Fall Semester Begins Saturday

The fall semester at AGC begins this Saturday, September 20, from 10:00 am - 3:00pm.

The staff is bubbling with excitement regarding this upcoming semester.

To find out more information, visit the AGC website.

AGC's Musical Is A Beauty

Last night several hundred fortunate theater goers experienced the premier of AGC's "Beauty & The Beast," the latest musical from the Los Angeles based theatrical training institute founded by actress Wendy Raquel Robinson and the late Tracy Coley. The conservatory trains young people with varied ranges of performance experience and talent from ages 7 to 17. But what sets AGC shows apart from the normal fare in children's theater is the high level of professionalism these productions consistently reach.  "Beauty & the Beast" follows in that same tradition.

Denise Dowse's direction is sure-handed and even. Her facility to adroitly orchestrate a cast of nearly seventy actors and integrate them within a story has become one of her outstanding signatures as a director.  When one of her characters is on stage they most always are doing something toward moving the scene forward.  Rarely is there a lot of superfluous scene chewing. 

Stephan Terry's musical direction is also economic but very effective.  His four man band is a well-oiled music box cranking out cherished tunes like "Be Our Guest" and improvisations on pop tunes like "Thriller."  Mylette Nora's costuming continues to thrill and evolve into a growing tapestry of colors, masks, fabrics, uniforms, dresses and the like which adds a deeper layer of storytelling to these productions.  Choreography by Cassi Crump, Tyna Andrews, Alfred Jackson and Shanti Lowry is combines elements of hip-hop, stage acrobatics and classical dance.  Pulling it all together is the producer Robinson, a working actress in her own right, whose seemingly tireless efforts and infectious energy binds all of the creative and business elements necessary to mount a production of this size.

But the stars of the show are the young actors themselves.  Aja Flewelen and Colin Gilliard in the titular roles are confident, talented and extremely likeable.  The other actors in supporting roles offer equal talent and excitement.  Keep your eye on  Act II. There is a marvelous scene where the Beast and Belle have dinner. It is a scene layered with drama, music and dance and its beatific simplicity is both magical and moving.  "Beauty & the Beast" as a whole showcases the talents of young actors and exemplifies the commitment of a staff of teachers willing to push young people to heights they have perhaps never sought before.  

"Beauty & the Beast" is playing at the Nate Holden Theater,  4718 W. Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016, May 11 @ 6:00 PM, May 17 @ 7:30 and May 18 @ 6:00 PM.  There is a special show in Sunday, May 18 @ 2:00 PM entitled "Beauty & the Beast Too!" which exclusively features the talents of AGC's youngest actors.  All tix are $15 in advance/ $20 at the door. 

AGC Fashion Show

This Year, There Will Be TOO!

Yesterday was a time for tears at AGC.

Most of the watered eyes were tears of joy, mixed with some sniffles of disappointment as the casting list for "Beauty and the Beast " was posted at the end of Saturday's session. Group A student Alesandra (Ray-Ray) Harper, 9 years old, was ecstatic when she discovered she had won the role of "Chip," the part she specifically auditioned for. "I felt really good and excited, "Ray-Ray said. "I did a lot of work and it paid off."

However, there will be two Chips gracing the stage this coming season--in fact, there will be two of every role--since this year AGC will mount two separate productions of "Beauty."

Group A students Ray-Ray Harper and Alexandria Elam

The second show will feature AGC's youngest actors under a production entitled "Beauty and the Beast--TOO!" "The A group came in so strong, that we felt we just had to highlight their talents as well," said resident director Denise Dowse. "By having a second show just for Group A it would also provide them with a stronger training experience."

The young actors will participate in the other show as well, where they will perform as part of the ensemble. However parents need not fear an over abundance of rehearsals. "I'll schedule group A actors to rehearse on weekends only," said Dowse, "And I'm sure Wendy will rehearse their show on Fridays or Saturdays. I'm excited for them."

And from the gleeful sounds erupting in the hallway this past Saturday afternoon, it was evident that the noted director wasn't the only one who was excited.

Welcome!

We know it's a long name to type, but while we continue to construct the new AGC Website, come here to find up-to-date information or any tidbits we need to share with you concerning Amazing Grace Conservatory. Afterwards, you'll be able to connect to this page directly from the website.

In the meantime, check in often, as this information can, and often (especially as we near show dates) will change!