About
AV Kids Miami
LEARN.CREATE.BUILD RELATIONSHIPS.
AV Kids Miami is where young artists grow. Led by professional teaching artists, our theatre program helps kids and teens build confidence, creativity, and real performance skills — all in a fun and inclusive environment. With over 10 years serving the Kendall community, our students have gone on to top magnet schools like MAS, New World, and Coral Reef. Join us near The Falls Mall and discover why AVK is Miami’s favorite place for kids and teens to take the stage.
Our Team
At AV Kids Miami, our team is more than just a group of instructors — we’re mentors, cheerleaders, and trusted guides. We care just as much about who our students are becoming as we do about the skills they’re learning. Every teaching artist on our team is here to help kids and teens feel seen, supported, and inspired — not just as performers, but as confident, creative people.
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Vanessa Thompson
Artistic Director
Vanessa Thompson is a Miami-based actress, director, producer, and acting coach who has dedicated her ca-reer to uplifting the local arts scene. After years of performing and collaborating with theatre companies across the city, she co-founded Artistic Vibes and its youth-focused branch, AV Kids Miami, to create a space where performers of all ages could thrive.
As Artistic Director, Vanessa has brought stories to life across a wide range of productions, from open mics and live music showcases to full-length plays and children’s theatre. Her work has helped shape AV Kids Miami in-to a creative home for young performers—many of whom have gone on to be accepted into top programs at Southwood, South Miami, MAS, Coral Reef, New World School of the Arts, UM and FIU.Whether you're step-ping on stage for the first time or ready to shine in the spotlight, she can’t wait to help you grow at AV Kids Miami.
Stephanie Rodriguez
Technical Director
I’m the one behind the curtain making the magic happen—literally. As AVK’s Technical Director, I handle all things lights, sound, and stage design to bring our young performers’ worlds to life. With a background in performance and improv, I know what it feels like to be on stage—and I use that experience to make sure every spotlight hits just right. Whether it’s building a forest from scratch or timing a thunderclap perfectly, I’m here to help our cast shine.
With over a decade of experience in youth theater and production design, I’m passionate about creating professional-level experiences in a nurturing, creative space where kids feel empowered to explore, perform, and grow.
Katelyn Bourke
Choreographer & SM
Katelyn Bourke (AKA Ms. Kadie) is a Miami-based theatre artist, choreographer, and stage manager. She is a Florida International University graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre. She loves teaching tiny humans of all experience levels and abilities. She has been working with AVKids Miami since 2018 and is now the Resident Choreographer and Stage Manager for the company. Some recent professional credits include The Timekeepers (PSM), World of Nutcracker (ASM) win Downtown Doral, The Busy Bees (ASM) with the Arsht Center, as well as Defacing Michael Jackson (PSM), Dangerous Days (ASM), Anna in the Tropics (SM) with Miami New Drama. Ms. Kadie cannot wait to work with all of you this summer!
Drea Vandervlugt
Design & ASM
Drea Vandervlugt is a local artist, designer, and assistant stage manager with a passion for theatrical storytelling. She began her journey with AVKids Miami in 2018 as a student actor, where she discovered her love for set and prop design. By 2021, Drea was actively designing sets, and in 2023, she fully transitioned into her current role as designer and assistant stage manager. Drea works closely with students and team members to bring imaginative sets and props to life for each production.