Youth Academy of Dramatic Arts (YADA)
Youth Academy of Dramatic Arts (YADA), 8115 West Third Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048
About
Youth Academy of Dramatic Arts (YADA) offers musical theatre, improvisation classes, and workshops, along with special programs such as Summer Camp, Spring Break Camps, Improv Class, Parent’s Night Out, YADA ROCKS IN A DAY, Birthday Parties, and Private Lessons. The program also provides private coaching in voice, acting, and dance, as well as an APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM. Each session culminates in a performance.
• Ages: 0–17 years old
• Schedule: School-year classes and activities offered seven days a week, with additional summer programming Monday–Friday during the day
For over 28 years, YADA has provided comprehensive theatrical training to young performers in Los Angeles. The program’s mission is to offer theatrical training for young people, impart a professional theatrical discipline, and offer a safe and nurturing environment in which they can grow. YADA states that children are guided in building self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-awareness, and that students are encouraged to find their own voice and freely express themselves. Classes are structured by age and ability, from MINIS and TOTS through Master and Company levels, and improvisation classes are used to foster creativity, boost confidence, and ease anxiety. YADA also offers private coaching in voice, acting, and dance, and describes a commitment to inclusivity and to creating an inclusive, welcoming, and empowering environment. During the March 2020 shutdown, YADA created the YADAVISION online platform and used Zoom rehearsals to continue theatre, and the program describes its mission as helping students develop emotional maturity, self-confidence, and life skills including respect, commitment, and perseverance. The program is co-owned by Kim Harrigan and Lani Shipman.
YADA describes itself as a musical theatre home to kids for 23 years and notes that donations help cover ongoing costs and keep its doors open for future generations. Parent and student testimonials describe experiences such as children feeling supported in roles, enjoying camp and classes, looking forward to weekly sessions, and developing confidence to perform in front of others. Multiple families refer to YADA as a “home” or “family,” and several note that their children want to return for future seasons, shows, and camps.
Last updated March 15, 2026.
• Ages: 0–17 years old
• Schedule: School-year classes and activities offered seven days a week, with additional summer programming Monday–Friday during the day
For over 28 years, YADA has provided comprehensive theatrical training to young performers in Los Angeles. The program’s mission is to offer theatrical training for young people, impart a professional theatrical discipline, and offer a safe and nurturing environment in which they can grow. YADA states that children are guided in building self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-awareness, and that students are encouraged to find their own voice and freely express themselves. Classes are structured by age and ability, from MINIS and TOTS through Master and Company levels, and improvisation classes are used to foster creativity, boost confidence, and ease anxiety. YADA also offers private coaching in voice, acting, and dance, and describes a commitment to inclusivity and to creating an inclusive, welcoming, and empowering environment. During the March 2020 shutdown, YADA created the YADAVISION online platform and used Zoom rehearsals to continue theatre, and the program describes its mission as helping students develop emotional maturity, self-confidence, and life skills including respect, commitment, and perseverance. The program is co-owned by Kim Harrigan and Lani Shipman.
YADA describes itself as a musical theatre home to kids for 23 years and notes that donations help cover ongoing costs and keep its doors open for future generations. Parent and student testimonials describe experiences such as children feeling supported in roles, enjoying camp and classes, looking forward to weekly sessions, and developing confidence to perform in front of others. Multiple families refer to YADA as a “home” or “family,” and several note that their children want to return for future seasons, shows, and camps.
Last updated March 15, 2026.
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