Academy For the Performing Arts

Nestled within Huntington Beach High School, the Academy For the Performing Arts (APA) stands as a vibrant and highly respected magnet program, offering an extraordinary educational experience for aspiring artists in California. Far from a typical high school drama club, APA provides intensive college and career preparatory courses across nine diverse performing arts and media disciplines. It's a place where exceptional young talent is nurtured, honed, and unleashed, leading to performances that consistently astound audiences with their professionalism and artistic depth. For families and arts enthusiasts in Orange County, APA represents a unique opportunity to witness the stars of tomorrow, today, in a setting that cultivates discipline, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

The mission of the Academy For the Performing Arts extends beyond the stage; it aims to cultivate in students the discipline, dedication, and passion necessary to achieve excellence in the arts, while also fostering an inclusive atmosphere where young artists can realize and develop their full potential. This comprehensive approach ensures that students not only master their craft but also develop critical life skills and a strong sense of community. The integration of programs with local middle schools, such as Dwyer Middle School, further solidifies APA's role in developing a continuous pipeline of talent and fostering arts education from an early age. The commitment to producing main-stage quality performances, as noted by appreciative audience members, truly sets APA apart as a remarkable institution in the California performing arts landscape.

The Academy For the Performing Arts is conveniently located at 1905 Main St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, USA. This central location places APA directly within the campus of Huntington Beach High School, making it a highly accessible hub for students and audiences throughout Huntington Beach and the wider Orange County area. Main Street is a primary artery in Huntington Beach, ensuring straightforward navigation whether you are driving or utilizing local public transportation. The integration within a traditional high school setting means that existing infrastructure, such as parking and general school accessibility, likely supports easy access for visitors. For those living in coastal Orange County and surrounding communities, the Academy’s location offers a convenient and established venue for attending student performances and participating in its programs. Its embedded nature within the Huntington Beach Union High School District further signifies its role as a key educational and cultural asset for the local community.

The Academy For the Performing Arts offers an extensive and rigorous curriculum across a variety of performing arts and media disciplines, designed to prepare students for college and professional careers. As a magnet program within a traditional high school setting, it provides specialized training alongside a standard academic curriculum. The services and programs offered include:

• Nine Performing Arts and Media Disciplines: APA provides intensive college and career prep courses in a broad spectrum of artistic fields. While specific detailed course listings would be found in their official course catalog, these generally include:
  • Acting: Comprehensive training in theatrical performance.
  • Costume Design: Specialized instruction in the creation and management of stage costumes.
  • Dance: Programs encompassing various dance styles and techniques.
  • Dramatic Production: Learning the full scope of bringing theatrical productions to life.
  • Media: Courses related to contemporary media arts.
  • Musical Theatre: Integrated training in singing, acting, and dancing for musical productions.
  • Popular Music (MMET - Music, Media Entertainment & Technology): A highly acclaimed program focusing on contemporary music performance, production, and technology.
  • Orchestral Music: Training in classical instrumental performance.
  • Technical Theatre: Hands-on experience in stagecraft, lighting, sound, and set design.
• APA Junior (APA Jr.) Program: Offered at Dwyer Middle School, this program provides comprehensive offerings in acting, dance, instrumental, vocal, and musical theatre performances, as well as technical theatre, stage design, and costume design courses, serving as a feeder program for the high school academy.
• Summer Camps: APA hosts various summer camps, including "APA Kids & Jr," "Dance Intensive," "Film Camp," and "Pop Camp," providing engaging arts education during school breaks.
• Showcase Performances: Regular opportunities for students to perform in a variety of productions throughout the year, ranging from full-scale musicals and plays to dance showcases and music concerts.
• College and Career Preparation: The curriculum is specifically designed to prepare students for auditions and applications to top college arts programs and to equip them with skills for professional careers in the entertainment industry.
• Audition/Interview Workshops: APA offers workshops to help prospective students prepare for the audition and interview process to gain admission to the academy.

The Academy For the Performing Arts (APA) distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that contribute to its outstanding reputation and success:

• Exceptional Quality of Student Performances: APA is renowned for the incredibly high standard of its student productions. Reviewers consistently praise the performances as "extremely professional" and "unlike anything you would expect from high school kids," often comparing them to "main stage performances from seasoned industry leaders." This speaks volumes about the level of training and dedication instilled in the students.
• Comprehensive Magnet Program: As a magnet program within the Huntington Beach Union High School District, APA offers an intensive arts education alongside traditional academic studies. This allows ambitious young students to pursue both their arts and academic education simultaneously, with many APA students achieving high GPAs (41% earn above a 4.0 GPA).
• Diverse Program Offerings: With nine major areas of concentration, including Dance, Music Media Entertainment & Technology (MMET), Orchestral Music, Musical Theatre, Theater, and Technical Theater, APA provides a wide array of specialized training, catering to diverse artistic interests.
• Award-Winning Recognition: APA has been named an "Exemplary School" by the Arts Schools Network Board of Directors for 2023-2028, recognizing its "commitment to excellence." It has also been selected by the California Department of Education as a "Model CTE School in the Arts, Media, and Entertainment Sector."
• Strong Link to Professional Industry: The caliber of training often leads students to pursue higher education in the arts at four-year colleges and even successful careers in the entertainment industry. The MMET program, for instance, is highly regarded for its contemporary focus.
• Integration with Local Schools: The existence of the APA Jr. program at Dwyer Middle School demonstrates a commitment to nurturing talent from a younger age and building a pipeline for future APA students, fostering arts appreciation within the broader community.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: The programs are conducted at the "newly renovated visual and performing arts facilities at Huntington Beach High School," providing students with modern and professional spaces for learning and performance.
• Community Engagement: The academy frequently integrates local elements into its performances, as highlighted by a reviewer who appreciated the integration of "Dwyer Middle School into the performance," showcasing a strong connection with the community.

For more information on upcoming performances, audition schedules, program details, or general inquiries, please contact the Academy For the Performing Arts using the information below. We encourage you to visit our website for the most up-to-date information on shows and how to become a part of the APA family.

Address: 1905 Main St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, USA

Phone: (714) 536-2514 ext. 4025

For families and arts patrons in California, particularly those in Huntington Beach and the greater Orange County area, the Academy For the Performing Arts stands as an unparalleled local treasure. As a magnet program within a high school setting, it offers a unique and highly beneficial pathway for talented young individuals to pursue their passion for the performing arts at an exceptionally high level, right within their community. The consistently professional and "main stage" quality of student performances provides locals with access to world-class entertainment without having to travel far. Beyond the dazzling shows, APA's commitment to holistic student development—fostering not just artistic skill but also confidence, discipline, and academic excellence—makes it an ideal environment for nurturing the next generation of creative leaders. Its integration with local middle schools and its recognition as an "Exemplary School" further solidify its role as a vital educational and cultural institution, making APA a truly suitable and enriching choice for local engagement and artistic discovery.

Academy For the Performing Arts

1905 Main St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, USA