Encino Community Center Drama Academy

They change directors here.
Current Director is Horrible. She doesnt know how to work with people.
Classes here use to affordable, now very expensive.

I live in the community, had children that have gone to this camp, both the regular camp and the Drama Academy. If you are considering having your kids attend, here are some things to think about.
Participation of the Jr. Drama camp vs. the regular drama camp is not equal. However the Jr. Drama drama does not attend the camp for the full time period as the older kids. I think the Drama Academy itself is mainly for the older kids, with the younger being able to get a «taste» of being on stage so-​to speak. Because the Jr. Drama does not attend the camp as long, it’s cheaper for the younger kids. Thus the older kids are the stars of the show and the younger play extras (and let me tell you, are SOOOO cute on stage!) In my experience, the older kids treat the younger as stars in themselves. It’s very family friendly!
You also must know that this camp is run on the City of Los Angeles tax dollars, so if you are looking for a true drama experience with costumes, props, set design etc., you probably won’t find it here. The money just isn’t there. I know one year my son was there, we had an excellent parent that took over the sets, but for the most part, it will look a little lackluster. Course again, it’s pretty cheap for a camp, and I don’t think it’s meant to be a professional drama program, rather just give kids interested a taste of putting on a production and how it works. Volunteers help make the production special.
Cost: When my kids went, it was $ 400 for Jr. Drama which ran 3 – 4 weeks, and around $ 800 for the older kids which lasted about 8 – 10 weeks. About $ 100 per week, which includes, for the older kids, about 4 field trips to places like Disneyland, Hurricane Harbor, Magic Mountain, Knotts Berry Farm, Bowling, Movies etc. Not very high for a summer camp that runs from 9am-​4pm. So I would say it’s VERY good pricing. It also includes, other than drama, daily activities for a child to participate in. I don’t think you can find a camp or even a day care center for less than that with nearly as much to offer! We also got DVDs of the production which my children both still put on every once in awhile to laugh!
To sum up, if you are looking for a professional Actors camp then this is NOT the place to go. They don’t claim to be one, rather, just a fun place for your kids to get some more casual stage experience. After looking into a professional acting camp, there is no other camp that would have my child 5 days a week, 7 hours a day, including field trips, for the same low cost. All in all, Encino Drama Camp does give the older children stage experience, entertains the little ones, helps boost self-​esteem, and helps to overcome the fear of speaking in public.
I did not give this place 5 stars, and I would have if they could come up with better productions to give the kids to do. «High School Musical» two years in a row is… well… yuck. Although I would imagine some of the kids may have liked it, it’s time to move on and let the kids experience more of the past greats.
So don’t hesitate! For those that don’t care for drama, they also have a day camp that my daughter has been participating in since she was very young and loves it!

This is NOT a Review of the Children their Talent or their Efforts.
Please heed my advise. As an Educator of Children in the Arts for more than 20 years; with a personal Resume that circles the globe, from small town, to Broadway Leading Credits.
I joyfully went to see a dear friends darling daughter be in a Production.
The Creative Director & Choreographer: Joanne Moser
Executive Directors & Choreographers: Sandra Saad & Natalie Schetritt
Co-​Directors & Choreographers: Alex Cohen & Alyssa Scott
Assistant Directors & Choreographers: Megan Glendinning & Alana Hollander
Musical Arranger & Editor: Paul Moser
Camp Directors: Arthur Chu & Bita Masjedi
These people should be ashamed of themselves!
These are strong words but VERY well deserved!
1. Participation should be as equal as possible.
2. STAR DRESSING ROOMS!
3. Posted Head Shots of the Stars but not the rest of the children?
(a fuzzy group picture on another board?)
4. The term Creative Director… You ask an approx; 9 yr old to stand and deliver the Entire Song on an empty stage.
5. 7 choreography credits? No one DANCED!
6. Each child’s parents paid USD$ 400.00 minimum for their children to take this ‘Drama Camp’.
Some of these children were on stage for LESS than 3 minutes! The show had a 7 PM curtain and a 15 minute intermission. Curtain came down at 8:30 PM.
The ‘Stars’ got to be back stage and everyone else got to be in a different part of the building. These children were not given a ‘stage experience’ they were shown how small some people can be.
Every one in the THEATRE is an Integral part of the show!
There are no small parts just small minds, when the wrong people are in charge.
These children deserved better! It was a good thing I had no child in this ‘Drama Camp’, they would have felt my wrath! I was sad to see so many parents that wanted the best for their children not getting it, and not knowing they had been duped by such hustler.
Shame on the entire Production Staff!
If you are looking for a Good & True theatre experience for your beloved Children GO ELSEWHERE. And RUN from this group!
Only settle for the BEST for your children!