Downey's Family Guide

Apr. 29th - Dec. 31st

Learn From the Best Anywhere, Anytime - Full Scholarships Available

Key Features of Self-Paced Learning With Digital Media Academy:

Learn anywhere, any time
Progress at your own pace
No pre-requisites
No special software or hardware required
Access the same courses presented by Digital Media Academy at prestigious universities around the world
Courses are aligned with global standards
Receive a Digital Media Academy certificate upon completion
What's better than attending an innovative digital media or technology course at a prestigious university campus like Stanford University? Doing so in your own home, at your own pace.

Whether you live in a time zone that makes attending a live Digital Media Academy course difficult, or you want the freedom to move more quickly or slowly through the material, Digital Media Academy's self-paced digital media and technology courses might be just what you're looking for.

Developed by industry and curriculum experts, and tested and proven by over 500,000 students throughout the past 20 years, these courses allow young learners to explore their passions and develop 21st century skills.

Although these courses have traditionally been delivered live and in-person on North America's most prestigious university campuses, the self-paced format allows students aged 5 to 18 the world over to experience Digital Media Academy's unique educational offerings.

Not only that, but after the great success of the spring break virtual camp scholarship program, Digital Media Academy is offering Ten Thousand FULL scholarships for talented students who would benefit from a self-paced learning experience.

Why Self-Paced Learning?

Studies have shown that when students are given the ability to decide for themselves how much time to spend learning new material, they perform better because they are able to focus their efforts on concepts they find personally challenging.

Digital Media Academy recognizes the advantage of a self-paced format not only for student performance, but for accessibility as well. Knowing that not every student lives close to a campus where courses are offered, or even in a convenient time zone to attend a virtual course, Digital Media Academy wanted to offer the same high quality of digital media and technology education that has been delivered live for the past 20 years in a format that would ensure as many young learners as possible would have access to it.

The self-paced format allows learners of all backgrounds to enrich their learning, explore potential career paths, ignite their passion and build a foundation of knowledge and skills that are not only exciting but in-demand.

What to Expect from a Self-Paced Tech Course at Digital Media Academy

With over self-paced 30 courses available across 6 categories, there is sure to be something that piques the interest of the young learner in your life. Courses are available for ages 5-8, 9-12 and 13-18, in the following categories:

Digital Storytelling
Game Development
Creative Design
Computer Science + AI
Robotics + Engineering
Business + Entrepreneurship
Each course has 5 or 6 modules, and requires an average of 12-15 hours to complete. While participants are given three months to work through the course at their own pace, a particularly motivated learner could complete a course in a matter of days. It all depends on the learner's schedule, preferences and needs.

No special equipment is required, and if a participant has questions, they can ask a virtual teacher. Learning and progress will be assessed through automated quizzes and assignments.

Upon completion of a course, learners will receive certificates demonstrating their achievement, which include the seal of alignment with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).

Who Should Consider a Self-Paced Course?

Digital Media Academy's courses enhance students' academic opportunities by offering research-based, 21st century learning in areas like game design, coding, animation, and other subjects that aren't always comprehensively covered in school.

Our self-paced courses are designed for young learners aged 5 to 18 with an aptitude for digital media or tech subjects who would benefit from gaining a foundation of understanding in that subject.

Course options include:

Ages 9-12:

Encryption, Cyphers and Digital Detectives
Design Challenges
Fun With Robots
And more
Ages 13-18:

App Designer Studio
Introduction to 3D Modeling in Tinkercard
Show and Tell: Script and Storyboard
And more
Do you know a self-motivated young learner whose interest might be sparked by an engaging digital media or technology foundation course offered by a certified, trusted and proven education institution?

Don't miss this opportunity to inspire them!

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Jul. 8th - Aug. 26th

"Pick of the Month!" Show Time Magazine.

The beloved Rudie-DeCarlo musical CINDERELLA is getting a stunning multi-media makeover to kick off the 2022 Open-Again Summer Family Theatre Series. It's Cinderella like you've never seen her before, with new songs, hilarious special FX, a silent movie segment that will have you falling off your couch, dazzling costumes, amazing magical prestidigitation, and a story about being true to your dreams and loving yourself as you are that's as true to today as ever before.

"A delight for the entire family!" LA SPLASH

Top off a day at the beach or start an evening of fun and merriment in beautiful downtown Santa Monica with perfect fairytale for today's generation: a handsome prince (who yearns to be loved for himself, not his royal position), silly stepsisters (who ultimately discover that looks really aren't everything), a controlling (but genuinely well-meaning) stepmother and a refreshingly independent, feisty Cinderella.

"An Enchanting Cinderella!...highlighted by fast pacing, fancy costuming and a lovely, unweepy Cinderella...particularly within the context of Rudie and DeCarlo's trademark Gilbert & Sullivan comic lyrics." LA Times

After two dozen tours to England, Alaska and Japan, after delighting more than a quarter of a million audience members to date, CINDERELLA is still the single most requested Playhouse Musical Matinee on three continents and this delightful make-over offers added delights: playful period costumes by award-winning designer Ashley Hayes, magical special effects by James Cooper and the heart-warming romance that blooms with the assistance of a glass slipper, a magic wand, and the audience's eager intervention.

