CREATIVE SPACES:
Keeping Kids Inspired
After-School Performing Arts Enrichment
Upcoming 2024-2025 School Year Programs
Spotlight Sessions
Oakland
October 2 - 16, 2024
Wednesdays 2:00 - 6:00 pm
Alameda
October 1 - 22, 2024
Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:15 - 5:45 pm
A fun introductory, drop-in program so kids can see what Mr. D's Music Club and The Creative Spaces is all about!
Meet Mr. D, the Teaching Artist, make new friends, and have fun while participating in engaging and creative activities. Each day of the Spotlight Sessions is different and includes activities like singing, music appreciation, improv games, acting, choreography, dancing, rhythm and drumming, ear training, and more!
Kids are welcome to take as many Spotlight Sessions as they would like!
Winter Pantomime
British Inspired, Kid Produced
Oakland Uptown
November 6 - December 18, 2024
Wednesdays 2:00 - 6:00 pm
Alameda
November 5 - December 19, 2024
Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:15 - 5:45 pm
Come and join us this winter for an exciting adventure in the world of pantomimes. Our pantomime is based on the age-old British tradition Mr. D grew up with in England. As a young boy, he eagerly awaited the holiday season to attend the local pantomime. So, we decided to create our unique pantomime to keep the tradition alive, but with Mr. D's Music Club twist, of course. Our pantomime will be funny yet appropriate, celebrating the winter season and providing many opportunities for singing, acting, dancing, and art. The experience will conclude with a lively production for friends and family.
Pantomimes are always a bit wild and hectic in the best way, but given that we are creating, producing, and performing ours in six weeks, expect a fun, interactive, and slightly funky show (just how we like it!). At Mr. D's, we do not aim for perfection - just tons of FUN!
Includes original script, choreography, fun songs to sing, and a great art project to decorate the stage.
We always build in time to socialize and make new friends, as that's what Mr. D's Music Club is all about!
Oh no, you didn't? Oh yes, we did!!
The CREATIVE SPACES
Oakland
January 8 - March 26, 2025
Wednesdays 2:00 - 6:00 pm
Alameda
January 7 - March 27, 2025
Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:15 - 5:45 pm
Creative Spaces is a performing arts enrichment program for 8 - 12 year olds. In it, kids explore the performing arts as they discover their creative interests, learn techniques, foster a love for creativity, and build an artistic foundation to further their arts education in the areas they find inspiration.
Throughout the program, kids participate in singing, acting, dancing, and art. As the art forms rotate, kids prepare for a showcase for friends and family. We pace the program to be fun, engaging, and educational, but it never feels like school. Teaching artists incorporate creative techniques across the program so kids walk away with improved skills, newfound knowledge, and ever-increasing confidence as they try new things and take artistic risks. As time allows, we also bring in dynamic content weekly so kids experience the art forms in refreshing ways that open their minds to creativity.
The art forms in the Creative Spaces include Singing, Acting, and Dancing. We explore these arts through various activities, including music appreciation, rhythm, drumming, vocal training, movement, choreography, improv, character development, singing, acting, dancing, and creating!
Mr. D's Music Club first developed the Creative Spaces during the pandemic to help kids access the creative arts during the year of online education. Over the last year, we have redeveloped the program for an in-person experience so kids can once again access the arts, explore their artistic interests, and find the creative outlets that inspire them.
The Creative Spaces is for kids 8 - 12 years old.*
NO EXPERIENCE OR FORMAL TRAINING NECESSARY!
Monthly payment & Installment plans are available, plus custom plans if needed.
*We are always happy to speak with parents about younger or older children attending our programs. Please reach out to us if you'd like to chat.
Trial Classes
Available January 2025 in Oakland, CA & Alameda, CA
Attending a Trial Class is a great way to experience The Creative Spaces before committing to the program. In a Trial Class, kids will attend the weekly program and participate in two art forms (singing, acting, dancing, or art). They will also meet Mr. D, the Teaching Artists, and the other kids attending the program. Before you know it, your child will be laughing, making new friends, and getting creative!
After your child attends a Trial Class, we will credit the cost of the class to your account. Credits do not expire and will automatically apply to your next registration.
Trial Classes are for kids new to The Creative Spaces. You are welcome to take a trial class if you have attended camp or other enrichment programs. Trial Classes cannot be repeated.
Space is limited!
Spring Fling
Creative Vision Comes to Life
Oakland Uptown
April 17 - May 21, 2025
Wednesdays 2:00 - 6:00 pm
Alameda
April 16 - May 22, 2025
Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:15 - 5:45 pm
The Spring Fling is a unique and dynamic performing arts program inspired by the kids' vision and brought to life by our talented Teaching Artists. Over six weeks, kids will work together and collaborate with the Teaching Artists to create a show that reflects their creative passions. As always at Mr. D's Music Club, this will be a group effort where every child shines. Part of the process and fun will be for kids to share the stage, celebrate and support their peers, and have fun creating something together!
