years of engagement and deep community ties.
- →Families looking for a supportive network during personal challenges may find significant backing from the directors and parent group here.
Price & Value
Not mentioned in reviews, but the consistently high praise for instruction quality, sophisticated productions, long-term personal growth, and strong community support suggests a premium value for dedicated participants.
🛡️Safety Features
- •Strong emphasis on emotional and psychological safety through a 'loving and accepting environment' where children are celebrated.
- •Robust family and director support system, particularly during challenging times, fostering a sense of security and belonging.
- •Focus on creating a secure and accepting space for individuality.
Pricing/Package/Events
Pricing & Packages
HADESTOWN: TEEN EDITION - Fall Production 2025
$885Duration: Fall 2025 - January 2026 (Rehearsals starting October 5th, Performances January 12-25, 2026)
A full-length adaptation of Anaïs Mitchell’s Hadestown, with a run time of over 120 minutes. Follows Orpheus’ mythical quest to overcome Hades and regain the favor of his one true love, Eurydice. Features adjusted vocal arrangements for teen voices, a flexible and expandable SATB WORKER chorus, and removal of action/language related to substance abuse and sexual references. Recommended for students 13 and up.
Includes:
- •Rehearsals
- •Performance opportunities
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
HADESTOWN: TEEN EDITION - Fall Production 2025 Auditions
Through October 4th
A non-refundable $299 deposit is due at the time of registration. This deposit is the first payment towards your full tuition. If not cast, the deposit will be fully refunded. Otherwise, deposits are non-refundable.
Auditions for the Fall Production 2025 of Hadestown: Teen Edition. Enrollment is limited, and not everyone will be cast. Audition instructions and appointments are scheduled upon registration.
HADESTOWN: TEEN EDITION - Fall Production 2025 Performances
Cast A: January 12 - January 18, 2026; Cast B: January 19 - January 25, 2026
Included in the regular tuition of $885
Tech and performance dates for the Fall Production 2025 of Hadestown: Teen Edition. Performances will be held in North Hollywood. Tech & Show Dates are mandatory.
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Implements the LA Anti-Racist Theatre Standards.
- • Committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion; will not ignore instances of discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, religious practices, classism, ableism, and/or ageism.
- • Provides a safe space for artistic youth to build a supportive community.
📅Booking Policy
- • Online registration and a $299 deposit are required.
- • Enrollment is limited for the Hadestown production.
- • Tech and show dates are mandatory for participation in the Fall Production. Students must clear their schedule for at least one of the two performance weeks.
- • Students' availability and director's creative decision determine cast placement (A or B) and performance dates.
Recent Reviews
sanci solis
8 months agoMy child has struggled to find a a group that welcomes him, and celebrates the kid he is. EVERYONE at ACT-1 from the performers to the coaches and directors to stage hands are so amazing. They are honing his skills in a loving and accepting environment. If your child loves musical theatre this is the place for them.
Pam Levin
2 years agoI have seen my share of children's theater in LA, but nothing has even come close to the phenomenal productions that Act-1 produces. It is truly like watching a MASTER CLASS with kids that are so off the chart talented, it literally blows me away...ever time! My daughter has participated in extremely sophisticated musicals with this group, including "Les Miserables". It has opened my daughters eyes to the magnificence of excellent theater and has taught her so many incredible skills. But the thing I am most grateful for is that fact that she has literally enjoyed ever moment and has had the time of her life. These people are family to us and it has now rubbed off on my son who is now also bitten by the acting bug! Thrilled to share many more wonderful memories with this outstanding theater company!
Michele Mulidor
2 years agoMy daughter Elizabeth did over 20 shows with ACT-1 over the course of 11 years, and it was a phenomenal experience for her as a performer. She learned a lot, and grew through every production she was a part of. Most importantly, she feels a connection with the directors that has continued into her adult life. Our family was loved and supported through some challenging times, and I can honestly say that ACT-1 is a big part of our surviving them. The strong, involved parent group and the directors went out of their way to be there for us. As a performer myself, I appreciate seeing the care and guidance each child under the care of Chera and Sierra receives. They are the best. The shows are spectacular. I always enjoy them, even when my child isn't in them.