"This extraordinary company creates a strange new brand of excitement...Truly imaginative and entertaining, this play has all its spark plugs firing." - LA PARENT.

CINDERELLA features Actors' Repertory Theatre members James Cooper, Tiffany Haile, Cydne Moore, Joseph Perez, and Graham Silbert, with special guest appearances by Elliot White in the dual role of Kerwin the Valet and Prince Asgood the Charming, the U.K.'s Emily Quash as the Narrator, and Fairygodmother as herself. Directed by Graham Silbert from original direction by Chris DeCarlo, book, music & lyrics by DeCarlo and Evelyn Rudie.

"A show that will delight children and adults, even if they think they have seen every possible twist on the Cinderella story." reviewplays.com

All current protocols observed.

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Jul. 9th - Aug. 28th

"Pure, lively (and live) entertainment! It is remarkable to see two dozen children abandon their electronic devices to watch a live stage performance and, when prompted, hear their advice and warnings called out to the heroine. SNOWHITE at Santa Monica Playhouse provides such a theatrical (and non-CGI) experience." Tolucan Times. It's SNOWHITE, a captivating Rudie-DeCarlo musical fairytale for girls, boys, and young-at-heart audiences of all ages.

"It was great!" Richard Dean Anderson

A charming tale of companionship, coming-of-age, and the magical bond between mothers and daughters, SNOWHITE takes audiences on a magical adventure as everyone's most beloved young heroine journeys to find herself, her mother, and her true destiny, aided by Seven Silly Companions and a Most Magical Mirror. No evil Stepmother here, no shadowy forests or villainous potions; just a wondrously humorous and touching story of friendship, dedication and discovery, as Snowhite, and the audience, learn that love does, indeed, conquer all, even though it can sometimes be found in the most unlikely places.

Modeled on the original 1812 Brothers Grimm tale, SNOWHITE examines stereotypes, familial bonds, ethics, friendship, the power of commitment, and the value of tolerance and understanding. Beautifully-detailed Medieval costumes by award-winning designer Ashley Hayes and sparkling special effects by James Cooper add to the historical authenticity of this exciting interactive family-friendly production.

Members of the internationally renowned Actors' Repertory Theatre Tiffany Haile (Cinderella, Carmen, Alice and the Wonderful Tea Party) and Cydne Moore (Beauty and the Beast, Ever After Take 2) are joined by guest artists Taylor Bazos (The Little Mermaid, The Crucible), Laura Bertrand (Most Massive Woman Wins, Shrek The Musical), Noa Brenner (The Amityville Murders - performer; A Chorus Line - director; Entropy in Inspiration - choreographer), Audrey Montague (School of Rock, Arcadia), Megan Yip (Juliette, Eat Rice!).

Special birthday parties, hosted by gaily-costumed fairytale characters, are available in conjunction with every performance. All current protocols are observed.

Santa Monica Playhouse, celebrating 62 years of continuous operation, is supported in part by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, the City of Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Arts Commission, the Ahmanson Foundation, the Rotary Club Foundation and Playhouse PALS.

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Jul. 12th

Join Sharon, an experienced surrogate, to talk all things surrogacy. Intended Parents, Surrogates and anyone interested in the surrogacy process, we look forward to speaking with you! 10:30am PST.
Meeting link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83554400620?

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Jul. 18th

Join Catherine, an experienced attorney, to talk all things surrogacy. Intended Parents, Surrogates & anyone interested in the surrogacy process, we look forward to speaking with you at 1pm EST!
Meeting link: https://zoom.us/j/98555206307

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Aug. 1st

Join Catherine, an experienced attorney, to talk all things surrogacy. Intended Parents, Surrogates & anyone interested in the surrogacy process, we look forward to speaking with you at 1pm EST!
Meeting link: https://zoom.us/j/98555206307

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Aug. 16th

Join Jenn for her virtual meetup to talk all things surrogacy. Intended Parents, Surrogates, and anyone interested in the surrogacy process, we look forward to speaking with you! 9am PT/10am MT/11am CT/12pm ET!
Meeting link: https://zoom.us/j/95193201666

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Sep. 12th

Join Catherine, an experienced attorney, to talk all things surrogacy. Intended Parents, Surrogates & anyone interested in the surrogacy process, we look forward to speaking with you at 1pm EST! Meeting link: https://zoom.us/j/98555206307

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Sep. 13th

Join Sharon, an experienced surrogate, to talk all things surrogacy. Intended Parents, Surrogates and anyone interested in the surrogacy process, we look forward to speaking with you! 10:30am PST. Meeting link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83554400620?

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Sep. 20th

Join Jenn for her virtual meetup to talk all things surrogacy. Intended Parents, Surrogates, and anyone interested in the surrogacy process, we look forward to speaking with you! 9am PT/10am MT/11am CT/12pm ET!
Meeting link: https://zoom.us/j/95193201666

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