San Diego Youth Theatre - Find childrens musical theatre groups in the San Diego area

Below is a list of all children’s theatre companies located in the San Diego area including, but not limited to, Escondido, Vista, San Marcos, Santee, Bonita, Carlsbad, Oceanside, La Jolla, Rancho Bernardo, Poway, Temecula, and Rancho Santa Fe.

TEENS AND KIDS MUSICAL THEATER AUDITIONS

San Diego Youth Theatres

Actors’ Conservatory Theatre (ACT)
Website: http://actsandiego.com/
Location: San Diego
Single/Multiple Casts: TBD
Parent Volunteering: TBD

ACT – San Diego is a nonprofit youth theatre company in San Diego whose mission is to provide educational and artistic opportunities for young artists to perform, act, and learn the art of stagecraft in a highly professional environment. ACT – San Diego produces youth theatre productions of the highest quality to be found in San Diego. ACT is a San Diego kids theatre company.

Broadway Theatre Arts Academy (BTAA)
Website: http://www.btaakids.org/
Location: Escondido, CA 92033
Single/Multiple Casts: Multiple
Parent Volunteering: Required
Tuition: Yes
Ages: 5-19

Founded in 2002, Broadway Theatre Arts Academy has been striving to provide theatrical opportunities to kids age 5-19 years old. Our programs provide children and teens a safe place to grow and explore their creativity, instill confidence and build self-esteem through the magic of performing arts. BTAA offers all of this to children regardless of gender, religion, ethnic background, sexual orientation and economic status. In fact, we offer opportunities to low income and at risk youth through scholarship and outreach programs that would not normally be able to afford this type of program. BTAA is an Escondido kids theatre company.

The Blue Rose Theatre Project
Website: http://www.bluerosetheatreproject.org/
Location: 141 S Rancho Santa Fe Rd, Encinitas, CA 92024
Single/Multiple Casts: TBD
Parent Volunteering: TBD
Tuition: TBD
Ages: TBD

The Blue Rose Theatre Project was founded to give youth a fun and safe place to encourage their sense of self, and to give them the tools they need to communicate effectively throughout their lives.

California Youth Conservatory (CYC)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/CYCTheatre/
Locations: (see below)
Single/Multiple Casts: Single
Parent Volunteering: TBD

CYC Theatre pioneered the trend-setting model of pairing aspiring young performers with seasoned professional performers who serve as mentors for the student performers. This mentor-based training model has served CYC’s students very well as many of them have gone on to professional careers at very young ages. In its 11 short years of programming, CYC has already sent three of its ‘native sons’ to Broadway, and is celebrating the third CYC alumnus to appear on “American Idol.” CYC is a San Diego and Santee kids theatre company.

CYC CVREC (Carmel Valley Rec Center)
3777 Townsgate Dr. San Diego, 92130

CYC KMREC (Kearney Mesa Rec Center)
3170 Armstrong St, San Diego, CA 92111

CYC TIERRA (Tierrasanta Rec Center)
11220 Clairemont Mesa Dr. San Diego 92124

CYC SANTEE (CYC’s Facility)
8711 N. Magnolia Dr, Suite 200, Santee 92017

Carlsbad Community Theatre
Website: http://www.carlsbadcommunitytheatre.com/
Location: 2956 Corte Diana, Carlsbad, CA 92009
Single/Multiple Casts: Mostly Single
Parent Volunteering: Optional
Tuition: Yes

The Patrons of the Arts Foundation, operating as Carlsbad Community Theatre, provides opportunities for North County San Diego residents of all ages to participate in high quality performing and visual activities. Our goals are to promote the arts by: providing year-round cultural events at affordable prices, developing a strong sense of community support for the Carlsbad Community Arts Center and its activities, developing a broad base of financial support. Carlsbad Community Theatre is a Carlsbad kids theatre company.

