St. Pete Music, Acting, and Dance (MAD) — Local services in Gulfport

We came to St. Pete Mad for the spring production of 101 Dalmations in 2022. We had seen some friends posting about a previous production and thought it looked like something our daughter would be interested in. Fast forward a year and our daughter is now rehearsing for her fourth MAD production, Legally Blond, Jr. It has been a total game-changer for her and our family. She loved it from the very first minute of the audition process, through the rehearsals, and the performances. Most of her friend group is now from MAD, and she comes home giddy from every rehearsal. From a parent's perspective, what we have been so impressed with is the level of professionalism displayed in every aspect of the program. From very clear instructions about the audition process, through a well-organized schedule of rehearsals, down to the high-level of production value of the performances, every thing is well thought out and curated. What we love as parents is that there is routine, stability, and a high level of expectation, but also flexibility and warmth from the staff. We are consistently impressed with the amount our daughter is learning about the world of theater, and how happy she is with the friends she has made. Great attention is paid to not only the "mechanics" of performing, but also to the importance of community, and treating others with love and respect. It is a special thing they have created at St. Pete Mad, and I can't recommend it...

A couple years ago we signed up my two daughters to try acting in the Broadway Bound program with St Pete MAD in a performance of Polar Express. As someone with little to no theater experience I didn’t know what to expect. From the very first rehearsal I noticed a change in both of my girls as I watched them become more and more confident and they immersed themselves in this program. Fast forward a few years and both of them have not missed a single play since with St Pete MAD and we are getting ready for our 10th play, The Addams Family! To say that this program has changed our families lives is an understatement. This is literally all my kids talk about and every single one of their friends now are from the friends they have made on stage. From Dru’s overall vision to the excellent vocal coaching they receive with Margaret to the acting, choreography and dance instruction they receive from all of the talented directors, this program has it all. We are so excited that St Pete MAD has gotten their own space in GulfPort and we are all in on the future of this program. Thank you St Pete MAD for being a beacon of light...

I could not be more grateful for my time as a student at St. Pete MAD. Not only have I been able to grow in my skills and passion for the performing arts, but I have also received the opportunity to develop leadership & collaborative capabilities that I will continue to utilize for years to come.

The knowledge I have gained in music, acting, dance, choreography, stage production, and more is something I have been able to apply to activities both in and out of school, from producing superior-winning Thespian events to choreographing & performing in school productions.

My favorite part of my experience at SPMAD will always be the strong sense of community within the program. The casts & crews that work together to produce each successful production become like family, and I've met some of my closest friends through the program.

Overall, the program and instructors do an amazing job at not only educating youth in the many diverse aspects of the performing arts, but also in providing personalized instruction for students of all ages and skills levels. There is always an opportunity for every...