Laguna Playhouse's Youth Conservatory (ages 9/10-18) is unique among youth theater programs in the area. In addition to participating in Conservatory classes which build a strong foundation, students are also invited to audition for Youth Productions on the Laguna Playhouse stage and may participate in additional workshops at no additional cost.
For younger students, the Junior Conservatory (ages 6-9) is the perfect introduction to acting.
The year-long conservatory consists of 3 sessions (Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024) with classes for different age groups running Mondays through Thursdays. Each session culminates in a final on-stage presentation for friends and family. Pro-rated tuition is available for students beginning their enrollment in the winter or spring session.
Every class is structured as an Acting Class where students learn the fundamentals of auditioning, studying, and performing. Guest Artists also come in to teach more specific subject matter such as audition techniques, movement, and stage combat. Students in the conservatory are invited to audition for the fall and spring Youth Productions. Additional workshops are added throughout the year and conservatory students are invited to attend at no additional costs.
Philosophy of the Conservatory The Conservatory at Laguna Playhouse Education nurtures students in learning the professional skills and techniques that will guide them to success in theatre and life. This is achieved through two primary modes:
1) Classes where we learn acting techniques/methods 2) Performance/production work to get hands-on experience of theatre
This is a program for students who have a desire to learn professional skills, have fun, explore theatre with other students who are passionate and committed in participation, and explore their creative voice in the performing arts.
Classes meet once a week and include work to be completed out of class.
Schedule
Fall Session: September 5 - November 7, 2023
Winter Session: January 16 - March 19, 2024
Spring Session: March 26 - June 4, 2024
LEVEL ONE and TWO Thursdays, 4-6 p.m. For serious and committed acting students ages 9-11, enrollment in this class is by audition only. Additional rehearsal time may be required. This is a yearlong commitment.
Register here
LEVEL THREE Wednesdays, 4-6 p.m. For serious and committed acting students ages 11-13, enrollment in this class is by audition only. Additional rehearsal time may be required. This is a yearlong commitment.
LEVEL FOUR Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m.For serious and committed acting students ages 12-14, enrollment in this class is by audition only. Additional rehearsal time may be required. This is a yearlong commitment.
LEVEL FIVE Mondays, 6-8 p.m. For serious and committed acting students ages 14-18, enrollment in this class is by audition only. Additional rehearsal time may be required. This is a yearlong commitment.
Yearly Tuition: $1500 Individual sessions: $550 eachSpring session early bird discount: $500 if registered before March 17.Sibling Discount = 10% discount to each
Scholarships available. Click the button at the bottom of the page to apply.
See Audition Information for More Details on How to Apply for Our Conservatory Program.
This acting & theatre class for young students, ages 6-9, will have a focus on creativity, collaboration, and confidence. It will be tied to a fun central theme. The students will learn and grow together for 8 weeks and then there will be a short demonstration for family and friends, to show what they have learned, at the end of the 8-week session.
Classes will be held on Saturday mornings from 10:00 am to 11:30 am, with the final presentations on the Tuesday following the final class.
Spring session: April 20 - June 1, demos on June 4.
Tuition: $400 per sessionEarly Bird Discount: $375 if registered by April 1.
Register for SPRING session
Being able to apply skills in action and learn about all aspects of theatre creation is a vital part of the Conservatory training program. As such, all students will audition and participate in each of our Youth Theatre Productions throughout the year.
They may select to participate as an actor, running crew, or production personnel as fits their schedule and supports their growth.
Auditions for the plays are open to students who are currently taking class at Laguna Playhouse.
The Youth Theatre productions focus on giving opportunity for students to practice their technique in action through a professional rehearsals and performances. This may mean that young people portray adult characters. The goal is to provide many opportunities for students to stretch their acting range and apply skills they are learning and developing in class in a real life environment.
2023/2024 Youth Conservatory Season
Fall: A Midsummer Night's DreamNovember 17-18th, 2023
Spring: The Addams Family Musical May 10-12th, 2024
Jack Clark is a fourth generation Southern California native. He developed an interest in theater after reading biographies of Montgomery Clift and Marlon Brando. An avid skier, he moved to Mammoth Lakes in 2005 and ended up in Sierra Classic Theater’s production of “All My Sons.” A love for theater developed and he has been performing in various degrees ever since. In 2012, he became a member of ImprovCity and he uses those tools he acquired on a daily basis. Teacher, Football Coach, Bartender, Trivia Host, World Traveler, Husband, and Father are some other titles he has held/holds to this day.
Sabrina Harper is a Broadway Actress, SAG-AFTRA and AEA member, a State-Certified Classical Ballet Dancer from the State of Baden Wurttemberg, Germany, a Choreographer, Director, Teaching Artist, and a Certified BASI Pilates Instructor. Starting her career as a child in Print, TV, and nat’l commercials, she also performed on numerous stages around the world including the Vienna Volksoper and in Broadway productions et.al. PIPPIN, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, CHICAGO, A CHORUS LINE, 42nd STREET, and THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Her directorial credits include the musicals MAMMA MIA, CABARET, CHICAGO and SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD.
