Complete lack of organization. Was trying to confirm details about the upcoming session for the last 3 weeks, no one responds to emails and returns voice messages. After seeing such carelessness, decided to cancel the class but the accounting service is also nowhere to be found. Very frustrating. read more

I highly recommend Arts and Learning Conservatory! When people ask me why, I say because it is a well rounded community of people that LOVE what they do! They nurture the children to the fullest and in the end produce spectacular performances for all to see!! read more

Really wonderful after school programs. Their productions are also really well done. It's a great place to have children participate in performances which span from Little Mermaid to Shrek. Absolutely love the new staff! read more

As an attendee of this theatre company's recent production of the musical "Matilda", I had to share my positive feedback. Quality community theatre is not the norm, but this company produced top-notch entertainment for all ages. From professional sound equipment to modern set design and costumes, to the direction and choreography which perfectly conveyed the story and spirit of the show, I was very impressed!! I'd love to enroll my son in their conservatory if we lived closer to the school. read more

I have grown up at this theater. I have done stuff with them since 2016! They have helped form me into the man I am today. I have made so many lifelong friends here. This place has been really like a second family to me. Thank you ALC for everything you've done read more

Arts & Learning offered so many resources during the pandemic. I loved attending their monthly free Zoom master classes and listening to them later on their podcast. Their teachers are very patient and dedicated to making learning accessible. read more

A few years ago i was introduced to this organization through my nephew who was involved in a musical. He ended being in several musicals even through high school. The performances were ways top notch, having great talent, and must have had great teaching and leadership as well. I ended knowing a couple people who have worked with the organization, and they had great experiences as well. I cannot say enough great things about it. I recommend any parent with a son or daughter with any level of interest. They can gain so much from the entire experience and leadership. read more

WOW!!! This place is the perfect spot for kids to learn and perform in theater! As a child actor myself and star of several theater productions I can honestly say I would have loved this as a child and been here all the time! If only I could be young again, for now I'll just kick my toes together like Dorthy and imagine being young here. High quality instructors, personable leadership team, and big dreams! They get these kids in front of a big crowd and also give them personal attention, help them develop as unique and intellectual, creative individuals, and give them a fun environment. The location itself has beautiful hardwood floors, and several different rooms based on the need whether focused on performance, practice, music, costume, and more. Their storage rooms are immense and filled with all sorts of props, fun clothing and costumes, and equipment galore! If you have a kid in Orange County and want to give them a present they will never forget, above and beyond all the BASIC school after-programs or AYSO soccer, piano lessons... get them enrolled in Arts & Learning Conservatory... and you will prize the day you made that decision! read more

See all

The most recent production of Hairspray was the most amazing experience my daughter has had at A&L! The director and choreographer were Outstanding! For this particular show they had dual casting for some of the roles, so that more students would get an opportunity at bigger roles - this was a good experience for my daughter because they took time with both cast! The costumes, and sets were extremely professional! The theatre was a nice big venue and the kids really got a large stage experience. Our family, because A&L is family, has been participating for many years and the Company has gotten better and better! The overall theatre experience is unbelievable! Since many schools don't have theatre any longer I am thankful my creative daughter has "a sport" as she calls it, "theatre" to develop her skills! There is a family time commitment, but no different than any other participation of sports or activities of my other kids! Everyone pitches in and does what they can! Thank you to A&L for their dedication to teaching children the Arts! read more

Our daughter just wrapped up her first show at Arts & Learning Conservancy as a cast member of "Peter & The Starcatcher," and it was a very positive experience for our family. The theater is extremely well run, with top-notch direction, and attracts talented kids and teens from the likes of OCSA, Waldorf, and non-traditional educational models. Be prepared, this program requires a commitment on many levels. The actors will be in rehearsals 7-10 hours a week, and expected to be 'off-book' in a relatively short amount of time. The parents - in addition to the cost and commute time - are expected to volunteer hours towards building sets, sewing costumes, manning desks, taking tickets, etc. The staff is just as committed, working long hours, giving detailed script notes, managing logistics, calling extra rehearsals when needed. It all adds up to a professional final production, motivating learning environment, with tons of camaraderie between the kids and families that bond through this endeavor. But it's not for everyone. If you're looking for a mellow extracurricular activity, or a low-key first exposure to theater, you'd probably be better served at a community playhouse like Starlight Theater. But if the actor in your family is looking to 'level up' their game, or prepare for larger performances at South Coast Repertory or Laguna Playhouse, this is an excellent place to start taking the acting craft more seriously. read more

