I have been with the Academy Theatre since the beginning–when we were in a tent in Angel’s backyard.
It looked like something right out of "The Little Rascals," with the floor and walls made out of pallets, a canvas roof, and an old smokey wood stove for the winter. It had everything: a small stage with lights and a curtain, a tiny tech booth, and droopy ceiling fans. It was the most wonderful thing in the world. That memory will always be one of my best. Watching those crazy boys grow and become fine, young, outstanding men was so rewarding. It makes me feel like we were doing something very special and important.
We have come a long way since the tent, and we still have a long journey ahead of us. “Nihil Obstat” is our motto: “NOTHING STANDS IN OUR WAY.” We have been through a lot together and will continue to strive to be the best little theatre that we can be. We are like a family with new family members joining every year. We take care of each other and help each other grow, learn, and become best friends. I wish I had something like this theatre when I was young. I have seen super shy boys and girls who would just stand in the corner of the stage, afraid to make a sound, and become amazing talented actors and actresses. They became leaders in the Academy and were not afraid to get up in front of an audience and make a speech. Some have become coordinators and are now teaching and helping the younger kids to become their best, bringing them out of their shells and comfort zone. Someday they will become leaders as well.
This theatre is not like any other theatre. Every member gets a chance to be a part of this amazing experience. You don’t need experience to be in a play or sing with others; you can develop the talent and confidence you need to shine and be all you can be because we give you the chance to make it happen. I can tell you from experience that if you get up on that stage and make it through a play or you sing in front of an audience for the first time, the sense of accomplishment that you feel is so amazing. You will feel like you can do anything after that.
I am so proud to be a board member of this theatre. It has been the most rewarding experience of my life. It takes a lot of work and dedication to be a part of something important. Sometimes it’s hard, but I challenge anyone to give it a try.
I have been lucky enough to have a friend in the program and watch her and others in the Junior Drama Club Academy grow in their confidence and skills. It's great that they can come to this nonprofit and be able to build something they care about and be proud of it. I have seen their sense of fulfillment and purpose in their eyes after each performance. I'm glad and thankful they are able to pursue their passions at this academy.
I've been with the Junior Drama Club Academy since I was 13. I had always been interested in acting but my school theatre wasn't for me. When I joined I lacked confidence, but I still wanted to be on stage. Angel, the director of the boys academy, saw this in me immediately and put me in a dramatic, dialogue heavy role for my first part. I was so nervous that I'd embarrass myself on stage and look like an idiot. To my suprise I didn't. Almost a decade later, and I still remember the electrifying feeling of applause when my cast and I bowed for the end of the play. If I hadn't have joined the summer acting program, I would never have stepped out of my comfort zone, and I would have never experienced that moment. I would never have developed the love for stage that I have now. I would have never developed the talent I now have for public speaking. If I wouldn't have joined the JDCA, I wouldn't be who I am today. I feel honored that I get to help new students discover their own love of theatre, and that I get to watch them grow into confident young men and women through the skills that the academy teaches.
Sincerely, JDCA alumni and coordinator, Jakob Baker.
This group puts so much effort and passion into their workshops and plays! An overall great addition to the diverse cultural environment of downtown Phoenix, this academy opens their doors to any and all interested in their work. I've attended a play that one of my friends acted in and the atmosphere as well as the acting was stellar!
I love the academy theatre. I couldn't imagine volunteering and spending my time somewhere else. They are always doing fun events and they teach the kids REAL life skills. Not just typical skills for drama clubs, but actual skills they can use for jobs and school and relationships.
My sister has been a very dedicated and exceptional member of the Junior Drama Club Academy for the past 2 1/2 years. It's been an amazing treat to see her stretch her acting abilities to showcase wonderful performances alongside her fellow cast members. I have been to every show that I have been free to attend, and I have thoroughly enjoyed every performance that the Academy Theater has put on. The theater provides great services, and the performances are conducted in a very nice, comfortable facility. The staff of the theater are all very respectable and give nothing but the best service to me and my family, every time. My sister has found a deep love and ambition for performing in the Academy Theater, and I think the program has done a highly commendable service, providing an outlet to aspiring actors and performers to partake in beautiful works of art on stage.
As a member of the academy theatre, it really is an amazing experience. There are few opportunitues to experience theatre in the community and this academy makes ot so accessible to do so. It has been amazing meeting so many others who share the same joy of theatre and even better, we learn real world skills such as tteamwork, time management, and what it meams to make and stick to commitments. The academy theatre has helped me grow in character and has gicen me a place to express myself and share my joy with others.
I had the privilege of being a part of the adult program last year. It was an amazing experience to work along side other adults and do something I have wanted to do for many years.
My signing up for this program allowed me to observe everything the director does for elementary and high school students. The values, responsibility, creativity, and life skills that are taught are wonderful.
As an elementary school teacher, I was so excited to find a place that offers this to students that can’t afford to pay. All students should have the opportunity to be involved in the arts. It is so valuable!!!
I am now the school/student outreach board member. I know that there are students in all of our schools that would love to be involved in acting, music, and dance. Due to some of these programs being cut out of schools due to various reasons, students would never be able to experience them. The Academy Theater provides this opportunity to students and adults for no cost at all!
I am now involved in my second year in the adult program preparing for another performance.
I am thankful for the director of this program and his heart to provide this opportunity to all students and adults.
I am the son of the very proud mother who wrote a very positive review for this nonprofit organization. My personal experience with the Junior Drama Club Academy (JDCA) has not only been educational, but an experience that I will hold onto for my long life ahead of me. I have built a strong comradory with my fellow members of the club and will most possibly continue these deep brotherly relationships for a very long time, well after I graduate from the academy. The JDCA has already given so much to me in life lessons, work ethic, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
I had three grandchildren attend this program from 5th grade until graduation from high school. This program gave them confidence in public speaking, ability to express ideas and to be creative. The program gave them sense of belonging to a special community. One of my grandchildren age 20 continues to volunteer with the the boys group. I would give this organization 5+ star rating.
I am a former Coordinator of the Girls Drama Club Academy, along with a summer group coordinator and Adult Drama Program actor. In my nearly 9 years working with this organization, I had nothing but positive experiences. I watched as extremely shy and quiet kids found their voices and grew into young adults ready to take on the world. I saw leaders form from kids who didn't know that setting a good example was just as important to leadership as being in charge. Kids who knew nothing about each other on their first day left with 10 new friends. The Academy's mission to allow anyone to participate fosters greater creativity and confidence in its members. Even among the adults, I saw amazing work. People who had never been onstage before ended up making huge impressions on the audience. Members who stayed on year after year became leaders. Working with the Junior Drama Club Academy AKA The Academy Theatre was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I will never forget it.
My son has been a part of this organization as a student for the past 4 years. When my son first started, he was not doing well in school academically, he was being bullied at school and having anger issues. Less than a year of joining, that all turned around for him. He found his voice, was able to stand up for himself and his grades changed for the better. I attribute all these positive changes to Academy Theatre, the executive director and staff. I see the sense of community this organization provides and do all I can to support and promote it. I am so thankful that the Academy is part of my son's life and ours as a whole.