It was my first time seeing a performance here! It was outstanding! The level of talent was off the…read morecharts! The whole family loved their experience!

After a long pandemic pause, my return to the San Diego Musical Theatre reminded me why I fell in…read morelove with this gem in the first place. Somehow, it's even better now! There's literally NO bad seat in this intimate theater. I'm not exaggerating. While the balcony seats at the downtown Civic Theatre might leave you squinting at tiny figures at premium prices, here I felt like I was practically part of the show regardless of where I sat. And at these super reasonable prices? It's almost criminal how much value you're getting. Walking into their production of "Hello, Dolly!" I was immediately struck by how the modest stage might compare to larger Broadway venues. This is a place where size absolutely doesn't matter here. The creative team masterfully used every square inch of that space, with choreography that had me wondering how they fit so much spectacular dancing into such a cozy setting. Those dancers deserve medals for their spatial awareness alone! What truly sets SDMT apart is the caliber of talent they attract. This isn't just "good for local theater"--these are performers who deliver professional-quality entertainment that had me smiling from the opening number to the final bow. The acting was so engaging that I completely forgot there wasn't a traditional orchestra. Did I miss it? Not for a second. The performers commanded the space so completely that any potential limitations simply vanished. While here are no actual curtains, it didn't detract from the experience, this adds to the intimate, immersive quality that makes this theater special. You're not just watching a show, you're part of its world from the moment you take your seat. For North County residents, this place is a revelation. The easy drive and FREE parking situation (though come early, as spaces are limited and you might need to street park) makes this infinitely more accessible than the downtown venue. No parking fees, no traffic nightmares, just straight to the entertainment. Walking out after the show, I found myself repeating "wow, wow, wow" like a happy theater mantra. I'm already excited for their next production.

David ! Just wow !! Best choice you can make for a wedding choreography dance , we prob will kept…read moredancing after this . So professional , he breaks down the steps perfect and makes it easy even for a beginner guy like me . Two thumbs up all the way !! Super happy we did this , was such a good intimate connection with my now wife that during wedding preparations can be overwhelming

David is an absolute gem!…read more My fiancé and I booked David for our wedding dance, and he completely blew our expectations out of the water. We squeezed in 8 lessons in just under a month, and somehow--thanks to his incredible teaching, energy, and patience--our dance turned out as perfect as it could be. David isn't just an instructor; he's a coach, cheerleader, and therapist all in one. He made each session fun, efficient, and surprisingly therapeutic during such a stressful time. His spirit is infectious, and his approach made us actually look forward to our lessons each week. I even brought my dad to a lesson so he could prepare for our father-daughter dance, and David gave him just enough confidence and basic moves to make it feel natural and special. I can't recommend David enough for anyone prepping for a big event--or just wanting to feel confident on the dance floor. He truly helped make our wedding unforgettable. 10/10, hands down

Our son has done two camps and a "rising stars" show at SDMT Academy. If my son could, he'd be at…read moreSDMT Academy every day. I can't say enough good things about it. The level of instruction is top tier with professional training for singing, dance, and acting. The level of fun and comradery is so high that he's come away with friends he still hangs out with a year later. The best part for the kids is the show they put on at the end of the camps or the rising starts production. For the short amount of time they work on the show in the camps (longer for the production), the kids put on an amazing show that blows the audience away. Anyway, it checks all the boxes for me: fun, friends, learning, growth.

From the owner: Welcome to SDMT Academy! We're committed to fostering Broadway-caliber performers through our safe…read moreand encouraging environment. We empower performers of all ages with the skills and training that will give them the poise and confidence to have productive, self-sustaining futures in the arts and beyond. SDMT Academy offers a variety of classes and intensives hosted by working professionals and Broadway alumni to empower, teach, and inspire musical theatre lovers and the San Diego theatre community. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, SDMT Academy has been providing classes, both In Studio and Online following the CDC and California Department of Health protocols. We plan to continue to safely offer as many classes as possible through this time and into the future!

My husband surprised me with a date night dance lesson here. As soon as we entered we were warmly…read moregreeted by 4 different people. We had such a great time, as total beginners...our instructor for our private lesson was so friendly, helpful and made learning easy. We had such a fun time learning the basics of what I think was called foxy. Also, the person working the reception and booking area is also extremely friendly and helpful. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone wanting a fun date experience or wanting to learn how to dance or if you already like dancing because we found out at the end they also do group dance lessons as well as fun dance nights.

I found them through Groupon originally but bought the package through the studio instead. I…read morebelieve the owners name is Hunter but he did our lessons. We were learning 3 basic dances for my brother's wedding and Hunter had such a great teaching style that made us feel comfortable. We got homework which was fun! We're still needing to finish the rest of our lessons in our package but highly recommend doing this for anyone wanting date night ideas or is attending a wedding.

Our daughter Ariana attended San Diego Academy of Ballet from the time she was four until about…read morefive and a half, and her experience there was truly wonderful. Her teacher, Kelsey, was patient, kind, and incredibly attentive, creating a calm and encouraging environment where young children could learn and grow with confidence. Ariana loved her classes and often talked about them at home, practicing movements and expressing genuine excitement about ballet. The teaching style struck a beautiful balance between structure and warmth, helping her build coordination, musicality, and a love for the art without pressure. We had to pause due to welcoming a newborn and a particularly busy season for our family, but we absolutely plan to return once things settle down. San Diego Academy of Ballet left a very positive impression on us, and we would happily recommend it to families looking for thoughtful, high-quality ballet instruction.

