Business Details
15 Years
experience
Los Angeles Theatre Academy | Performing Arts Education
Founded in 2011, Los Angeles Theatre Academy (LATA) was established by artists to serve our community of young creatives. Located in Elysian Park, we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing accessible theatre arts education for children and adults. Our programs emphasize creative expression through acting, directing, set design, production, and writing, with students performing alongside professional artists. We partner with the Department of Recreation and Parks and receive support from the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, and the California Sunrise Foundation.Our mission focuses on nurturing creativity in youth to cultivate compassionate, self-reliant adults. We offer tax-deductible tuition and contributions, with donor support enabling us to maintain inclusive programming. Our facilities include a private amphitheatre for summer festivals and holiday performances, and we provide transportation services for after-school program participants.
Services
Theatre Arts Classes
After-School Program
Summer Camp
Costume Design
Dance Instruction
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- Established in 2011 with a team of professional artists and educators
- Partnered with Los Angeles County and City arts departments for funding
- Provides tax-deductible tuition and donor-supported scholarships
- Offers comprehensive theatre education from acting to technical production
- Maintains a private amphitheatre for community performances
Services
After-School Program
Our after-school program provides daily theatre arts instruction including acting, dance, singing, and technical production. Students participate in performances while receiving transportation from partner schools. The program includes free snacks and lunch during summer sessions.
Summer Camp
This eight-week summer program offers immersive theatre training with classes in acting, stage combat, and costume design. Includes daily hikes in Elysian Park and culminates in a showcase performance. Weekly tuition covers all activities and meals.
Costume Design
Students learn costume creation and design principles under professional guidance. The program covers historical styles, fabric selection, and construction techniques used in theatrical productions for both children and adult performers.
Dance Instruction
Our dance curriculum includes multicultural styles and stage combat techniques. Instructors focus on developing physical expression, coordination, and confidence through structured classes for all skill levels.
Community Performances
LATA produces annual summer festivals and holiday shows featuring student performers. These productions provide practical experience working with professional artists on full-scale theatrical presentations in our Elysian Park amphitheatre.
People
Azalia Correa
CEO/Artistic Director
With over 30 years in theatre arts, Azalia directs and teaches at LATA. She studied in Mexico and Hollywood, appearing in television and soap operas while developing expertise in makeup artistry and costume design.
Laura B. Rhi
Program Director
Laura co-founded Teatro Nueva Alma Theatre Co. and has directed extensively. She teaches classical theatre techniques and brings experience from East Los Angeles College and British American Drama Academy training.
Teresa Sanchez
CFO
Teresa has acted professionally for 30+ years, appearing in telenovelas and stage productions. She now focuses on mentoring young artists while managing LATA's financial operations.
Leslie Bee
Vocal Instructor
A professional jazz singer with international performance experience, Leslie teaches vocal techniques. She began her career after spontaneous opportunities in New York and now shares her expertise with LATA students.
Olivia Perez Biera
Dance Instructor
Specializing in Aztec dance traditions, Olivia has taught for 25+ years. She combines cultural education with holistic healing practices, bringing both technical skill and spiritual depth to her instruction.
Questions
What programs does LATA offer for children?
We provide after-school programs with transportation, summer camps, and weekend workshops focusing on theatre arts including acting, dance, and technical production.
How can I register for LATA programs?
Download registration forms from our website, complete them, and email to our office. Confirm enrollment before making payments through Zelle or Venmo.
Are meals provided during programs?
Summer program participants receive free lunch and snacks. After-school programs include free snacks, with optional lunch availability.
Does LATA offer sibling discounts?
Yes, we provide a 20% discount for families enrolling multiple children in our summer program.
What are LATA's performance opportunities?
Students participate in annual productions including summer festivals and holiday shows at our Elysian Park amphitheatre, working with professional artists.
Reviews (4)
Irma Labry
Dec 30, 2015
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I was a great place for my artistic child to spend her afternoons . One summer she learn Spanish just to join the choir. She's now attending a performing arts school and conservatory on Saturdays .she was identified as gifted talented. . She loves the Teathre .I wish my grandchild could attend she's talented on visual arts
Janet Owen Driggs
Jan 19, 2015
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We moved to Solano Canyon for the local elementary school, and we can hardly believe our good fortune that LATA is here too! Where else will you find a real child-sized theater in a park, with an extensive playground, and staff who are not only accomplished theater arts professionals but kind and loving too? Our son is so happy at LATA -- the singing, the gymnastics, the acting, the writing, the playing, even the homework -- but maybe most of all the atmosphere of respect for all the children and all their abilities. We can't recommend LATA highly enough.
Jason Li
Jan 16, 2015
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My 8 year old girls have been attending Los Angeles Theatre Academy for the past 3 years. The staff and volunteers here are great, kids learn lots of things, and have the opportunity to participate in live performances. Most importantly, they have fun.
Yvette Grageda
Dec 16, 2014
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We LOVE the Los Angeles Theatre Academy where local children are able to express themselves on stage through acting, singing, dancing, pantomiming, and improvising. As a mother whose teen-aged daughter has been involved since she was five years old, I have been quite delighted and proud of how my daughter has blossomed over the years which is due in part by the loving and respectful environment that Alejandra Flores and her supporting staff has provided. Whether your child is born to entertain or needs a little encouragement to break out of her shell, LATA is the place to make that happen!
