Meet Lani Shipman and Kimberly Harrigan of Youth Academy of Dramatic Arts

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lani Shipman and Kimberly Harrigan.

Lani and Kimberly, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When Kim and I met, we were two young twenty-something year-olds hired to team direct for a city summer theatre camp. We instantly could tell that we both were passionate about theatre and teaching kids. We quickly discovered we worked extremely well together and that we both always went the extra mile for both the final product for the families as well as for the children’s experience. From this dedication and passion for the arts the idea of YADA was born. A theatrical school where the children and families have a level of professionalism that is unparalleled coupled with a kindness and compassion for helping the students find their way. Bringing in professional designers and directors rounded off the experience to a new height that hadn’t been seen in children’s theatre before. As the business continued to grow and thrive, Kim and I always found ways to improve upon our current curriculum. From expanding the theatre space to bringing in some of the industry’s best speakers and mentors, there was always something to add to our roster. That was 20 years ago! And today YADA continues to grow, change, and offer children and their families the absolute best theatrical experience in Los Angeles.

Has it been a smooth road?
We are so lucky to say that it has essentially been a smooth road for us! Our biggest bump along the way was when the country was in the recession. YADA is a luxury item for families. And when you are trying to scrape together money to pay your mortgage, the acting classes for you kids tends to fall by the wayside. During that time, we lost 1/3 of our student body – Kim and I stopped taking any paychecks so we could keep our employees paid and on staff. But it was worth it to us – the business survived and actually grew exponentially once the recession was done!

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Youth Academy of Dramatic Arts story. Tell us more about the business.
YADA is an extracurricular theatre arts academy for youth. We are known for our extremely high production value shows as well as the exemplary training we offer the children.

When people think of children’s theatre, the first thought that comes to mind is usually cardboard sets and bad lighting! When people think of YADA what comes to mind is Broadway style sets, costumes. lights and more cute and talented kids you can count!

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
We don’t think our industry is going anywhere! In fact, as the arts are less and less available in the school systems, we see the demand for what YADA has to offer only becoming stronger.

Contact Info:

• Address: 8115 W. 3rd Street
  2nd Floor
  Los Angeles, CA 90048
• Website: www.yada.org
• Phone: 3236559232
• Email: yadakids@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/YADAROCKS/
• Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/yadarocksla/
• Twitter: YADA
• Yelp: YADA

Image Credit:
Elena Seyfarth

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