This program integrates all art forms—singing, acting, and dancing—in imaginative ways, culminating in a final performance for friends and family at the end of the program.
The Spring Fling at Mr. D's is a specialized program that thrives on full participation from everyone involved. We can't wait to see the amazing show the kids will create!
Combo Programs
Combine Programs and Save!
Combine the Fall Creative Spaces & Winter Pantomime for a 16-week Fall semester or the Winter Creative Spaces & Spring Fling for an 18-week Spring semester and enjoy diverse programs throughout the school year. Select this option during registration to save on the longer-duration options.
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Playing acting and improv games at The Creative Spaces.
frequently asked questions
How do the Creative Spaces differ from Mr. D’s Music Club Arts & Music Summer Camp?
Mr. D's Music Club Arts & Music Summer Camp is a fast-paced, high-energy experience where kids create an entire performance in just one week, including singing, acting, dancing, and an art gallery showcase. It’s a fun and intensive camp designed to provide a full creative experience in a short period of time.
In contrast, The Creative Spaces after-school program offers a more gradual and immersive approach. Running year-round in Oakland and Alameda, this program helps children develop a deeper artistic foundation by exploring performing arts at a more relaxed pace. Through activities in acting, singing, and dancing, kids can continuously build their skills and confidence without the rush of a camp setting. We aim to foster creativity in a supportive environment, allowing children to develop artistically through hands-on learning and active participation from day one.
How are the Creative Spaces and Mr. D's Music Club Arts & Music Summer Camp similar?
Both The Creative Spaces after-school program and Mr. D's Music Club Arts & Music Summer Camp share the same core philosophy: ensuring every child is seen, heard, and feels connected. Whether it's through year-round performing arts classes in Oakland and Alameda or an intensive week-long summer camp, our talented Teaching Artists focus on helping kids build confidence, take artistic risks, and express their creativity through acting, singing, and dancing. Both programs are designed to create a safe, supportive environment where children can succeed in their artistic challenges.
Why choose The Creative Spaces after-school performing arts program?
In recent years, access to the arts in schools has significantly declined, with many programs disappearing from the school day. At The Creative Spaces after-school program, we believe that the arts are crucial for children’s academic, social, and emotional development. Our program, available in Oakland and Alameda, helps kids build a strong foundation for future success by immersing them in performing arts activities like acting, singing, and dancing. Through hands-on experiences, we encourage children to dive deeper into their artistic interests while developing critical skills like creativity, confidence, and collaboration. Our mission is keeping kids inspired through access to the performing arts.
Is Mr. D's Music Club a traditional performing arts school?
Nope! While traditional performing arts schools emphasize formal techniques and mastering specific art forms, Mr. D’s Music Club offers an alternative approach. We focus on making the arts accessible and fun for kids of all levels. Our program encourages creativity, experimentation, and self-expression, serving a diverse range of students. Rather than striving for perfection, we focus on building confidence, learning techniques through hands-on experiences, and helping kids explore the arts in a supportive environment.
Why do The Creative Spaces programs run multiple hours per week?
The Creative Spaces program is designed to give kids ample time to explore the performing arts in a fun and engaging way. Shorter, 1-hour classes don’t provide enough time for kids to fully immerse themselves in the arts. We can create a comprehensive performing arts education experience by offering longer blocks of time. Kids have the opportunity to think outside the box, build confidence, explore their interests, and develop their talents. The Creative Spaces is an intentional program that inspires kids, giving them the space and time to have fun and learn along the way!
Can I check out The Creative Spaces before signing up?
Yes! We offer Trial Classes for kids new to The Creative Spaces. These sessions are available on a limited basis for each program. After attending a Trial Class, you will receive a credit for the class fee that can be applied toward a future registration. You can register for Trial Classes or the Spotlight Sessions to get a feel for the program before committing.
Is Financial Aid available for The Creative Spaces?
Yes! We offer financial aid for all of our programs. To assist as many families as possible, we typically provide 50% financial aid and flexible payment plans. Financial aid funds are limited for The Creative Spaces, so we encourage you to apply soon!
Why is The Creative Spaces in a new location?
Our previous location changed how they manage their space, so we had to get creative while finding a new home. We are hosting The Creative Spaces in pop-up locations for the 2024-2025 school year until we secure a permanent location. Although we’re sad about relocating, we’re excited to partner with Oakstop, a local business in Oakland, CA, during this transitional year. Oakstop offers event space and co-working spaces in multiple locations, all of which are art galleries, making them the perfect partner for us.
We’re also hosting a pop-up location in Alameda, CA for the school year. This last-minute addition allows us to bring our award-winning program closer to many of our families.
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