About Us

ABOUT: 

Founded in 1932, Palo Alto’s Children’s Theatre is one of the country’s oldest children’s theatres. Funded by the City of Palo Alto, the theatre is housed in the Lucie Stern Community Center. The theatre produces annually a variety of family-oriented entertainment with support from the non-profit organization Friends of Palo Alto Children’s Theatre.  Palo Alto Children’s Theatre is a leader in presenting theatre by children for children and families.

Mission Statement:

Palo Alto Children’s Theatre exists to nurture the intellectual, artistic, and personal development of children and youth through multi-arts education, performing opportunities, and extraordinary theatre experiences. We believe process and product are of equal importance and aim to create excellent theatre for young audiences. Through multi-arts education, Children’s Theatre develops lifelong skills such as critical and creative thinking, cooperation, and aesthetic sensitivity.

A theatre and a school, Children's Theatre provides classes and programming designed to further learning experiences for children and youth. This invaluable teaching tool develops skills and provides an excellent opportunity to develop our participants’ theatrical knowledge.

2010-2011 PROGRAMS OFFERED

Mainstage shows- The Children's Theatre will present six shows on the mainstage in the 2010-2011 Season.  Please call (650) 463-4930 for more show information including dates.  Titles TBA.

Saturday Playhouse- Performed in the Black Box Theatre inside the Magic Castle by the Teen Arts Council Company, the Saturday Playhouse shows are designed for 3 to 6 year olds and their families.  All shows are interactive, with the audience participating in storytelling through sound and movement.  Titles TBA.  Shows performed 9/18, 10/9, 11/13, 1/15, 2/26, 3/26, 4/30, and 5/21, all at 10:30am and 12:30pm.

School Year Season- In the elementary school residency outreach program, chidren experience theatre hands-on at their own school.  Open to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders at participating elementary schools.  Titles TBA.

Teen Arts Council- the Teen Arts Council is a teen-led organization dedicated to giving students a voice through all forms of creative self-expression.  Through leadership and community service, high school students can express their opinion and have an active role in the community.  the Teen Arts Ciuncil also serves as a grant board providing financial assistance to the creative endeavors of teens.  Meetings are Tuesday nights at 6:30pm.  E-mail for more information: teenartscouncil@cityofpaloalto.org.

Fall Classes Offered- Numerous classes in theatre, music, dance, playwriting, and more offered for children ages 3 to 18 years old.  Please contact ej Taylor at (650) 463-4933 for more information.