My daughters have been studying at SDAB for three years, and they absolutely love it. The school…read moremaintains the highest standards, and it's the only one whose students have been admitted to the world's top ballet academies -- an incredible achievement. The teachers are attentive and very talented, everything is organized with great care, and the locations are very convenient. SDAB is truly an exceptional place, and I highly recommend it!

I am a working actress in Los Angeles and I have tried a lot of acting coaches, classes, workshops…read moreand studios. I have a lot of fancy, well known acting coaches listed on my resume. But the guy that has made me a better actress and, more importantly, gets me BOOKED is Billy Cowart. He is the coach that I trust because I SEE the results from working with him! So thankful that I have found this gem. Right now I coach with Billy privately for TV and film auditions but I used to go to his class and highly recommend. He is especially good at getting you past "over acting" and prepping for on-camera, close-ups.

I had no intention of writing a review until my friend, a fellow actor, heard what happened to me…read moreand reminded me of my obligation to help the struggling actor. Those actors who can barely fill their gas tanks these days, or worse, an actor who may have had to take several buses to get to the studio only to realize: A) class was canceled. (I arrived at the studio with a missed call from Christina, the assistant 11-mins before class was to begin, refer to photos) B) Upon speaking to Christina and hearing the voicemail, I discovered it is NOT in-person/On-camera but via ZOOM. Yes, I found out Billy was to conduct class from Florida. Additionally, I signed up for this class because of the in-person/on-camera pitch you get on the website. C) NOWHERE on the website, in texts and the emails I received, did it indicate class was via ZOOM (refer to photos)? Instead, all messages received regarding my class audit direct me to a physical location (refer to photos). After being reminded of a friend I knew with no car, who would take the bus to acting class after waiting tables all day, I almost cried. I would've been crushed if this had happened to him. WCI, please do actors a favor and update your website; it can help someone avoid unnecessary drama, wasted time, and gas. Being courteous and professional goes a long way. FYI, I recently booked several films (2 shorts and a feature) and sought a studio that could help me develop my craft; incredibly disappointed. Please message me if anyone reading this knows of any good coaches in SD. So far, I'm less than impressed. Thank you!

My daughter has been with Ballet Institute of San Diego (BISD) for about four years now, and I…read morehonestly can't say enough good things about this school. It's not just a "cute kids' dance class". This is real classical ballet, taught with care, depth, and European tradition. The founder, Eglė Špokaitė, was a principal ballerina with the Lithuanian National Ballet and has performed all over the world! Their head teachers, like Katia Anishchenko (trained at the Vaganova Academy and danced with the Mikhailovsky Theatre in Russia) and Tinatin Mtchedlidze (from the State Ballet of Georgia), bring incredible knowledge and professionalism to the classroom. You can truly feel that you're learning from people who've lived and breathed ballet their entire lives. What I really love is how genuine their recitals feel. They're not just about showing off! They're meaningful, artistic performances. The costumes are beautiful and varied, the choreography thoughtful, and every production feels like a complete story. Through these experiences, the students get to understand what real ballet is. Discipline, teamwork, grace, and artistic expression. Yes, BISD follows a traditional European style, which can feel more structured or strict compared to most American studios. But to me, that structure is what helps the students grow. It comes from deep respect for the art, not from pressure. And over time, I've seen how much this approach has helped my daughter become not only a stronger dancer but also a more confident, resilient young person. If you want your child to experience true classical ballet, not just the surface, but the heart of it. BISD is the place!

My daughter loves this place and her wonderful teacher, Miss Tina not only a great person but also…read morea strong, talented ballerina! My daughter even says Miss Tina feels like a second mom to her. We highly recommend this amazing place with the incredible teacher

The Purpose - straight off Broadway and a Tony award and a Pulitzer award for drama you can't miss…read morethis while on it limited run at the La Jolla Playhouse. The show is phenomenal. Let's talk the playhouse - the campus is gorgeous, and with multiple venues hosting events - look for the name on the building and there is always great signage up! The bonus, you will always see what else is available or coming soon! The parking is just across the street in a brand new parking structure and is easy to get in and out of. Enjoy the arts- the passion that goes into a production is always felt

There isn't a bad seat in the house. That's the first thought in my head about the La Jolla…read morePlayhouse. I have been to plays in New York, Los Angeles and London. I am totally impressed. We are here to see The Recipe (life and times of Julia Child). They have a kitchen replica as you walk in. You can get your celebrity shot there! This play is so well written. Very tight scripting. This play is so well acted. Transitions are seamless. This play is hilarious! Next stop? New York would not surprise any of us, who came to see it. The staff at The Playhouse is so warm and welcoming. Both young and old are well taken care of. And guess what? I'm buying a subscription! You cannot beat this for local theatre. And I am comparing it to other venues in San Diego. No issues about parking. Not a bad seat in the house. I'm telling you, this play runs till almost the end of the month. Grab any seat available. Go alone if you have to. Don't miss The Recipe. With garlic, gusto and gratitude, Chef Marian San Diego & Carlsbad Foodies