Meet Mary Kennedy of Youth Acting Biz Summer Camp in the NoHo Arts District
Well the NoHo Arts District is a theatre district. Afterall, we do have 20 theatres in a mile, the highest concentration outside of New York City. But we are also a film and TV town so we cater to actors of all types and ages.
As our motto goes: “NoHo is only as good as its people.”
We like to highlight those who work on the stage, tv and in film, and especially those who help others hone their craft. Meet Mary Kennedy, the creator of Youth Acting Biz, a professional training program for young actors.
The Youth Acting Biz’s on-going, six-week classes and summer improv camp are taught by educators who are also working actors, writers and directors. They offer young actors a variety of important, skill-building courses and workshops such as: Sitcom Acting Class, For Legal 18s, Ins & Outs of Commercial Acting, and their new Jump Start Acting for Pre-Schoolers. They don’t just “teach.” They sponsor industry showcases to give their young actors more exposure and to help get them hired. The Youth Acting Biz team has extensive industry experience and offers industry consultation services to give a well-rounded program such as help with contracts, headshots, resumes, work and labor rules, work permits, and agent / manager coachings, among others.
The NoHo Arts District dot com team gets perks and we pass those on to our readers.
“A special discount offer” for people mentioning nohoartsdistrict. $50 off classes and 20% off on enrollments in the same family!
When and why did you start your acting classes?
I started Youth Acting Biz over 10 years ago as a way to bring a program to those kids who had a passion for theatre, film and television. I went to Emerson College and majored in Theatre Education. It was a wonderful program and I wanted to share that. I also started acting when I was five and had incredible training in Marblehead, Massachusetts. It was a vibrant, artistic community!
Why do you feel it is important for three year olds and preteens to take acting classes?
The best actors are between the ages of 3-5. Yes that is true! They have no inhibitions. They easily do Improv, they are constantly in motion and in play. Pre-teens experience a wonderful bridge through acting classes from elementary school to middle school. In the theatre classroom they can be truly expressive in a safe environment. Sometimes they do not get this encouragement when they are navigating the trials of middle school.
What is your background/training?
I have a BFA Theatre Education, Emerson College, and The Juilliard School, Professional Intern Program. I also have more than 20 years of acting experience, and I’ve just finished a six-episode arch on Showtime’s “Shameless,” episode 7. Other credits include, “ER,” “CONAN,” HULU, Funny or Die, and feature films “Shattered” and “Creative Differences.”
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What’s going on for summer? Are you offering a summer camp special?
We have our Improv Comedy Camp for ages 4-13 for two weeks this summer.
July 24-August 4 in the NoHo Arts District.
Contact Program Director : for more information at mary@youthactingbiz.com
DISCOUNT ENROLLMENTS CLOSE Wednesday, June 28.
$100 off if you mention NoHo Arts District!
Why did you pick NoHo as your location?
I love the NoHo Arts District. It reminds me of my time in NYC. It’s a creative, supportive community. I teach here, but also have worked in this community as a professional actress and dancer.
What are the five most important things an actor should know?
Be Prepared, Be Open, Be Willing, Be Fearless, Be Yourself.
What about adult actors?
We also have a new program: Acting Classes for Adults. This class is for actors, comics, dancers, all performers. We focus on scene work and comedic acting. Believe it or not, comedic acting is amazing training for dramatic acting. We teach the art of sitcom acting but also give actors the keys to acting in procedurals, super hero genre, serio/comedy and more. The cost is $300 for a 4-week adult acting classes.
Mention NoHo Arts District for $50 off!
CONTACT
ACME Comedy NoHo
5124 Lankershim Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91601
mary@youthactingbiz.com
310-941-3788
www.youthactingbiz.com
**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.
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