About Us
London Performing Arts, Donations and Scholarship fund
London Performing Arts Academy is a not for profit organization. We provide a unique triple threat experience where London and area youth can express themselves, buid confidence and fulfill their passion to perform live. We make sure everyone involved in our programs has the opportunity to shine.
LPAA donates $2 from every ticket sold to the Ontario Brain Injury Association, and $3 from every ticket goes into our scholarship fund to help families in our community needing financial assistance to our programs.
Musical Director
Alex Kost
After graduation Alex began working towards his ARCT certification with the Royal Conservatory of Music. Alex started playing Viola at the age of 12 with El Sistema Aeolian.
He then moved to the London Youth Symphony and eventually found his love of vocal music. Alex has sung with choirs at David Geffen Hall as well as Carnegie Hall as a member of the London Singers and later spent a season with Western Singers while in grade 12.
He is very excited for the opportunity to work within the theatre industry teaching vocal performance as he continues his own musical education and career.
Assistant Director/Summer Camp Director
Lauren Da Silva
Lauren is currently working on her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at The University of Western Ontario. She began doing theatre when she 3 yrs old in the production "3 of a Kind". Lauren has over 10 years of training in vocal music, and has received awards for her achievements including Outstanding Performer-Junior Concert Choir, as well as Highest Standing in Vocal Music. She has been teaching early level music lessons for 2 years. Lauren was the Head counsellor, Summer Program Coordinator and Director of our summer Mini-Musicals. She has been Assistant Director with LPAA's past productions of the Jungle Book Kids and Descendants Junior. Some of Lauren's credits include; "Bricoux" in The Grand Theatre's production of Titanic the musical, "Gabriella" in LPAA's production of High School Musical, "Dragon" in St. Mary's Choir's Production of Shrek the Musical as well as other lead roles in youth productions such as, "Mary" in Mary Poppins, "Eponine" in Les Miserables, and "Glinda" in the Wizard of Oz. Outside of theatre, Lauren also plays hockey and soccer and values physical education. In her spare time she loves to sing, play piano and the guitar, and spend time with friends and family. Lauren has always had a passion for musical theatre and inspiring young performers. She is so excited and proud to be involved with our LPAA youth performers and can not wait to see them thrive on a live stage doing what they love to do!
Program Coordinator/Assistant Director/Director Mini and Junior Programs
Courtney Murray
Courtney is working on her Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences focusing on Political Science at The University of Western Ontario. She began dance lessons at 3 yrs old and dancing competitively at 8. She received multiple dance awards over the years including a national award, "1st Place Solo Dancer" in the Canadian Model and Talent Competition. Her training in dance includes Certificates from the "Royal Academy of Dance" for Ballet, while studying under the talented Kelly Maxwell, as well as a certification from "Adapt" for Student Assistant Teacher. She has volunteered and worked as a Student Teacher for 6 years teaching Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Acro to junior and intermediate dancers aged of 5-16. Acro was a favourite area of dance as she was also a competitive cheerleader at the time, on an L4 team with LGA that won an American National title in Buffalo, as well as winning a spot in the prestigious D2 Summit at ESPN wide world of sports in Florida. Her love of singing began in 2015 when she received the National award "2nd Place Solo Vocalist" award at the Canadian Model and Talent Competition. She was picked up by American and Canadian Talent agencies, and signed with her Parent Agency in Toronto. She has sang the National anthem at many sporting events in town including a London Lightning game. She started in youth theatre at 12, with acting lessons and acceptance into the Summer Conservatory in New York City at AMDA, The American Musical and Dramatic Academy where she spent the summer immersed in life on Broadway. She was later accepted into their Bachelor of Fine Arts program. Notable roles include "Kate Mullins" in The Grand Theatre's production of Titanic The Musical, "Sarah Brown" in Lyte's Guys and Dolls, "Heather" in MPT's Something Wicked, "Wednesday" in LPAA's Addams Family, "Dorothy" in The Wizard of Oz, "Cinderella" in Into The Woods, "Princess Fiona" in Shrek, "Alice" in Alice in Wonderland, and "Wendy" in Peter Pan. She also appeared in the Ensemble of "Prom Queen The Musical" at The Grand Theatre in London. Courtney's professional credits include a supporting role in a Toronto based web series, commercials, a national CAA campaign, and a short film that won an award of Merit at Indie Fest in Toronto, Semi-Finalist at the Rhode Island Film Festival, San Antonio Film Festival and was an official selection of the Toronto Independent Film Festival and London's own Forest City Film Festival.
Choreographer
Olivia Harty
Olivia began her dance training with Canadian Dance Company at the age of 3. She became a competitive level student at the age of 5 attending competitions across North America, winning titles such as Dancer of the Year (ADA), and Hall of Fame Inductee. Olivia competed twice at the National level in Riesa Germany as part of the Canadian National Showdance Team. Olivia assisted and taught at Dance Intensives such as Fresh, YDAP, and performed with companies EMImotion and Aorta. She was featured in shows for Raven Symone's fashion line, Mary Kay, Sears and performed for the Special Olympics. She has also been seen in Hakim Optical commercials and featured in a video on Capezio Canada's website. After graduation she had the honour of working with top choreographers such as Sharon Wong from Alvin Ailey in New York City. Olivia has an Honors Bachelor of Science from Western University in Dietetics and Dance. On Campus, she was elected captain of their competitive dance team HEAT. After graduating, she furthered her studies at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition and received her Registered Holistic Nutritionist Designation. Olivia has volunteered with organizations such as FRESH and CAFP to deliver healthy living workshops to elementary students. Olivia believes strongly is promoting a healthy body, mind and spirit everywhere she goes, and especially while working with young Artists!