CREATIVE SPACES:
Keeping Kids Inspired
After-School Performing Arts Classes
A Program of Creativity and Confidence
Choose 1–5 days/week • 11 weeks + full Saturday Performance Day
Kids build steady arts practice all fall—whatever schedule you choose—then the whole cast takes the stage together.
Singing • Acting • Dance • Art
Guided by professional teaching artists, kids build confidence, friendships, and creativity while preparing for a dynamic and joyful final performance.
One performance, every child shines
A full-Saturday, all-cast production—where the season’s work comes together in one day.
For kids ages 8–12 — open to all kids, no experience required.
The CREATIVE SPACES
A Fresh Take on Performing Arts
Fall 2026 Season - September 14 - December 6, 2026
Spring 2027 Season - February 1 - April 25, 2027
Location: Holy Names High School, Upper Rockridge, Oakland
Welcome to The Creative Spaces
This is more than after-school — it’s a place where kids explore singing, acting, dancing, and visual art in a supportive environment. Every afternoon blends creativity, collaboration, and skill-building without the pressure to be perfect. Kids try new things, take artistic risks, and build confidence along the way.
By the end of each session, students take the stage together in a unique performance that brings their skills and creativity to life.
A Season of Creativity & Growth
Over the 11-week season, students participate in all four art forms through a rotating schedule. Each day of the week offers unique content — for example, students might learn different choreography, rehearse different scenes, or work on a distinct section of a collaborative art project depending on their attendance day. In singing, all students learn full-cast songs, and some groups may also perform a featured song together.
This variety keeps kids engaged while ensuring every group’s contributions shine during the performance — where all the pieces come together on stage.
No Experience Needed - Just Curiosity
Whether your child is brand new to the performing arts or has explored a few classes here and there, they’ll feel right at home here. Our teaching artists introduce new skills in a supportive, step-by-step way that makes learning fun.
Built for Flexibility, Designed for Depth
Families choose 1–5 days per week based on their schedule. The more often a child attends, the more momentum they build — more stage time, collaboration, and creative growth. Every child is part of the final performance in all art forms regardless of how many days they attend.
What makes The Creative Spaces unique:
Singing and music are the thread that connects each program day.
Dancing, acting, and visual art rotate based on the day and teaching artist availability.
Collaborative art projects become part of the set for the final show.
A one-of-a-kind final performance where every child contributes and shares the stage together.
Wednesday Creative Studio (optional)
Wednesdays include an optional extended-day add-on from 2:00–3:30 PM called the Creative Studio.
The Creative Studio introduces elements of theater tech and collaborative production through activities such as:
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Creating stage backdrops and visual elements
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Giving feedback on the play and helping refine ideas
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Exploring songs, sound effects, and lighting concepts
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Creating and organizing props
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Supporting the final performance behind the scenes when not on stage
Activities will vary based on each session’s unique performance, creative direction, and production needs.
The Grand Finale: Special Performance Day
Each session ends with a special event that brings everything together — a full day of rehearsal, celebration, and performance.
The Performance Day includes:
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Dress rehearsals to prepare for and polish the show.
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Pizza party to celebrate with friends.
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Live performance for family and friends that brings the entire season together for the Grand Finale.
Fall 2026 Season
September 14 - December 6, 2026
3:30 - 5:30 pm | Flexible drop-off 3:15 - 3:30 pm
Monday and Wednesday are prorated due to holiday school closures.
No programming over Thanksgiving Week - November 23 - 27, 2026
Monthly payment plans available.
1st month is paid at registration, and the next payment isn't until October 2026!
Financial aid is available
Choose your preferred day(s) for Fall Creative Spaces
Spring 2027 Season
February 1 - April 25, 2027
3:30 - 5:30 pm | Flexible drop-off 3:15 - 3:30 pm
Monday and Friday are prorated due to holiday school closures.
No programming over Spring Break - March 29 - April 2, 2027
Monthly payment plans available.
1st month is paid at registration, and the next payment isn't until March 2027!
Financial aid is available
Choose your preferred day(s) for Spring Creative Spaces
The Creative Spaces Experience — So Much More Than Classes
We’re not just filling an afternoon. We’re creating a space where kids can explore, collaborate, and grow — and where their creativity takes center stage. From first rehearsal to final bow, here’s what’s included in our one-of-a-kind program:
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11 weeks of creativity and growth — singing, acting, dance, and art all woven into the final production.
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Professional teaching artists — experienced performers and creators who encourage kids to take artistic risks in a supportive environment.
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Special Saturday Performance Day — a full day of dress rehearsals, a pizza party, and a live performance for family and friends.
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Original scripts, choreography, and art projects — paired with engaging songs that bring the show to life.
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Consistent small group — the same peers and teachers each week, building friendships and collaboration skills.
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Stress-free approach — our focus is on creativity and confidence, not perfection.
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A one-of-a-kind final show — every child contributes to a joyful, collaborative performance.