Debora Wonderchek and her Arts and Learning Summer Camp is an amazing experience for kids in all levels that want to enjoy the making of a real theater presentation. The teachers work tirelessly with every child so that their experience is enjoyable. This is a top notch theatrical presentation that is thoughtful and fun for the kids. Great job every year providing a great experience! read more

They called me and admitted a mistake in the charge and gave me a credit. They made things right. Had a great experience with A&L with after school music classes for my kids until COVID 19. They tried to offer Zoom classes in replacement of actual classes, but my kid could not attend the sessions. Was on a payment plan and said we will not pay for the remaining year. They decided to charge my credit card anyway. Pretty expensive to pay for $675 for only a few months of instruction and 1 small concert. Will not have my kids take any classes again. read more

Excellent program and a wonderful organization! We worked with Chelsea Braverman, director. She treated my son with a tremendous amount of respect and he had a wonderful time! We've been in many plays. Chelsea goes out of her way to help the children. I highly recommend this program for your child! read more

I just wanted to say we love Arts and Learning, and Ms. Wondercheck. As a parent, my two sons who have been involved in multiple Arts and Learning programs and camps, I am really grateful for the structure and fun that my kids have had at these events. And while my kids have no future in the Arts their lives and appreciation for what goes into a performance is priceless. And as a parent of two "ok" singers and performers it has been an enriching lesson for my children to be part of such a production and be in a more supportive role to some of their more talented friends. read more

I now have three grown children. Over the years Deborah Wondercheck was by far my favorite music and arts teacher. Her tension between discipline and passion was...music at its finest. Michael Bush read more

My daughter just participated in one of their summer camps! They had the kids dancing, singing, and acting in a quality 30 minute show in a week. Their director was awesome and all of the staff is friendly and caring. This is a fun getaway for kids during the summer where they learn to work with other kids, build confidence, and develop a love for the arts! Highly recommend this place! read more

Love Arts & Learning! My daughter has had a blast and learned so much after being in a couple of their productions. I would highly recommend them! read more

This is an amazing school that offers so much for your children! The teachers are fantastic and all the different classes they have to offer are great! The school is really nice and has large rooms for rehearsals with large windows so that parents can watch their children prepare for the big show! Everyone is very friendly and ready to help out with any questions or anything. Highly recommend this school for any child that wants to be involved in music and arts. read more

Went and seen The Musical Annie. I was amazed with the quality and the production in a whole 5 stars from me and look forward to attending many more productions. I had a blast. read more

We only tried 4 classes and the first class was not taught by the main teacher then the kids mostly sat on the cold, dirty floor. The room is freezing and the kids seem to do minimal activities. Additionally, the building is undergoing renovations which makes for a potentially dangerous environment. The owner should have let customers know about the facility construction in advance of workshop purchases. The instructors weren't very receptive to construction inquiries or necessarily honest with responses around estimated end dates. The first time I asked the singing instructor when the construction would be done and she said it would be done the same day. One week later I asked the same instructor when the construction would be done, since it was not worse and she said again, on the same day it would be done. The owner initially responded to my first email to supposedly now confirm the "end" of construction. At this point I don't know what to believe, if their end dates are valid or if they are being truthful or upfront. I followed-up with a question to the owner again and this time she ignored my message. It's not good business or very professional to ignore your customer inquiries. Also, with so many credentials touted for the owner at your website, there is almost a sense of implied professionalism that a customer would expect. Unfortunately, the owner and the business are not meeting up the basic customer service oriented standards. I definitely would not recommend working with this business. ** Update - Owner did contact me and offered a refund/credit - which I appreciated.** read more

