The Kendrick Academy spotlights performing arts with new classes in Houston County

HOUSTON COUNTY – The Kendrick Academy is ready to build up talent in Warner Robins and Bonaire by offering both in person and online performing arts classes.

The academy offers dance, acting and filmmaking classes from three years old to adults. It also has a recreational program and a pre-professional program for students who either want to learn and have a good time or those more career-focused.

Karan Kendrick, the academy’s founder, said they have those programs to serve both populations. 

The academy started offering in-person classes at Warner Robins last year. The academy hosts dance and acting classes at Succeed Cowork in Warner Robins where they meet once a week. They also host similar classes at Your Stage Your Story Performing Arts Center in Bonaire.

The academy also offers virtual classes, expanding the academy to teaching students worldwide.

Originally from Fort Valley, Kendrick has appeared in multiple movies, including roles in popular titles like “The Hunger Games,” “Just Mercy” and “The Hate U Give.” Most recently, Kendrick is directing, executive producing and acting in a student short film: “No Pressure,” set to premiere Sept. 7.

Kendrick opened the doors to her academy in Fort Valley in 2010. Now, she is using her experience to enlighten those who are interested in the performing arts and expanded her knowledge to Bonaire and Warner Robins. She decided to expand due to demand; many students commuting from Warner Robins to the academy in Fort Valley.

“We had a number of people driving over and we had a number of people saying that they just wished we were closer. We did a little research and found people that were interested and decided to offer classes [in Warner Robins],” she said

Kendrick said she strives to have an environment that embraces each child and student who attends her classes. During a recent retreat she asked her staff, “what’s our identity? How would you define us?” and she said their response was love.

Kendrick said she was grateful to receive that response, and she strives to create a supportive environment. She believes her classroom environment is encouraging and fun, which makes it a great place for students to grow in their passions.

“It’s a fun environment. We explore, we engage the students right where they are and help to take them to where they want to be. I think it’s a very accepting environment. We are not big on competition from student to student, you only compete against yourself and it’s really about you understanding and embracing who you are and what you bring,” she said.

Enjoying the process and seeing her students achieve ambitious goals is the cherry on top for Kendrick.

“We work really hard, but we have a lot of fun too and I love to see students grow over time. I love it when students can achieve goals that they set for themselves. I love it when I see students do things they didn’t even know they could do,” she said.

To sign up for an acting, dance or filmmaking class click here. Kendrick encourages anyone who has any questions to contact them directly at (478) 444-5040. 

The Kendrick Academy is primarily located at 122 East Main Street, Fort Valley.