Center Stage Children’s Theater
Website: http://www.centerstagechildrenstheater.org/
Location: 4070 Jackdaw Street, San Diego, CA 92103
Single/Multiple Casts: Single
Parent Volunteering: Required
Tuition: Yes
Ages: 2nd-8th Grade performers; 3rd-12th Grade Crew

Center Stage Children’s Theatre is rooted in the basic principles and core values that helped shape Pacific Children’s Theater (PCT), founded by Graham Russo in 2005 and which thrived for 9 years. After working along side Graham for six of those years, Rosy Dawn Selwitz has continued that spirit through her own non-profit children’s theater, CSCT. In January of 2015, Center Stage Children’s Theatre successfully achieved non-profit status. Applying the foundational principles that PCT was built on, Center Stage Children’s Theater continues to bring high quality performing arts education to children who might not otherwise get the opportunity to experience the arts. Our philosophy sets us apart from other children’s theatre groups – we believe that we can use the performing arts to teach life skills to children. We are guided by the following core values: Personal Best, Teamwork, and Performing Arts. Center Stage Children’s Theater is a San Diego kids theater company.

Center Stage Productions
Website: http://www.centerstagesd.com/
Location: 335 E Pennsylvania Ave, Escondido, CA 92025
Single/Multiple Casts: Multiple
Parent Volunteering: Optional (volunteer or pay a little more to opt out)
Tuition: Yes
Ages: Generally 7-18

Center Stage Productions (CSP) is a non-profit youth theater company providing a wide range of classes and production opportunities for kids to express themselves creatively in a fun and professional stage environment. Our growing dance program encompasses classes for kids two through adult including: ballet, tap, hip hop and musical theater dance. Center Stage Productions is an Escondido kids theatre company.

Christian Youth Theater (CYT)
Website: http://www.cytsandiego.org/
Locations: (see below)
Single/Multiple Casts: Single
Parent Volunteering: Required
Tuition: Yes
Ages: 8-18

Christian Youth Theater (CYT) is an after-school theater arts training program for students ages 4 – 18. Since its founding in 1981 in San Diego California, CYT has grown to be the largest youth theater in the nation. There are affiliates across the country training thousands of students a year. CYT is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization funded primarily through its tuition, ticket sales and outside contributions. CYT is a San Diego area kids theatre company.

South County
Sweetwater Community Church, 5305 Sweetwater Rd, Bonita, CA 91902

San Diego East County
San Diego Performing Arts Center, 4579 Mission Gorge Place, San Diego, CA 92120

San Diego Central
Correia Middle School, 4302 Valeta St. San Diego, CA 92107

North County Inland
Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church, 17010 Pomerado Rd, San Diego, CA 92128

Tri City
Carlsbad Community Church, 3175 Harding St, Carlsbad, CA 92010

North County Coastal
Horizon Prep, 6233 El Apajo Road, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

Community Players Theatre
Website: http://www.clcfamily.org/theatre/
Location: 3575 E Valley Pkwy, Escondido, California 92027
Single/Multiple Casts: TBD
Parent TBD
Ages: TBD

Community Players Theatre was started as a way of allowing Community Lutheran Church members and non-members to share their gifts in the performing arts. CPT offers a place for performing, creativity and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Its community has flourished and grown in a short time but their goals haven’t changed: they are here to share performing arts with their community, and wish to extend a hand to anyone in their area to get involved and share their gifts.

Groundworks Theatre Arts
Website: www.groundworkstheatrearts.com
Location: 14781 Pomerado Rd. #184, Poway, CA 92064
Single/Multiple Casts: TBD
Parent Volunteering: TBD
Ages: Youth

Groundworks Theatre Arts trains artists for a solid foundation in theatre by developing core skills, enriching drama education, and encouraging exploration of stories. We believe fervently that stories connect people and promote understanding. It is our goal for our students to use these skills to find their own voice so they may impact their communities in whatever medium they pursue.

JCompany Youth Theatre
Website: www.jcompanysd.org
Location: 4126 Executive Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037
Single/Multiple Casts: Single
Parent Volunteering: Required (varied levels of volunteer opportunities)
Ages: 4-7 (junior productions) and 7-19 (all other productions)

JCompany Youth Theatre is a nationally recognized, award winning youth theater program of the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS in La Jolla, California. Guided and inspired by seasoned professionals in the theatre industry, and led by Artistic Director Joey Landwehr, JCompany Youth Theatre provides performing arts opportunities to children and teens, ages 4 through 19, regardless of gender, religion, ethnic background, sexual orientation or economic status. In a safe and nurturing environment, JCompany young artists explore the magic of theatre as they train and develop their creative potential, while building confidence and self-esteem. JCompany Youth Theatre also offers scholarship and outreach opportunities making JCompany’s award winning theater productions and programming affordable for all San Diego youth. JCompany is a La Jolla kids theatre company.

