Children's Summer Theatre in California

Are you looking for a fun activity for your child this summer? One that will provide them with learning opportunities, encourage creativity and make sure they have fun? Perhaps you should consider enrolling your child in a summer theatre camp. Many such youth theatre groups exist across America. Here in the state of California alone, summer theater workshops and summer theatre camps can be found in just about any locality. Several have scholarship and financial aid available.

The Children's Musical Theatre San Jose in the south San Francisco Bay Area provides a great summer environment for children from pre-Kindergarten to grade 12. They work in four age groups broken down into grades being entered in the coming fall -- Tiny Tots pre-K and Kindergarten, Junior Talents grades 1-2, Rising Stars, grades 4-6 and Mainstage grades 7-12. They offer extended childcare at the campsite. discounted to 50% if you pre-register. Unlike some children's theatre programs, CMT does not require auditions. The children receive training in dance, voice, and acting. It all ends with a grand performance at the end of classes! Food is not provided at CMT. For further information on Children's Musical Theatre San Jose, you may call 408-288-5437 or visit online:

http://www.cmtsj.org

The Palo Alto Children's Theatre is known for its expertise in training children not only in theatre skills but also in arts appreciation and teamwork. Ages included in the Children's Theatre range from four to 24. Along with a professional staff, Palo Alto Children's Theatre employs volunteers and also keeps high schoolers busy in a leadership group role.

For complete information on Palo Alto Children's Theatre, please call 650-463-4930, or you can visit online by clicking here:

http://www.pafd.org

If you reside in the Santa Barbara area, you may want to check out the Youth Educational Programs at Boxtales Theatre Company. This group is highly respected in the field for its focus on multicultural experience. Boxtales recently received a prestigious nomination from Young Audiences of America for having the "Best Youth Program in America." Their training goes far beyond the basic, offering classes in mime, acrobatics, traditional storytelling, and cultural forms such as Shadow Theatre, Noh and Kabuki. Another unique program that may draw your interest at Boxtales is a Circus Camp, and this may be ideal for a more active child. This camp teaches acrobatics, juggling, clowning, unicycling, and more! Boxtale offers extraordinary training, especially for youngsters interested in entering professional entertainment.

Find out more detail about Boxtales by phoning 805-565-9135, or you can click the link to visit online:

http://www.boxtales.org/

Peninsula Youth Theater in Mountain View also offers great opportunities for kids 7-18. This theater group does require a simple audition consisting of a short monologue and some music for a brief dance, but PYT promises that all who audition will be cast. They do not require previous experience. There is also an expectation of parental volunteer hours here. For further information, call 650-988-8798 or visit their website here:

http://www.pytnet.org

MYART, Musical Youth Artists' Repertory Theatre, serves the Long Beach area. Scholarships and payment plans are available at MYART, which prides itself on finding a way to include everyone. They are a non-profit organization based on community oriented goals. Therefore, this group features a variety of community outreach experiences, including performances called "Field Trips" to schools, nursing homes, and other facilities. MYART provides show tickets for low-income families. At the same time, they instill self-confidence in the children and provide expert training in theatre arts.The program welcomes participants ages kindergarten to college age.

Click the following link for more details on MYART, or call them at 800-400-2985.

http://www.myart.org/

The theatres listed above are just a small sampling of organizations where your child may participate in youth theatre. What a great opportunity to get your child active this summer!