YADA (Youth Academy of Dramatic Arts)

YADA (Youth Academy of Dramatic Arts) offers YADA TOTS, PRE-PRIMARY, PRIMARY, LEVEL 1, LEVEL 2, LEVEL 3, JR. MASTER, MASTER, IMROV, The Company, Apprenticeship Program, and YADA Minis. The offerings include theater games, casting in a role, following a script, taking direction, counting music, choreography, blocking, character development, vocal technique, script analysis, auditions, mentorship, and real-world projects.

Programs

• YADA TOTS — 3–5 · Ten-week program
• PRE-PRIMARY — 4–7 · Over ten weeks · First time being cast in a role; follows a script, takes direction, and builds stage comfort. Prerequisite: YADA TOTS. Children must be fully potty trained and bathroom independent.
• PRIMARY — 6–8 · Over ten weeks · Learns counting music, choreography, and blocking. Prerequisite: YADA Pre-Primary.
• LEVEL 1 — 7–9 · Over ten weeks · Focus on character development, vocal technique, and more involved choreography. Prerequisite: YADA Primary or equivalent experience.
• LEVEL 2 — 8–10 · Twelve-week process · Deeper character work, stronger vocal technique, more demanding choreography, and script analysis. Prerequisite: YADA Level 1 or equivalent experience.
• LEVEL 3 — 10 and up · Twelve-week process · Advanced non-audition level with advanced character work, refined voices, and challenging choreography. Prerequisite: YADA Level 2 or equivalent experience.
• JR. MASTER — 9 and up · Twelve-week class · Pre-professional class; discipline, technique, and steady skill growth. Admission by audition only. At least one full school year in a Level 2 class is strongly recommended before auditioning.
• MASTER — 12 and up · Over twelve weeks · Highest level for dedicated performers working toward professional standards. Admission by audition only.
• IMPROV — 6-8, 9-12, 13-16 · Develop acting skills through theater games; builds confidence, stage presence, and comfort with public speaking.
• The Company — High School and up · Enrollment by audition only. YADA's most advanced class is open to teens who are serious performers. Rehearsals operate in the manner of a professional theatre company.
• Apprenticeship Program — 12-18 · Selected by application only. Participants gain insights and hands-on experience in their fields of interest, are paired with a mentor, and work on real-world projects.
• YADA Minis — 0-3 · Gentle, play-based program.

At a glance

• Ages: 0–17 years old
• General schedule: Classes are structured by age and ability. During the school year, students must be or turn the correct age by October 1st for Fall Session, February 1st for Winter Session, and May 1st for Spring Session. For summer camps, students must turn the correct age within the summer camp dates they are enrolled in.
• Facility hours: School Year Hours: Mondays 10:00am - 7:30pm; Tuesdays 10:00am - 7:00pm; Wednesdays 10:00am - 7:00pm; Thursdays 10:00am - 7:00pm; Fridays 10:00am - 7:00pm; Saturdays 9:00am - 6:30pm; Sundays 9:00am - 3:30pm. Summer Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00am-5:00pm.

About the provider

For over 29 years, YADA has provided comprehensive theatrical training to young performers in Los Angeles. The site also says YADA has been a musical theatre home for 23 years. YADA is led by Co-Owners Kim Harrigan and Lani Shipman, along with Executive Director Carrie-ann Pishnak. YADA’s mission statement says it offers a safe, exciting, and supportive space where students can learn, grow, and express themselves through theatre, with an emphasis on inclusivity and community.

Placement is based on experience as well as age. Some levels overlap in age. Students must be or turn the correct age by listed session dates for school-year classes. Financial assistance consideration is available upon request. Payment plans are offered for production and minis classes at no additional cost.

What families say

“Thank you for such a wonderful week at YADA. This was Graham’s first experience with you all, and I can honestly say I’ve never seen him light up the way he has this past week at camp. He had the absolute best time and has already told us that he wants to do as much YADA as he possibly can! I’m signing him up now for Mary Poppins, where he’ll get to experience it alongside a bunch of his friends.” — The Schwarze Family

“Mommy, I can’t wait for YADA to begin again. It is my happy place and I just love it there. It feels like they are family and that I just belong.” — Josie Aaronson, age 8

“Thank you so much! We love YADA so much. We found your wonderful program when my daughter was 5, during Covid when there really wasn’t much going on. Since then, both of my children have completely fallen in love with it.” — Danee Litman Parker

Last updated September 15, 2026.