ABOUT ALC
Who we are

What is Arts & Learning Conservatory?
Arts & Learning Conservatory (ALC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit bringing high-quality performing arts education to young people across Southern California. We believe every child deserves access to the arts, and we give priority to the students with the fewest opportunities.

How did ALC get started?
Founder and CEO Debora Wondercheck started ALC in 2004 as a summer camp for 13 string musicians and 8 actors. Today ALC teaches more than 4,000 students each year and performs for audiences of 15,000+. Since 2004 we have served more than 38,000 children.

Who do you serve?
Students ages 4 to 18 in Orange County, Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire. Classes run from first-time beginners through advanced performers.

Where do classes take place?
Two places. Conservatory classes meet at our theatre, 151 Kalmus Dr., Ste. G3, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. In-school programs meet on campus during the school day and after school. We take the arts to schools where children already are, with partners in 95 schools across 12 school districts.

CLASSES
Enrollment and programs

What programs does ALC offer?
Musical theatre, acting, technical theatre, dance, voice, choir and instrumental music (band and strings). Students also join full productions, summer and holiday camps, and private lessons. See current classes on the Programs page.

Which theatre class fits my child?
Theatre classes group students by age:

• Ages 4 to 6
• Ages 7 to 12
• Ages 13 to 18

K-pop Dance welcomes ages 6 to 17, and Conservatory Choir is open for enrollment as well.

How do I enroll?
Visit the Programs page and click Enroll Here on the class you want. Registration opens on our secure enrollment site, where you pick a session and pay online.

Does my child need experience?
No. Our teaching artists work with every level, from a child's first class to students preparing for college auditions.

What does in-school band and strings cost?
For our Fountain Valley School District band and strings programs, a full year of music is $100 a month plus a one-time $125 enrollment fee. You also have the option to pay $825 for the full year. Payment plans are available.

Programs meet at Courreges, Cox, Gisler, Newland, Oka, Plavan and Tamura. Find your school and the required instrument and supply list on the In-School page.

Do you offer camps?
Yes. ALC runs summer and holiday camps where students train in acting, singing and dance in a nurturing setting. Join our interest list to hear first when camp registration opens.

PRIVATE LESSONS
One-on-one training

What private lessons do you teach?

• Voice, acting, dance and audition prep
• Piano, guitar and ukulele
• Violin, viola and cello
• Flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet and trombone
• Percussion

Lessons are open to all ages and skill levels, including students with no experience.
 

How much are private lessons?

• 30 minutes: $50
• 45 minutes: $75
• 60 minutes: $100
Scholarships are available for private lessons. We also accept charter school funds.

How do I schedule a lesson?
Fill out the inquiry form on the Private Lessons page. Tell us the subject, your child's level, the lesson length you want and your weekly availability. Our team will match you with an instructor.

SCHOLARSHIPS
Financial help

Do you offer scholarships?
Yes. ALC offers full and partial scholarships so cost never keeps a child out of the arts. Since 2004 we have awarded 2,384 scholarships. Awards follow a sliding scale based on financial need.

How do I apply for a scholarship?
Complete the Scholarship Application. Submit one application per student. You will share household size, approximate income and any assistance programs, plus proof of income such as a recent tax return or benefits letter. All information stays confidential.

Does a scholarship application hold my child's spot?
No. The application and class registration are separate steps. Register for the class too, since we process registrations in the order received. Scholarships are awarded first come, first served, and funds are limited, so apply early.

Do you support students heading to college?
Yes. ALC awards college scholarships to students pursuing musical theatre or instrumental music at the university level. Few youth arts programs in Orange County offer this support.

SCHOOLS & TROOPS
Partnering with ALC

How do I bring ALC to my school or district?
ALC is an award-winning in-school program, during the school day and after school. We bring full programs in theatre, choir, dance, instrumental music, African drumming, cumbia and guitar to your campus. Our classes align with the California Visual and Performing Arts Standards for grades K to 12.

We accept ELO-P, ESSER, Title I and Prop 28 funding.
Call 714.728.7100 or email keisha@artsandlearning.org.

Do you accept charter school funds?
Yes. ALC accepts charter school funds for classes and private lessons. Call 714.728.7100 or email keisha@artsandlearning.org to set up payment through your charter school.

Do you offer a Girl Scout badge program?
Yes. Troops join workshops in acting, singing, dancing, painting and more to earn theatre, music and arts badges. We customize each session to your badge requirements. To register your troop, email assistant1@artsandlearning.org.

Do you rent space, costumes or instruments?
Yes. Schools and community groups rent our theatre, music, classroom and dance spaces, along with instruments, costumes and props. Send a request through the Rentals page for availability and pricing.

PERFORMANCES
Shows and events

How do I buy tickets?
Use the Tickets button at the top of our website. This season's student production is Matilda Jr.

What are Gospel Voices of OC and Symphonic Soul?
These are ALC's signature concert productions, bringing our community together in support of young artists. Learn more on the Gospel Voices of OC page.

How does my child earn a role in a production?
Students in our theatre classes and camps perform in ALC productions. For audition dates on upcoming productions, join our interest list or call 714.728.7100.

GET INVOLVED
Give, volunteer, work with us

How do I support ALC?

• Give online through our Donate page
• Donate instruments or supplies in kind
• Sponsor a program or event through your company
• Name ALC in your will or as a beneficiary

ALC is a 501(c)(3) organization, so your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law. Visit Make an Impact for every option.

Do you need volunteers?
Yes. Volunteers support our classes, productions and events. Sign up through the Volunteer link on the Make an Impact page.

What is the ALC Apprenticeship?
A paid, one-year program where young adults train with industry professionals in technical theatre, teaching, marketing, nonprofit management or arts administration. Pay starts at $18 an hour with two guaranteed raises to $22, for up to 40 hours a week. Graduates receive a letter of recommendation from our CEO and the opportunity to join our staff.

Applications for 2026-27 are closed. To join our team, send your resume to jobs@artsandlearning.org.

Are you hiring teaching artists?
We hire teachers for band, strings and theatre classes. See open roles on our Careers page.

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Still have a question?
Reach our team by phone or email.
PHONE 714.728.7100
EMAIL info@artsandlearning.org
THEATRE 151 Kalmus Dr., Ste. G3, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
WEB www.artsandlearning.org