LJ Woodard

I was raised in a family that celebrated the arts. My mother, Beatrice Lily, was a highly respected and well-established talent agent in Southern California, known for her keen eye for talent and deep connections in the entertainment industry. She introduced me to the entertainment industry at a young age. By the time I was eight, I was booking commercials, television roles, and performing in local theater. My childhood was filled with dance and acting classes, along with hands-on experience at the agency, where I learned the inner workings of the business.

After earning my B.A. in Business from Richmond University in London, I returned to work at the agency. I’ve always been fascinated by the business side of entertainment—from development and marketing to promotion and financial management. To stay on the pulse of the industry, I continued my education at UCLA Extension, where I studied under professionals actively working in entertainment.

My family also published a local entertainment review newspaper, which gave us access to concerts, tours, and theatrical productions throughout the region. Weekly theater outings were a tradition, and they sparked my deep appreciation for live performance and its venues. I believe the experience of a performance begins the moment you enter the building. Preserving and supporting historic theater spaces is not only a personal passion but also essential to the cultural health of our communities.

When I became a parent, I naturally found myself leading my children and their friends in theater games, turning playdates into impromptu performances—often right on the coffee table. Encouraged by friends who saw the spark, I created an after-school program where students could “learn by playing and play by acting.” That idea became The Performance Club.

What began as a small after-school group quickly grew into a thriving youth theater program, expanding into schools across the county, local community centers, and eventually its own dedicated studio space. The Performance Club has since produced acclaimed semi-professional productions at the historic Thalian Hall, earning a reputation for excellence, creativity, and heart.

At the core of our program is a commitment to positivity, clear expectations, and providing a safe space where young people can be fully themselves. We believe that theater should be fun, empowering, and transformative—and our students feel it.

Teaching, coaching, producing, and directing kids and teens is a true joy. Watching them grow in confidence and shine on stage is incredibly rewarding. Now, nearly two decades later, some of our alumni have gone on to star in television, film, and on Broadway. I’m proud to say that The Performance Club Studio Theater for Young Actors has become one of the top children’s theater companies in the country.

  As a lifelong artist and seasoned executive in the performing arts, my passion for developing youth programs and producing high-quality children’s theater remains as strong as ever at local schools and community centers. Now entering a new chapter of life, I’m excited to explore fresh opportunities within the cultural arts landscape.

Throughout my career, I’ve successfully led creative teams of educators in dance, music, voice, and acting, consistently producing sold-out shows that celebrate young talent. Promotion, marketing, and fundraising come naturally to me, and I thrive in dynamic, collaborative environments where creativity and organization go hand in hand.

Recently, I took the Enneagram test and—no surprise—I’m a Type 7: The Enthusiast. This only confirmed what I’ve always known to be true: I’m a passionate, energetic “ringmaster,” constantly encouraging others, juggling multiple projects, and—most importantly—creating opportunities for others to grow and shine. I often ask my teen performers - Do you have goals, dreams, or big ideas? 

Let’s make them happen.

I will continually remain a devoted advocate for the arts. Because the positive ripple effects—socially, emotionally, and economically—are limitless. The arts bring people together, inspire communities, and fuel everything I do.