Kids Theatre Network (KTN)
Website: http://www.kidstheatre.org/
Location: 11688 Carmel Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92128
Single/Multiple Casts: TBD
Parent Volunteering: TBD
Tuition: Yes (plus mandatory ticket sales)

The mission of KIDS THEATRE NETWORK is to develop each student’s talents, creativity, individuality, and artistic expression through the craft of musical theatre, vocal, dramatic, and dance performance. The teaching atmosphere at KIDS THEATRE NETWORK is inspiring, encouraging, positive, and disciplined. KTN is a Rancho Penasquitos & Rancho Bernardo kids theater company.

Luminary Arts
Website: http://www.luminaryarts.org
Location: Escondido
Single/Multiple Casts: TBD
Parent Volunteering: TBD
Tuition: TBD

We are a dedicated group of professionally trained teaching artists. Let us use drama to bring your curriculum to life. We can design a program for either during or after school to fit the needs of your students. Students can dig deeply into classical texts or think critically while creating their own texts based on your other content standards. Through our dynamic lessons students use their creativity to explore communication from playwrights and performers. There is no more collaborative endeavor than theatre. Luminary Arts can help your students gain skills to use throughout their lives.

In the arts, students practice the Four C’s in a safe and engaging environment. They build social-emotional competence and self-regulation. There are moments in the school day where every child should feel successful and should also feel a safe struggle. The arts can be a place where the student who does not typically do well in school can shine. Just as importantly, the arts can give the typically successful student a chance to have to struggle at something new and challenging. By offering all disciplines we have the chance to expose children to something they may not thought they would be good at or enjoy. We received boundless praise from teachers, students, and parents talking about the impact and level of engagement witnessed in the students. Study after study have shown the value of arts instruction in supporting educating the whole child. It is something that always ranks high on parent and student interest surveys.

MET2
Website: http://www.met2.org
Location: Poway
Single/Multiple Casts: Multiple
Parent Volunteering: Mandatory
Tuition: Yes

Metropolitan Educational Theatre Network (MET2) is a non-profit educational organization committed to providing young people with the unique opportunity to be active participants in the dramatic process as actors, singers, and dancers.

The program is distinct from adult theatre in motivation, presentation, and interpretation. It grows out of a desire to delight and instruct in beneficial ways that strive to enhance a child’s view of self and his or her ability to relate effectively to others. The instruction is based on a thorough understanding of the child’s mind, emotions, and the mastery of techniques which seek to give each student positive and unforgettable experiences.

Mini Theatre Troupe (MTT)
Website: http://www.minitheatretroupe.com
Location: (multiple – see below)
Single/Multiple Casts: TBD
Parent Volunteering: Optional

Your child can learn by leaps and bounds if given the opportunity. Theatre can build their self esteem, teach teamwork, and develop their creativity. At MTT, kids are taught what it means to act. They get singing lessons, acting improv games, and lots of theatrical dances to memorize. Everyone gets lines as we reassign lines in the script to make sure that every role is important. Everyone sings and dances in everyone’s songs. Everyone is on stage at least 80% of the show.

Poway
Twin Peaks Middle School’s Little Theatre
14640 Tierra Bonita Rd. Poway, CA 92064

4S Ranch
ICL Academy
10720 Thornmint Rd., San Diego, CA 92127

Rancho Penasquitos
Academy of Dance Arts
13185 Black Mountain Road, San Diego, CA 92129

Moonlight Youth Theatre
Website: http://www.moonlightfoundation.com/
Location: 1400 Vale Terrace Dr, Vista, CA 92084
Single/Multiple Casts: Single
Parent Volunteering: Required

Moonlight Youth Theatre is program of the Moonlight Cultural Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Moonlight Youth Theatre is dedicated to providing high-quality, professional theatrical training for young people ages 7 to 18. Each year we help hundreds of aspiring young actors pursue their dreams by producing stage productions and theatrical workshops. Moonlight is a Vista kids theatre company.

Oceanside Theatre Company
Website: http://www.oceansidetheatre.org/
Location: 217 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054
Multiple Casts: TBD
Parent Volunteering: TBD

The Oceanside Theatre Company’s mission is to create professional quality theatre for a vibrant and diverse population. OTC will strive to reach a wide audience base and encourage and improve artistic growth in the community by producing a broad repertoire of theatre, giving local theatre artists creative opportunities and offering educational theatre and outreach programs. Oceanside Theatre Company is an Oceanside kids theater company.

