Madison Eginton Eick, LACHSA Theatre ’07, is not only a proud LACHSA alum, but has also worked at the school, runs a program that directly benefits it, and is one of the LACHSA Foundation’s major donors. Her love for LACHSA is evident when you speak with her, as we did recently.

Madison’s first introduction to LACHSA was through her brother, Zakk Eginton, a proud member of the Theatre class of 2003. Both she and her brother had been homeschooled while acting professionally, but their mother discovered that at LACHSA Zakk could continue his acting training while also receiving a high-quality education. Their mother was deeply involved in the school community and Madison accompanied her to these events and performances. “I was captivated by the vibrant energy and talent of the LACHSA students and aspired to join their ranks. I dedicated myself to perfecting my audition monologues, and, having had no alternative plans, I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to attend. LACHSA has been an integral and cherished part of my journey, and I cannot imagine my life without it.”

We asked Madison if LACHSA has had a lasting impact on her life, and she told us: “The school has continued to play a pivotal role in my life since I first became involved. During my senior year, I was approached by Norman Cohen, then head of the TV/Film Department, with an offer to join the school’s staff upon graduation. This opportunity allowed me to remain connected to LACHSA while pursuing my studies at PCC and Cal State LA, and it enabled me to graduate debt-free.”

While working at LACHSA she held various roles, including TV/Film Assistant, Assistant Chair of Cinematic Arts, Director of Admissions, and Marketing & Communications Coordinator. She was instrumental in developing the Cinematic Arts Department from a Friday morning elective program to a full-fledged department, produced film festivals, and participated in the transition to a new building. In 2018, she shifted her focus to growing her own company, Theatrical Education Group (TEG), but continued to support LACHSA part-time. She designed a new website for the school, which launched in 2020, as well as setting up LACHSA’s digital box office portal and a digital archive called the Vault. Madison’s impact can be felt throughout LACHSA!

She founded the Summer Arts Conservatory in 2013 through TEG. Serving students aged 9 to 15, the program is modeled after the curriculum at LACHSA, offering instruction in five departments: cinematic arts, dance, music, theatre, and visual arts. Since its inception, the Summer Arts Conservatory has been dedicated to three central goals: increasing diversity and access for attendees, which helps to expand and diversify the LACHSA applicant pool; providing employment opportunities for current LACHSA teachers, alumni, and students; and contributing as a donor to LACHSA. “I am proud to say that our efforts have been met with significant success, particularly with the recent recognition we received from the Los Angeles Times. Last month, the Times featured an article highlighting several students from Gabriella Charter School who were awarded full scholarships to attend our Conservatory.”

This year, over $37,500 in full scholarships were awarded to attend the Summer Arts Conservatory. They have also succeeded in their goal of serving as a significant annual donor to LACHSA, providing sustaining donations each year and joining other donors of the Ovation Guild.

Reflecting on this extensive involvement with LACHSA, she added, “I can affirm that LACHSA has profoundly shaped my life and career. Over the years, I have forged many lifelong friendships through LACHSA. My time at the school was instrumental in guiding me toward a career as an arts educator. Being immersed in such a dynamic and creative environment was invaluable for nurturing my artistic abilities. Now, as I support the next generation of artists, I am constantly reminded of the formative experiences I had at LACHSA and am deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their growth.”

LACHSA Foundation is deeply grateful to Madison for all the support she gives to the #1 arts high school in the nation. If you would like to join Madison and other supporters who help give LACHSA’s future artists a transformative experience, please use the donate button on the top of this page.