Thank goodness for the Arts & Learning Conservatory!! Such a wonderful organization full of passionate individuals who truly love young blossoming artists from actors to musicians. If your child is the slightest bit hesitant, the A&LC staff will bring them out with their gentle persuasion and coax them to their best performance. I have witnessed my boys really grow in confidence, make solid new and lasting friendships, and exceed my wildest imaginings in their performance art leaving me stunned in the audience. My hat is off to Debora Wondercheck, the Director, who lives up to her name with her tireless energy and ability to introduces these young artists to their potential!! read more

My girls participated in an one week camp; they loved it. They really enjoyed acting and getting lines. The cost is $200 per kid for one week which is pricey so I initially opted for one week. I would have signed up for more b/c they loved it so much. But we already made plans for the remainder of summer. There were some concerns which I voiced to management. Problems were temporary and left me a negative perception of the program. Management acknowledged the problems and offered to rectify them. I do appreciate the effort to make things right. read more

This company is pathetic. They discriminate against children with diagnosed ADHD. Apparently they are too pretentious to allow a child with an extreme love of the arts to be a part of their program because he is too energetic. Why off an after school program if you are going to crush children by not allowing them to participate due to a disorder that is beyond their control, that they are currently in behavioral therapy to learn how to combat. It sickens me to have to tell my son today that some high-horse instructor won't let him sing. This company is a sorry excuse for an organization that is supposed to help children achieve their dreams and keep them involved in something they love. Shame on you for discriminating against a poor 10-year-old boy. I will make sure to report you to everyone I possibly can as well as blast to every parent in the area how terrible your company is. read more

Deborah Wondercheck is a fantastic teacher. She constantly challenges the students to bring out their best. The better the students do, the more she asks. Her teaching style is dynamic and well planned, always bringing a mix of current music and timeless classics. Any parents should consider their children lucky if they have a chance to work with Mrs. Wondercheck and her staff. If all the music teachers and performing arts teachers we have ever worked with, she is the very best. read more

My niece has taken part of the summer programs and the larger seasonal productions, and she has always had a great time. The classes have helped with her enunciation, has engendered an interest in the arts, and just all-around been really great for her. I, myself, enjoy the shows alot: the songs are catchy and the costumes are really creative; my favorite might be Peanuts, but that's a bias. All in all, a really great company. read more

After I posted my review, Debora Wonderchek reached out quickly and wanted to understand the issues I had with the Conservatory in their entirety. It meant a lot that she listened and was willing to consider my opinions in making improvements to future programs. I'm updating my rating to 3 stars to reflect her responsiveness and the fact that, overall, my daughter felt positive about her experience in the exploratory theatre program. read more

Arts and Learning had been a great help in developing my daughter's confidence when it comes to a well-rounded performance; may it be in doing class reports, church plays and school talent shows. It all started one summer when she joined in Lion King's Summer camp!! So thankful for all those who make this program a success! More power to A&L read more

I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this program. My son has participated in many productions, both small and large. Whether big or small, each show is approached with the same amount of care and professionalism. From this, my son has gained a confidence I hadn't seen before. The staff encourages self awareness and professionalism from the kids that will help them throughout their lives. It gives them a small glimpse at what it means to commit to something and how their involvement effects everyone around them. They are taught that, no matter their role, big or small, they are an intricate part of the larger picture. It teaches them to prioritize what they have happening in their lives and how important they are to the production and cast. I look forward to many years of involvement with this group. As a whole it is an amazing staff of people, who love and are passionate about what they do. read more

Although my son did not attend Arts & Learning Conservatory, he was under the the tutelage of Debora Wondercheck, the Manager, Artistic Director and Founder of the conservatory. She is also the Director of Music at Waldorf School of Orange County where my son attended 5th-7th grade and played cello. She did such an astounding job conducting the elementary/middle school orchestra that they went on to compete and win competition over high school orchestras! Mind you, most of the children did NOT have extra hired tutors in addition to her guidance. She worked miracles with the kids and they loved her too! By coincidence, we know a high school student and middle schoolers who participated in the Art & Learning Conservatory and were very happy with the theater work there. Great job Debora Wondercheck! You make an incredible contribution to so many of our children's lives!! Thank you for your dedication. read more

This is an awesome program. Wonderful, friendly staff. My daughter loves them and the kids that join. She has had a positive experience with this organization. Deborah and her staff are easy to approach and talk with and they work hard to give their kids a wonderful learning experience and a great performance for everyone to enjoy . read more

