YADA (Youth Academy of Dramatic Arts) has been offering comprehensive theatrical training to youth in Los Angeles for 21 years. Located in the historic Dupree Dance building at W. 3rd St. and Crescent Heights Blvd., YADA offers a safe and exciting environment in which students can learn, grow, and enrich their lives while practicing the skills of theatrical performance.

Classes are delineated based on age (3-17 yrs) and ability (TOTS-Master & Company).  And each class culminates in an unforgettable performance in YADA’s own 99 seat theatre.  This year we have also added Improvisation for kids, to encourage creativity, self confidence and ease any possible anxiety on stage.

Designers, directors, choreographers, musical directors, stage managers and running crew are all on staff to facilitate the best performance experience for youth in Los Angeles.  Private coaching is also available in voice, acting, and dance.  And for those who wish to work behind the scenes, YADA also offers stagecraft internships.

YADA was created by co-owners Lani Shipman and Kim Harrigan to encourage children to grow as people as well as performers. YADA instructors are trained and dedicated to providing each student with a sense of emotional maturity and self-confidence, while at the same time giving them a quality theatrical experience. Not only do YADA students learn techniques in dance, voice and acting, they learn the basic tools for life: respect for self and others, commitment to a goal and the courage to try their best. They learn not only to find love for theatre, but also to discover love for themselves.

Thank you for choosing YADA, and for joining us on this exciting journey. We are happy you are here!

Bid to win a YADA Gift Certificate worth $300 toward any Session for New Families or $150 for Returning Families

Youth Academy of Dramatic Arts

8115 W 3rd St

Los Angeles, CA 90048