Adderley musical theater school opens new location

YOUNG PERFORMERS- Local children take a break from classes at the Adderley School for the Performing Arts. Actress Janet Adderley, middle, has started a new school in Westlake Village.

Broadway actress and drama coach Janet Adderley is bringing her musical theater program to local youth. She is the owner of Adderley School for the Performing Arts, which has two other schools in Pacific Palisades and Santa Barbara and has recently opened a new school in Westlake Village.

"The Adderley Method is about the child first," said Adderley. "First you find the voice, then the career, and, above all, your life."

Children ages 3 to 17 are taught in small, age-appropriate classes, where every student is guaranteed a leading role.

Adderley trained at Yale University and then performed on Broadway in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical "Starlight Express."

After touring with regional companies, she relocated to Hollywood to pursue television and film work. Credits include the film "I Am Sam" and the TV series "Sweet Justice."

She founded her acting school in 1994 from an effort to help her daughter overcome shyness. The resulting school grew from 14 students to more than 1,000.

Classes begin Jan. 14 at 31129 Via Colinas, Westlake Village. For more information, call (805) 899-3680.