Castro Valley Dramatic Arts Academy

Specialties

The Castro Valley Dramatic Art Academy trains young actors and produces performances in the southeast bay area. We focus on developing the creativity and personal growth of the students as well as teaching tehnique in acting, movement, dance and voice. We challenge and inspire and hope to enrich the artistic experiences of students that they may not be receiving in school. We have three rules, «Have Fun!», Be Nice!”, and «Try Something New!».

History

Established in 2003.

CVDAA began as an idea when Michael Lushington taught a theatre workshop to 4^th and 5^th grade students in Castro Valley. Several parents approached Mr. Lushington and suggested he offer this work to more students in town. He added a middle school workshop, then a high school workshop, then an intensive summer program for middle, high, and college age students. It was in the fall of 2010 that several community members agreed to form a board to support the evolution of these workshops into a full-​time, year-​round non-​profit dramatic arts academy dedicated to developing a student run community theatre.

Meet the Business Owner

Michael L.

Business Owner

A long time ago, Mr. Lushington worked as an actor and director in New York City working with Elizabeth Swados at the Public Theatre. He has an MFA in directing from Brooklyn College and has been an editor for the International Bibliography of Theatre. Since 2003 Mr. Lushington has been running theatre programs for young people in Castro Valley. In 2010 he formed the non-​profit organization, Castro Valley Dramatic Art Academy, with the intentention of establishing a student-​run community theatre. In his pursuit of his desire to produce plays for young people in the voice and interests of young people, he has developed over 20 original plays including one published work, «I’m Alright» and a collaborative work, «No Harm, No Foul» (about a high school lockdown) with award winning playwright, Gino DiIorio.