Ovation Theatre
Website: https://www.ovationtheatre.org/
Location: PO Box 235395, Encinitas, CA 92023
Multiple Casts: TBD
Parent Volunteering: TBD

Ovation Theatre, a 501(c)(3) based in Encinitas, serves the greater North County, San Diego area and prides itself on promoting professional quality youth and adult theatre within the community. Ovation Theatre is an award-winning studio and production company where students of all ages, levels, and abilities can stretch their wings, hone their skills, and become comfortable in the world of theater arts. Ovation Theatre with NCSA has won numerous awards from National Youth Arts in the past seven years including: Outstanding Production for Matilda (2020), Crazy For You (2019,) The Music Man (2017), and Peter Pan; Best Direction for Matilda (2020), Crazy For You (2019), and Into The Woods (2016); and other awards for musical direction, choreography, and outstanding ensembles. Their cast members have also garnered many Best Actor, Actress, and Artist of the Year awards.

Patio Playhouse
Website: http://www.patioplayhouse.com/
Location: 116 S Kalmia St, Escondido, CA 92025
Single/Multiple Casts: Both
Parent Volunteering: Optional
Tuition: NONE

Patio Playhouse was incorporated in November of 1967 to establish a theatre group for theatrical arts education and presentation. For over four decades, we’ve been building a community of playgoers and participants by providing affordable, quality entertainment and opportunities for people to take part in the production of award-winning shows. We provide a venue where people from school age to seniors can participate in live drama, learn new skills, and enrich the quality of life in the community. Our Youtheatre introduces live theatre to school children by providing school performances. We want to keep participation affordable and open to all in the community so, unlike some other theatres, we don’t require audition or performance fees. We have no salaried employees. All aspects of productions and theatrical management are performed by volunteers. Patio Playhouse is an Escondido kids theatre company.

Pickwick Players
Website: http://www.pickwickplayers.net/
Location: 9490 Cuyamaca Street, Santee, CA 92071
Single/Multiple Casts: Usually single casts
Parent Volunteering: Optional
Tuition: NONE

Formed in 2010, Pickwick Players brings affordable, high quality Community Theater productions and classes to communities in the San Diego area. Pickwick Players is an educational theatre utilizing both adults and children with varying degrees of knowledge and experience. Participation in our productions is always free. Participants will gain knowledge in all aspects of the theatrical process including, stage terminology, character analysis, backstage training, vocal development, historical relevance, and personal responsibility. In addition, we offer affordable classes in the areas of acting, dance, and voice taught by qualified and experienced artists in a professional setting. Pickwick Players is a Santee adult & kids theatre company.

San Diego Junior Theatre
Website: http://juniortheatre.com/
Location: 1650 El Prado #208, San Diego, CA 92101
Single/Multiple Casts: TBD
Parent Volunteering: TBD
Ages: 8-18

San Diego Junior Theatre provides engaging, innovative, high-quality theatre education and productions for children of all cultural heritages, ages, abilities and levels of interest. Educational programs and productions are made possible in part by show ticket sales, class and camp registrations, and public contributions. Major funding is provided by the City of San Diego, the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture, the County of San Diego, and the San Diego Junior Theatre Auxiliary.

Star Theatre Company
Website: http://www.startheatreco.com/
Location: 402 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054
Single/Multiple Casts: Sometimes will double cast leads
Parent Volunteering: Optional (volunteer or pay a little more to opt out)

The Star Theatre Company is a community based non-profit theatre that has become the desired performing space of many local theatre companies in the Southern California district. We provide affordable solutions to showcase: music, drama, concerts, lectures, and the visual arts. Star Theatre Company is an Oceanside kids theatre company. (The Star Theatre Company is not affiliated with the STAR Repertory Theatre.)

Temecula Valley Players
Website: http://www.temeculavalleyplayers.com/
Location: 42051 Main Street, Temecula, CA 92590
Single/Multiple Casts: Single
Parent Volunteering: Optional
Ages: 4+
Tuition: NONE

The Temecula Valley Players have been entertaining the Temecula Valley for over 30 years. Since it opened in 2005, TVP has been a resident theater company at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater. Temecula Valley Players is a Temecula adult & kids theater company.

