Act Out Theatre Company

The Act Out Theatre Company has proudly served the community of Long Beach since 2012. Bringing high quality theatrical performance opportunities and arts education to ages 6th grade and up, our transformative program has impacted the lives of hundreds of youth and families with unparalleled experiences. In addition to full length plays and musical theater performance opportunities, we offer year-round arts workshops across a variety of artistic disciplines for all age ranges. We also offer Master Artist opportunities where world-renowned Broadway/television/film actors and actresses collaborate and teach our participants on a regular basis throughout the year. Additionally, through our Jr. Board of Directors Program, we offer high school students the opportunity to participate in leadership and business mentoring as well as hundreds of hours of community service that benefits their college applications. The Act Out Theatre Company goes far beyond theater and art. Our goals are to provide a safe and creative environment where children and adults are building team skills, learning how to cooperate and work with each other toward common goals, improving confidence and grades, building social skills and learning social responsibility, acquiring habits and skills that carry over into their lives at school and work…this all just happens to take place in the context of theater and the arts. With over 300 participants and close to 3500 theater attendees in 2023 we are one of the largest youth arts programs in the city! We are working hard to revitalize our Long Beach neighborhoods with activities that spur creativity, innovation and empowerment. Through arts education and youth mentoring we are helping transform our neighbors into better students, stronger families and people with a brighter hope for the future!

Testimonials

Act Out Theatre Company has helped me, and many other students grow and learn. With the Act Out Theater Company, I have made a handful of friends and more memories than I could have ever imagined. When I first went to audition at Act Out for Matilda, I didn't really know what I wanted to do. Travis Wade gave me an opportunity to perform on stage with zero experience; it was fun. The next show, Elf Jr., I wanted to try something different. I saw audio as one of the options and decided to try it out. I have continued to work the sound for about four years at Act Out. My time at Act Out inspired me to pursue audio engineering as a career. I am currently enrolled in California State University Dominguez Hills. Act Out was a direct influence on my decision to become an audio engineer because I had the opportunity. Without Act Out, I have no idea if I would have even considered going to a university. -Justin Thackeray (a participant)

Our family can never say "thank you" enough for the gift of Act Out Theatre Company. So many theater and creative arts programs come at a dear cost to families in Los Angeles County. For those who can afford to pay their own way, that's great. But what about those who can't? Act Out found a way to bring Broadway to Long Beach. Our son has been lucky to have Act Out Theatre Company as a part of his life for the past seven years. He's a good kid and has worked hard. We are grateful for the opportunity for him to do some excellent sound work for Act Out, leading him to pursue an audio engineering career. He's also been able to join his father, Patrick, on stage acting in this unique tuition-free drama program. Friends and family have enjoyed performances year after year. Even more than that, Act Out has taught the children valuable lessons about diversity, fellowship, respect, and honesty. We have seen this program give shy children a chance to flourish, and we've seen it provide a safe, supportive space to anyone who comes in for an audition. Strangers have turned into family. With Travis as a role model, Justin has learned to be a good listener and develop empathy for other children who might be struggling just a bit more than he is. Act Out does more than train young actors and producers and technicians; Act Out prepares our children to be good citizens and treat one another as brothers and sisters. Thank you,Act Out, for making many children (and the young at heart) able to reach for their dreams-and fulfill our hopes for the future. -Anjetta and Patrick Thackeray (parents)

It is with great pleasure that I highly recommend Act Out Theatre Company for community support. I am the mother of a current cast member who took full advantage of this unique community outreach program opportunity for youths interested in the Performing Arts. Our son, Joseph Fausto participated in six of their incredible theatrical musicals and play productions. Mr. Travis Wade, the director and lead teacher and his entire theatre team provided immense encouragement,
fostered a sense of community, and celebrated diversity...