South Bay Conservatory

At South Bay Conservatory, we are a non-profit 501(c)(3) performing arts organization specializing in musical theatre. Our mission is to provide a nurturing and positive environment where students of all ages can develop their skills and talents in music, dance, and acting. We are proud to have been serving the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Torrance, and surrounding communities for almost 60 years.

Our History

Founded in 1964, South Bay Conservatory was initially established to provide music instruction to students residing in the South Bay and surrounding communities. Over the years, our organization has expanded to include dance and musical theatre, with a faculty of over 30 accomplished professional musicians, dancers, and educators who teach and perform throughout the greater Los Angeles area.

In 2006, due to the sale and demolition of our previous facility, we were forced to terminate all private and group classes. However, our Board of Directors decided to restructure our operations and continue providing musical theatre instruction using the stage as our "classroom." With the assistance of the Torrance Performing Arts Consortium (TPAC), Torrance Unified School District/Torrance High School, and the First Baptist Church of Palos Verdes, we were able to utilize their facilities for rehearsals and performances.

Our Philosophy

At South Bay Conservatory, we believe in the importance of fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that every individual, regardless of their background, identity, or lived experience, should be treated with respect, fairness, and dignity. We strive to create an environment that is nurturing and positive, where students can develop their creative potential and express themselves freely.

Our Services

We offer two children's musical theatre educational programs, the Youth Musical Theatre Company and the Premier Musical Theatre Company. Our programs are designed to help students of all ages develop their skills and talents in music, dance, and acting. Our programs include performances in the Spring, Summer, and Fall, with opportunities to participate in our musical theatre summer camp.

Our Creative Team

Our creative team is comprised of experienced professionals in the performing arts industry. Our Creative Team Director, Kayla Stefansson, has extensive experience in the arts, having performed in over 30 musicals with our organization. Our Music Director, Dr. Anthony Moreno, has a rich background in music, with degrees from reputable institutions.

Our Productions

We are proud to present a wide range of productions, from classic musicals to contemporary shows. Our productions are known for their high-quality sets, lighting, sound, and costumes. We strive to create an engaging and memorable experience for our audience.

Why Choose SBC?

At South Bay Conservatory, we believe that our unique approach sets us apart from other organizations. Our smaller cast sizes and absence of double casting allow for more personalized attention and a more intimate performance experience. Our nurturing and positive environment fosters creativity and individual expression, while our high-quality productions provide a memorable experience for our audience.

About Our Board

We are governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors, composed of dedicated individuals who are passionate about the arts. Our President, Kay Blanchard, has dedicated her time and energy to our organization, along with our Treasurer and Executive Director, Linda Dryer. Our Secretary, Geetha Vasishta, and Members at Large, Kira Legg, Sara Ramos, and Diana Stefansson, are also committed to our mission.