Our daughter has been in a couple of their musicals. Very well run and a lot of fun! If you have any young budding actors, this is a great way for them to experience the theatre! read more

Our son is 10 and he recently did a strings camp over the summer. He learned a bunch of news songs on the violin, and played before a live performance of the very enjoyable play Shrek. read more

We have partnered with this group for our cultural center for several years and they have great artist-teachers that do amazing work with our kids. Debra is a powerful force and great leader I highly respect growing this program during the recession to what it is today. read more

The Arts & Learning Conservatory is awesome. As a neighboring business I've seen some of the productions in the making. The talent you bring out of these kids is priceless. read more

The management is extremely rigid and inflexible. They care more about putting on a great show than what is good for the children. They have sadly lost sight of what a community-based, non-profit, arts and learning organization should be about - to teach the love of arts and music to children. And that means seeing the child as a WHOLE along with all their other hopes, dreams, and responsibilities. It means being flexible enough to let the child have other priorities, and not punish them for choosing other priorities over ALC when the other priorities will help them follow their dreams. They have also completely and utterly forgotten that we, the parents and children, are the paying customer. Without our money and our children there would be no Arts and Learning Conservatory. They not only do not subscribe to "the customer is always right", but they don't even recognize the fact that WE are the customer. The parents pay a huge chunk of money for their children to participate in performances, we donate our time to build sets and sew costumes, we donate food/drinks/raffle items for ALC to sell at performances, we buy tickets to our own children's shows and are told to sell 20 total, and we even donate food/drinks for the cast party. So maybe it is through all this "giving" that the owner and staff forget we are the customer. Maybe they think that we are so grateful our child is allowed to participate that we should cower to their decisions. I don't think that my child's participation in a children's theater organization for which I have paid $475 for her to be there should be primary stress in my life, for fear my child will get kicked out of the production. read more

My daughter has participated in 3 productions with Arts and Learning and we couldn't be happier! The professionalism from the staff of this conservatory is an A+. From the founder, Debora, to the directors, choreographers, musicians, set and costume designers, supporting staff--such a great way for kids to experience theatre at such a high level. read more

I would highly recommend Arts and Learning to anyone who has a child or teen interested in the performing arts. My son has participated in 3 of their productions and I have seen him grow tremendously, not only as an actor, but also in his confidence. From the beginning I noticed that they highlight each and every child in all of their productions, there truly is no small part. It is a family-friendly atmosphere and the staff is amazing. read more

I almost put 5 stars. The Founder Debora Wondercheck is a gem. This is a great experience for the children, whether they want to grow into being a "star" or they just want to increase their stage presence. Good environment for both early learners and the older more experienced child thespians; good training for older children. Try one of the summer camps. Voice teacher Art Ortiz is talented and patient with the children. My child's vocals improved after a few weeks of lessons - control, tone, pitch. read more

There are not enough words to express how much I love the Arts & Learning Conservatory. My daughters have been acting with A&L for almost 4 years now. I have seen my two girls grow from timid, quiet girls to confident, secure, young ladies. My youngest daughter suffers from Visual Processing Disorder, and reading in front of anyone was terrifying. The loving theater directors, teachers, and staff were so welcoming, loving, and gentle. With each rehearsal they guided her and instilled a new found confidence that I had never seen in her prior. Through their guidence and fun learning environment, she found a way to read and thrive. This organization changed her life. They taught, my daughter who had a learning disability, how to grow and learn in a way that was fun while fostering her new love of the arts. I was beyond extatic to learn that the Executive Director had a son with a disability, and therefore could relate to our own sensitive issue. Because of her gentle, loving care, my daughter shines on stage, and can't wait to do each upcoming show. This is by far one of the most welcoming environments. We truly feel like part of their family. I would recommend, and have recommended this program to so many families. Any child would be beyond blessed to have the opportunity to learn from them. So proud to be a part of this fabulous organization. read more

This is an amazing program. My daughter has done a few shows and camps with them, and I have watched her confidence and ability grow dramatically as a result (pun intended). She has consistently had amazing directors who truly care about the kids. read more