Anthony Kairouz is a Theater Arts BFA graduate from Molloy University’s CAP21 Conservatory. He has been performing in musicals and plays for 15 years and has performed both all over the States and internationally. Some notable theater credits of his include - Phantom of the Opera TIE Turkey Tour (Phantom, Cloud Theater), Island of the Blue Dolphins (Actor 1, Laguna Beach Playhouse), Andrea Bocelli in Concert (Choir, Hollywood Bowl), Into the Woods (Jack), Big Fish (Edward Bloom), Pippin (Charlemagne), and much more! Kairouz is currently applying for his Masters Degree in Acting and teaches Theater Arts at the Laguna Beach Playhouse and MC Studios OC. He is also a private vocal and acting coach who has taught over 100 students.
Marco Muxo, originally from Miami Florida, is a dynamic actor committed to fostering inclusivity. He embarked on his artistic journey at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, securing an Associates in Acting on an academic scholarship. Further refining his craft at The New School with a custom bachelors degree, Marco’s professional career began in 2022 with his inaugural SAG-AFTRA Co-star role on Warner Brothers’ “Bad Monkey.” June 2023 witnessed his stage directorial premiere in “Banksy and Me,” generating acclaim and calls for an extended run. In 2023, a showcase of his versatility in a lead role for an independent horror film in Mexico City will be his feature debut. Marco’s path in entertainment, characterized by talent and dedication, assures an exhilarating narrative enriched by diversity and inclusivity in Hollywood.
Toni Redman is a SAG & AEA NYC professionally trained union actor and former model with Ford Modeling Agency. She is honored to have worked at every level of professional entertainment. She coaches, casts, directs, and produces plays and films in the U.S. and abroad for the US Embassy. Toni is recognized internationally as an Instructor of Drama and Speech for the American International School, Riyadh, and a New York City casting director for Mason Street Warehouse. Believing education is the foundation for all success, Toni studied acting with the prestigious Juilliard, Yale School of Drama, The Neighborhood Playhouse, and Stella Adler Studios. She recently added professor to her many titles, teaching acting at a California college as well as with Sam Christensen Studios, Hollywood. A resident teaching artist for Laguna Playhouse, Toni lives for the moments her actors find their spark, and their characters come to life.
Mary Sherg Kaye, Educator, Director, Stage Manager, and Actor - Kaye has had the great fortune of sharing her love of the arts her entire career. Starting off as a Stage Manager (IATSE Union) through Fullerton and Riverside Community College, featuring theaters all over Los Angeles/Orange County theaters, Kaye is especially grateful for her work with Disney’s California Adventure, Huston School of Music, Performance Riverside, Laguna Beach High School, and many other performing spaces. Kaye has over one hundred shows on her resume, and is proud of the theatrical roles throughout her career both onstage and off. With the support of the staff and her fellow teachers, Kaye has found a home in teaching the youth of Laguna Beach and worlds towards the ultimate goal of having her own theater department to run. Her greatest loves include her loving husband and actor Michael and their overly-dramatic pug, Roscoe. Kaye currently lives in San Clemente, CA and is a proud supporter of arts advocacy and literacy towards every student actor.
The Laguna Playhouse Conservatory is for students of all backgrounds and experience levels who want to explore the craft of acting and theatre. Acceptance into the program and level placement is by audition.
Laguna Playhouse Junior Conservatory (no audition needed ) is for ages 6-9. Register online here
Laguna Playhouse Youth Conservatory (levels 1-4) is for ages 10-18. Auditioning students need to be age 10 by November or in 5th grade. Click here to register for Level 1&2 Combo online!
Prospective students should prepare either: one monologue, or a monologue and a song, or two contrasting monologues. The monologue(s) should be 1-1.5 minutes in length, songs should be about 16 bars. (Once in the program, auditions for the Youth Theatre productions will be held separately).
Students can self-tape their auditions and email them to Joe Alanes, Director of Education, at jalanes@lagunaplayhouse.com. If an in-person audition is preferred, email jalanes@lagunaplayhouse.com or call (949)497-2787 ext. 202 to schedule an audition appointment.
Class sizes are limited and fill quickly, so early enrollment is encouraged.
Scholarships are available for students who could not otherwise participate. To apply, email Joe Alanes at jalanes@lagunaplayhouse.com
Refund Policy: Cancellations are accepted up to seven days prior to the first class. 75% of class fee will be refunded upon cancellation (25% administrative fee will not be refunded.) No refunds after the seven day deadline.
For more information about the Laguna Playhouse Education and Community Engagement programs, please contact Joe Alanes // jalanes@lagunaplayhouse.com for details.