Trial Classes
Experience the fun before enrolling
Fall 2026 Trial Classes offered September 14 - 25, 2026
Spring 2027 Trial Classes offered February 1 - 12, 2027
Location: Holy Names High School, Upper Rockridge, Oakland
Curious about The Creative Spaces?
A Trial Class is a great way for your child to experience the program before enrolling. Kids participate fully in the day’s activities and get a true feel for the program.
They’ll meet Teaching Artists and staff, as well as the other kids in the program. Before you know it, your child will be laughing, making new friends, and getting creative!
Your Trial Class is Risk-Free
After attending a Trial Class, the fee is automatically credited toward a future registration. Credits never expire.
Trial Classes are available during our regular 2-hour program, with the option to extend on Wednesdays for the Creative Studio.
Trial Classes are available for the first two weeks of the session only.
A few quick notes:
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Space is limited!
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Trial Classes are for kids who are new to The Creative Spaces.
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Summer camp families are welcome to sign up.
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Trial Classes are one-time only
Register for a Trial Class
frequently asked questions
How is this different from after-school care?
The Creative Spaces is a structured performing arts program — not childcare. Kids explore singing, acting, dance, and art in a creative, supportive environment, with a unique performance at the end of each session.
What if my child has no prior experience?
No problem! Our teaching artists guide students step-by-step, making it fun to try new things and build confidence.
Who can attend The Creative Spaces?
All kids ages 8–12 are welcome — no prior experience needed, and our programs are open to all genders.
What should my child wear/bring?
Loose, comfortable clothing that they can move in — and that’s okay to get paint on during art projects. Closed-toed shoes are required, with tennis shoes preferred.
How early can I drop my child off?
Families may drop off between 3:15–3:30 PM each day. On Wednesdays, students may also arrive between 1:45–2:00 PM if they’re enrolled in The Creative Studio add-on.
Is there a snack break?
We ask that kids eat their snack before they arrive or outside with staff during the flexible drop-off between 3:15–3:30 PM. While there are short breaks during the 2-hour program, they’re meant for quick water or bites, not a formal snack time. Kids attending The Creative Studio extended day will have a snack break.
What does tuition include?
Your tuition includes everything your child needs for the full Creative Spaces experience:
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2 hours of arts each day (optional early drop-off on Wednesdays)
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An original script, custom choreography, and inspired art projects, along with fun, relatable songs to sing.
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Instruction from professional teaching artists in singing, acting, dancing, and art
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A full week of dress rehearsals (all during regular program hours)
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Special Performance Day with run-throughs, a pizza party, and the Big Show
Why is there a production & performance fee?
There is a one-time $45 production & performance fee for each day a child is enrolled in Creative Spaces. This fee helps cover the costs of the final performance, including venue, basic production elements, and materials and supplies needed to bring the show together. The performance fee is non-refundable, is separate from tuition, and ensures we can create a meaningful, well-supported performance experience for all students.
What will my child be doing each week?
The program begins with fun, low-pressure activities in singing, acting, and dance to build skills, confidence, and group connection. As the weeks progress, kids begin learning scenes, choreography, and songs while continuing to explore all three art forms. Rehearsals gradually move onto the stage, where students learn stagecraft such as using risers, moving on stage, and working backstage. Creative art projects are woven throughout the program — students attending 3:30–5:30 create an individual art piece used in the performance, while Wednesday Creative Studio students collaborate on a larger group set-design project and assist with tech, prop creation, and more. The final week focuses on performance run-throughs and preparation, leading into our Special Performance Day.
What happens if we miss a class?
We don’t offer makeups for missed classes, but every student is included in the final performance regardless of absences.
Are there classes on holidays?
No. We follow the school calendar and do not hold classes on holidays or during long breaks. Pricing and content is adjusted accordingly.
How are the performances structured?
Each session ends with a Special Performance Day — a full production that brings the entire 11-week experience to the stage. All students perform together in one cohesive show, with every child’s work woven into a dynamic, collaborative performance for family and friends. There’s plenty of space, so invite as many guests as you like.
How is this different from the summer camps at Mr. D's?
Our summer camps are a creative sprint — high-energy, fast-paced, and packed with as much fun as possible into one week. The Creative Spaces is a season-long journey. Over 11 weeks, we slow things down, explore each art form in more depth, and give kids time to develop their skills and confidence. The same small group works together each week toward a unique, collaborative final performance — something that just isn’t possible in a one-week camp. Both programs are rooted in fun, creativity, and a stress-free approach to performance.
Can my child try out the program?
Yes. During the first two weeks of each session, we offer trial classes. Families receive a credit for the trial class after their attendance. The credit does not expire and will automatically be applied to your next registration.
With the opportunity to be included in a theatrical musical production, my son has cultivated self-awareness, self-confidence, positive self-image, and accountability, which has been super exciting to watch. Witnessing his transformation has been magical and more than we expected and much more than could have been asked for.
~ Sarah J., Emeryville, CA, 2022