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Welcome to the
OC Next Act Family!

Welcome to the
OC Next Act Family

Our mission

OC Next Act is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit empowering youth to develop life skills using creativity, confidence, and connection through the arts.

Our Vision

We believe in the transformative power of the arts

The arts inspire, heal, and empower. By providing a creative and supportive space, we help young individuals combat anxiety and depression, break out of their shells, and connect with like-minded peers. Through performing arts, theater arts education, music, improv, and other creative disciplines, we foster confidence, resilience, and self-expression.  We do this while staying true to our core philosophy—upholding family values, promoting strong character, and fostering a culture of mutual respect.

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Our Programs

designed to empower students

OC Next Act programs empower students through creativity, connection, and confidence-building experiences. Through arts-based learning and theater arts education, participants develop communication skills, teamwork, and emotional expression that extend beyond the classroom or stage.

Whether engaging in live performances, theatrical productions, or customized camps, students are encouraged to take bold risks and discover their authentic voices.  At OC Next Act, creativity becomes a pathway to lifelong skills, personal growth, and joyful community.

OC Next Act accepts charter funds from the following: Cabrillo Point Academy,  Suncoast Preparatory Academy, Excel and iLead

Our Performing Arts classes build confidence, communication skills, and social connection through acting, music, movement, and storytelling.

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Our Theater Arts classes encourage students to discover and express their individuality while building creative, emotional, and collaborative skills through hands-on art exploration.

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OC Next Act offers a flexible, student-centered music program led by Mr. C—an accomplished instructor, composer, and entertainer with over 25 years of experience—providing private and group lessons for youth and adults ages 10 and up in Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Drums, and Cajón, where students learn the music they love while building strong foundations in technique, musicianship, performance, creativity, confidence, and a lifelong connection to music.

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The Unique Minds Initiatives celebrate creativity through music, dance, theater, and visual art, empowering individuals of all abilities to express themselves and shine. 

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The OC Next Act Youth Ambassador Program (YAP) was developed in March 2024, during the Lion King Jr. Musical Theater production. Founded by Nica Kelly and organized with Raina Czapski, YAP aims to cultivate exceptional performers who embody respect, attentiveness, and kindness. After its inception, the YAP committee, grades 6th-12th, was established to further support and guide the program’s development. By fostering a positive and supportive environment, YAP empowers its members to become exemplary role models within the arts community. Together, they plan outreach, fundraising events and service projects. YAP members are recognized for following the YAP character traits with special STAR awards. These awards are displayed at all musical theater productions for the families and patron members to view. 

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Our Private Variety Camps offer personalized, small-group creative experiences that nurture leadership, independence, and joyful self-expression.

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Our Impact

Testimonials from our families

Testimonials
"OC Next Act has been an amazing source of building confidence, friendships, and leadership skills in all of my 5 children. Even my neurodivergent kiddos feel at home, welcomed, and involved. Family comes first at OC Next Act- this is not just an “after-school program”- it’s a community fully invested in its participants."
Jessica CrowParent
"​​Since joining OCNEXTACT Musical Theatre in 2021, my daughter has gained confidence, forged lasting friendships, and developed leadership skills through her involvement in multiple productions. OCNEXTACT fosters creativity, teamwork, and personal growth, helping participants thrive both on and off the stage. The guidance and support from dedicated instructors and peers have been instrumental in shaping her as both an artist and an individual. We love being a part of the OC NEXT ACT family."
The Kelly FamilyOC Next Act Family
"OC Next Act provided my family with such a positive, creative, fun, and character building theater program! My daughters looked forward to going every week and were all smiles when I picked them up. They had a blast! The community that OC Next Act builds creates a safe place for all learners to thrive, and the performances were incredible to watch! I highly recommend this theater program!"
RachelParent
"I really loved the friends I got to make and it was a great experience!"
MadisonStudent
"OC Next Act has helped me gain my confidence, not only in acting and signing, but in making friends. And I see that rub off on my everyday life from anything like school to sports."
EvelynStudent
"Ms Sonia and Ms Angela were the best teachers I had all summer. I loved the summer camp with them so much. The kids and the teachers were like my family for a week. I will miss them, and I look forward to more classes with OC Next Act soon."
Lleyton C.Student
"OC Next Act helps to develop character, leadership skills and confidence through their supportive and gentle approach. Their programming is ideal for any families looking to build character in their children, both on stage and in real life."
Leslie C.Parent
"We have truly loved being apart of the OC Next Act Family for the past two years . My 4 kids have grown so much in confidence, leadership , and acting skills through their program. I couldn’t imagine my kids under any other leadership!"
Renae E.Parent
"My 8 year old son has participated in two plays now with OC Next Act, and we are signing up for more. The amount of love, time, and energy that is poured into each child and the entire production is incredible. The end result is absolutely amazing to see each child shine in the spotlight and the proud teachers beaming while watching the kids perform. This is a family owned organization and every single family member contributes, participates, and supports one another and the kids. My child has learned so much by participating in these productions. At a young age, he is learning how to command an audience, how to speak in public (my personal biggest fear), and how to be animated, while working with others. I say BRAVO to OC Next Act! They are amazing and you will not be disappointed."
Danielle B.Parent
"OC Next Act summer camp was exactly how it was when I was a kid, organic. Their Genuine love for all kiddos was poured out and our daughter loved building forts (reminded me of the identical ones I used to build with my brother). Flexibility, common sense along with great leadership, made kids feel secure and they took away problem solving skills for life. One of the best camps ever. Thanks Casey, Sonia and your awesome team. See you next year."
Martina B.Parent
"OC Next Act truly cares about our kids. I loved how they got to know each one of my kids individually and placed them in roles based on their personalities. They are very attentive and know how to get kids to open up and feel comfortable being themselves around others."
Nikki J.Parent
"My kids had a great time at OC Next Act summer camp! They got to be wildly creative with arts, crafts and music, enjoyed games at the park and made new friends."
Becky P. Parent
"Our kids loved this camp! The days are packed with fun activities that give them a chance to be active and creative."
Lacy R.Parent
"Mrs. C and Ms. Sabrina are excellent role models of creative imagination and problem solvers. They really know how to grasp the attention of children with special challenges and hone them into a scene, improv game or solo reading. Not once did they ever make my son feel different than the rest of the kids in class. I love how they advocate for inclusion, buddy system and empowerment. Everyone is treated like family - old school. My 9 yr old son looks forward to taking more OC Next Act Drama classes."
Cathy R.Parent
"I have tried many camps for my twins (boy and girl), and it always seems either my daughter or my son have fun, but never both. OC Next Act is a step above! Between all the different activities (all with an element of education) both my kids were ecstatic and eager to go to the next day! The director/owner is top notch and knows how to keep an active audience of all ages engaged. Looking forward to next summer!"
Mona Y.Parent
"Our experience with OCNextAct and The Lion King, Jr. performance exceeded our expectations. Our daughter has been experiencing anxiety this past year and this experience was a breakthrough opportunity for her to overcome her fears and build her confidence. The leaders have created an encouraging and supportive environment where each child flourishes and grows. We are thankful we found OC Next Act and for the community it introduced our daughter to. We are fans and can’t wait for the next show."
Erin F.Parent
"Fantastic camp! New exciting activities daily! My kid was never bored. Looking forward to the next camp. Thank you OC Next Act, well done!"
Cindy S.Parent
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