The 413 Project
Website: https://www.413rep.org
Location: Escondido, CA
Single/Multiple Casts: Single
Parent Volunteering: TBD
Ages: TBD
Tuition: TBD

The 413 project is a non-for-profit theater group established circa 2013, in beautiful San Diego County, California. We are a group of people who love the stage and the comraderie it brings. Our group is composed of all ages and backgrounds, and seeks to provide a organization where friendships can be made, and stories can be told.

All of our actors and production staff are volunteers who donate their professional time and talents out of a love for the theater ,and the joy that it brings to the community. Whether onstage or off, we welcome you as a actor, donor or volunteer. Our number one goal is always to provide a place and appreciation for everyone who joins our “theater family.”

Theatre Arts School of San Diego
Website: http://www.theatreartssd.org
Location: 2650 Truxtun Road, Studio 203/205, San Diego, CA 92106
Single/Multiple Casts: TBD
Parent Volunteering: TBD
Ages: 8-18
Tuition: Yes

The mission of Theatre Arts School of San Diego is to teach the cornerstones of theatrical technique and training in a non-competitive environment in which the individual creative potential of each student is encouraged and equally balanced with his/her collaboration with the group. We provide a solid foundation in the theatre arts where the focus is not only on the final product, but the process of artistic learning. Theatre Arts School of San Diego provides a SAFE and SUPPORTIVE environment in which students can learn, explore, develop, and thrive.

Theatre School @ North Coast Repertory
Website: http://northcoastreptheatreschool.org/
Location: 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach, CA 92075
Single/Multiple Casts: Typically Single
Parent Volunteering: Optional
Ages: 10-19
Tuition: Yes (selling tickets is optional)

The Theatre School @ North Coast Rep encourages young people to explore the adventures of live performance so they can further understand and appreciate it as an art form. With this foundation, we are dedicated to educating future theatre professionals in the highest standards of the most essential elements of theatre, and inspiring students to become lifelong theatre supporters. Our Theatre School offers students the skills and confidence they need to excel in any profession.

The Ritz Theater Company
Website: https://www.theritzescondido.org/
Location: The Grand, 301 East Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025
Single/Multiple Casts: TBD
Parent Volunteering: TBD
Tuition: Yes

RTC provides quality performing arts experience for kids of all ages in a healthy Christian environment. We are committed to the highest ethical, moral, technical, and artistic standards of excellence. Instructors are professionals, qualified in teaching and/or performing, who understand our mission statement, values, objectives, and goals.

Vista’s Broadway Theatre
Website: http://www.broadwayvista.biz/
Location: 340 E Broadway, Vista, CA 92084
Single/Multiple Casts: Single
Parent Volunteering: None
Tuition: Yes (plus mandatory ticket sales)

It all began, 25 years ago, with a six week, Saturday only, workshop….The same format we still use today. Since that time, we have expanded the workshops to include 8 youth shows a year; 6 Summer Drama Camps, and our October extravaganza on the Moonlight Amphitheatre Stage. The ages of the kids in our youth shows range from 7 to 17 years. Vista’s Broadway Theatre is a Vista kids theater company. In addition to our youth/teen shows at the Broadway we will be staging two shows a year on the San Marcos Community Center Stage. The shows will rehearse at the Broadway Theater and perform on the Hearth Theater Stage in San Marcos.

Young Actors’ Theatre
Website: http://www.yatsandiego.org
Location: 9620 Campo Rd., Spring Valley, CA 91977
Single/Multiple Casts: Multiple
Parent Volunteering: TBD
Ages: 6-26
Tuition: Yes

To provide a life-changing theatrical experience in a positive environment. Established in 2002, it has been over fourteen years since Young Actors’ Theatre was founded as a non-profit organization. Since that time, we have produced nearly 70 different productions serving over 1,000 students throughout San Diego. We have produced musicals all over San Diego County including Sherwood Auditorium in La Jolla, Lyceum Theatre, Kroc Theatre and Cuyamaca Theater at Cuyamaca College. In 2008, we acquired our own theater and since have been able to produce the majority of our productions there. With support from our community, patrons and donors, our company has grown tremendously, allowing us to provide life-changing theater experiences for hundreds of youth and students ages 6 – 26.