Welcome to the dazzling, dramatic, and downright delightful world of California! Picture a state where the sun has a perpetual playdate with the Pacific, the trees stand tall as if strutting on stilts, and the bear on the flag gets up to all sorts of shenanigans when no one is looking. This is the land where magic leaps off the pages of scripts and lands on stages, and where kids are the stars of the show. Meet the California Drama Kids - an ebullient bunch of pint-sized performers whose infectious enthusiasm could outshine any Hollywood Walk of Fame star. Whether they're in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or somewhere in between, they all share one thing in common - a love for theater that's as deep as the Pacific Ocean itself. Now, let me introduce you to their whimsical mentor, Sir Applause-a-Lot. He sports a majestic mustache that could challenge any broomstick, a top hat with a personality of its own, and a pair of twinkling spectacles that seem to have an entire galaxy trapped inside them. He has a hearty laugh that sounds like a trumpet and a tiptoe that would put a cat burglar to shame. Sir Applause-a-Lot guides our brave actors through their lines, their moves, and their nerves, transforming them into whatever their hearts desire: gallant knights, crafty wizards, or even chattering squirrels. No matter how far-fetched or absurd, there's no limit to what they can become. Their performances are filled with giggles, gaffes, and grandeur that would make even the grumpiest of grizzly bears grin. So, if you ever spot a bunch of kids in California, gesticulating wildly and talking in funny accents, don't be surprised! They're just practicing to steal the spotlight on the stage, under the watchful, twinkling eyes of Sir Applause-a-Lot.
Read morebest theater-drama programs in Oakland, CA


DEBUT Creative Center & Theater-Studio is a dual-language (English–Russian) program where kids explore creativity, confidence, and self-expression. From theater and dance to fencing and stage performance, children can try new activities and discover their unique talents. Small class sizes let instructors give each child personalized attention, helping them feel comfortable, supported, and confident as they learn. Kids build artistic skills while also developing social confidence, teamwork, and poise on stage and in everyday life. Our programs celebrate each child’s individuality, combining fun, hands-on experiences with a focus on personal growth—all while keeping Russian language and culture an important part of the curriculum.


At UAC, we believe that summer camp should be a meaningful and unique experience. Children are free to explore and discover in a safe and stimulating environment. Our programs take children on educational field trips to the best museums, science centers and parks in the Bay Area. Qualified instructors with subject knowledge and experience working with children lead our programs, providing an in-depth source of information for students. We strive to create a summer camp experience that will be both fun and educational, giving your child an opportunity to follow their own interests and discover new ones.


Kids ‘N Dance ‘N Theater Arts has been a part of Bay Area culture since 1996. What started out as a small dance studio in Lafayette has now evolved to become On Stage, a program that offers a wide range of activities from dance to musical theater to circus arts. With the opening of our large facility in Oakland, we are now able to offer an even broader range of programming for children. Our founder, Kris Mueller, has a passion for inspiring students. Our instructors, curriculum and approach to teaching help students to express their creativity and build their self-esteem. We believe that children should be encouraged to explore their talents by engaging in activities that are both fun and educational. We strive to create experiences that bring out the best in each student.


Parents, have you been searching for a way to get your children engaged in the performing arts? Look no further than our award-winning productions and stories, which are designed to capture the imaginations of children of all ages. Our after school and weekend classes, as well as our summer camps, provide kids with an opportunity to express themselves while building their performing arts skills. We also provide free arts education classes and lesson plans, which are designed to help children develop their creative thinking and social emotional learning. Our ultimate goal is to reach every child in the San Francisco Bay Area with theatre by the time they finish 5th grade. With our award-winning performances and stories, we can help your child unleash their imagination and gain invaluable performing arts skills.


At Linda Dorsey School of the Arts (LDSOA), we strive to provide an environment that nurtures the intellectual, emotional, character, and social development of our students. Our experienced faculty of instructors are passionate about teaching the performing arts, and use it to build confidence, self-esteem, and teamwork in our students. We offer a variety of classes in dance, acting, singing, and performance. LDSOA is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization founded in Teaneck, NJ in 1998, and now located in Oakland, CA at 3700 E. 12 Street. We are proud to share space with Kuida Te Fitness Center, and are committed to providing fun and engaging performing arts education to children and adults alike. With our unique approach, we hope to help students develop the skills and discipline to succeed in their future endeavors.