A Little Bit About Us
McGrath’s Performing Arts Academy was founded in 2008 by dancer/choreographer Amy Lynn McGrath with partners Vincent Mothersbaugh and Jamie Miller. Having spent all of her life training, dancing, performing, and teaching, opening her own studio was a lifelong dream realized for Amy. Founded in the heart of Sonoma County’s Rohnert Park and nestled among the towering, majestic Redwood trees, McGrath’s Performing Arts strives to educate and excite dancers, singers, and actors of all ages on all aspects of the theatre arts. Students are encouraged to use imagination, creative thinking, and exploration to discover their independent voices while receiving professional technical training from some of Sonoma County’s most talented artists. Positivity, self-esteem, confidence and respect are key elements in every single McGrath’s Performing Arts Academy class. Students will learn in a warm, safe environment and most importantly, have a really good time while participating.
At McGrath Performing Arts, training can begin as early as age 3 in our Creative Movement classes to introduce the world of dance and music to young, developing minds and bodies. At age 4, Combination classes are offered introducing all McGrath’s dance styles for children to begin to discover types of dance they are most drawn to. A foundation of strong dance technique begins right away with students’ dance lessons while discovering the rewarding aspects of dance for every student. At age 7, all styles and classes are open to beginning through advanced level dancers.
The serious dancer can choose a single dance discipline to train multiple times a week or tailor an entire dance program to the styles, level, needs, and desires of the dancer. Dedicated dancers will receive personal guidance and evaluation of their progress from the positive, inspiring dance staff throughout the entire school year. Training will match the dedication of any dancer and students will get from this experience what hard work they put in. Involvement in “The Company” will provide ample performance opportunities for serious all-around dance students of intermediate/advanced level age ten and older. Solid foundations and correct technical training from an early age will provide aspiring career-driven dancers with the tools necessary to attain professional careers and training. Students with prior dance experience will be placed appropriately into levels ready to challenge them and continue their training from this point on.
For actors, singers and dancers who are interested in musical theatre, McGrath’s Performing Arts produces three major musical theatre productions per year, in addition to several other shows and performances. The children’s musical theatre program for ages 7 through 17 auditions, casts, prepares, produces and performs in the Winter (December), Spring (March/April), and Summer (July). With strong emphasis placed on theatre etiquette and professional training, students can advance skills and gain experience performing with musical theatre classes. For information on our current or upcoming shows and auditions, please see Musical Theatre Fridays 4:30-6:30 pm.
McGrath’s Performing Arts Academy is a school founded on positive attitudes and good feelings. We want all of our students to leave class feeling great about themselves and proud of the work they have done while having a great time. We strive constantly to motivate our students to reach for the stars while being satisfied with where they are currently at with their training. We are dedicated to enriching the lives of every student we are fortunate to work with and provide them professional education and incredible performance opportunities. To schedule an interview with director, Amy Lynn McGrath regarding classes for you or your child please contact the office at 707-541-6101 or email Amy directly at Amy@mcgrathperformingarts.com.