CREATIVE SPACES:
Keeping Kids Inspired
After-School Performing Arts Classes
A Season of Creativity and Confidence
Choose 1–4 days/week • 14 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.
Spring Registration Opens
Saturday, November 1, 2025
The CREATIVE SPACES
A Fresh Take on Performing Arts
Next Session:
January 12 - April 25, 2025
More info soon!
Location: Holy Names High School, Upper Rockridge, Oakland
— the same location as our 2025 summer camp. Open to all kids 8 -13.
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, inspiring environment. Every afternoon blends creativity, collaboration, and skill-building, without the pressure to be perfect. Kids take artistic risks, try new things, and discover the joy in their own voice and style.
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 12-week season, every student participates in all four art forms, with a rotating schedule that keeps things fresh. 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, everyone learns full-cast songs as well as pieces tailored to their group.
This variety keeps kids engaged, lets them explore from multiple angles, and ensures every group’s contributions shine during our Special Saturday Performance Day — a celebration where all the pieces come together on stage.
No Experience Needed - Just Curiosity
Whether your child is brand new to the performing arts, is curious and wants to explore what it’s all about, or has attended 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, encourages exploration, and builds confidence
along the way.
Built for Flexibility, Designed for Depth
Families choose 1–4 days per week based on what works best. Programs run
Monday–Friday from 3:30–5:30 PM, with an optional early start on Wednesdays at
2:00 PM for extra creative time, engaging activities, and a snack. Flexible arrival is
available from 3:15–3:30 PM each day, and from 1:45–2:00 PM on Extended
Wednesdays.
The more often a child attends, the more momentum they build — more stage time,
more collaboration, and more chances to develop ideas into something amazing.
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 all the kids share the stage, celebrate their
growth, and shine together.
No matter how often they attend, every child’s contributions are valued — and every voice is part of the final performance.
The Grand Finale: Special Performance Day
Each session ends with a special Saturday event that brings everything together — a full day of rehearsal, celebration, and performance.
The day includes:
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Dress rehearsals to polish the show and prepare for the audience.
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Pizza party to celebrate the hard work and hang with friends.
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Live performance for family and friends, featuring acting, singing, and dancing learned throughout the session.
The performance production is a one-of-a-kind experience for both the kids and the audience. The kids perform singing, acting, and dancing while surrounded by their own creative art projects. The final performance highlights the kids’ artistic endeavors, blending the arts and embracing the fun of performance without the stress of perfection.
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Spots are limited — choose your preferred days.
For kids ages 8–13 — open to all kids, no experience required.
Installment and custom payment plans available.
Financial aid is available
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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12 weeks of creativity and growth — kids explore singing, acting, dance, and art, each woven into the final production.
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Professional teaching artists — experienced performers and creators who inspire 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 fun, 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’s talents come together in a joyful, collaborative performance families will never forget.
Trial Classes
Experience the fun before enrolling
Next Trial Classes:
January 12 - 23, 2025
More info soon!
Location: Holy Names High School, Upper Rockridge, Oakland
— the same location as our 2025 summer camp. Open to all kids 8 -13.
Curious about The Creative Spaces?
A Trial Class is the perfect way for your child to jump into the fun and experience the program before signing up. Kids participate fully in the day’s activities and get a true feel for what we do.
They’ll meet Mr. D, our Teaching Artists, and 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
The full amount is credited to your account and automatically applied to your next registration.
Credits never expire, so you can choose the session that works best for your family.
Trial Classes are available during our regular 2-hour program, with the
option to extend on Wednesdays for early drop-off and additional creative time.
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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If your child has attended summer camp, you’re welcome to sign up.
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Trial Classes are one-time only and cannot be repeated.
Trial Class space is limited - reserve your spot today!
One Trial Class per child
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 8–13 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 Extended Day option.
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. Extended Day attendees receive a snack on Wednesdays.
What will my child be doing each week?
The program begins with fun, low-pressure activities in singing, acting, and dance to build skills and confidence. In week 3, we move rehearsals onto the stage and introduce stagecraft — how to move on stage, use risers, and work backstage. Scripts are handed out in week 4, and choreography and show rehearsals begin. From weeks 5–11, we blend rehearsals in all art forms with creative art projects that become part of our set design. Week 12 is our full dress rehearsal, followed by the Saturday 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.
What is the Wednesday Early Extended Care option?
On Wednesdays, early extended day is offered from 2:00 - 3:30 PM for extra creative time, arts activities, and a snack. Extended day students also prepare a special element for the final performance.
Are there classes on holidays?
No. We follow the school calendar and do not hold classes on holidays or during long breaks. Pricing is adjusted accordingly.
How are the performances structured?
Each session ends with a Saturday Performance Day — a full production that brings the entire 12-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.
Why is there a performance production fee?
The Saturday Performance Day is a highlight of the program, giving students extra time to rehearse, celebrate, and perform in a special venue. Because this day has unique costs for space, staffing, and production, we charge a small, non-refundable fee to help cover expenses.
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 12 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 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, and the cost is credited toward 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