My Nonprofit Reviews

Founded in 2011, Creative Kids Playhouse Children's Theatre of Orange County will have produced 92 musicals, mini-musicals and plays by the end of 2015. They stay true to their taglines, "Quality theater education in a fun, encouraging environment," and "Every Child Gets a Moment in the Spotlight." Instructors are professionals in drama, dance and voice who meet each student where they are and gently nudge them to achieve more that the student thought possible. In all Creative Kids Playhouse programs a heavy emphasis is placed on each individual student having a great experience, with the belief that this leads to a great performance.

Mission Statement: Creative Kids Playhouse Children's Theatre of Orange County
is committed to offering opportunities for children to experience the joy and fun of performing in a musical, and opportunities for the community to experience entertaining children's theater performances

In the Mainstage (6-13 year old) programming, which is the bulk of their programming, scripts are carefully selected that are appropriate for children, with character building themes and age-appropriate expectations. Everyone gets a speaking part in each mainstage production. Students of all ability levels are welcome, there are no 'cuts.' If a script allows for 40 cast members, the first 40 students who enroll will be in the musical. The students then audition so that the director can cast the show from that group and assign parts. CKP is an education -based theater. There is significant emphasis on giving students a well rounded education. This means that the leads are moved around - the student who played Cinderella in the spring musical is not eligible for the part of Dorothy in the fall musical, the parts are too similar, perhaps the student will be cast in an ensemble part or in a villain role next. Not only is this good for the student's development, it creates a less-competitive, more encouraging environment for the CKP community of students and parents.

The Excalibur Players is a troupe of students in sixth through eleventh grade. They delve into more difficult materials, generally producing one big Broadway musical script each year, one play, and several classes.

The Tom Thumb Players are the three-six year old students. They produce several age appropriate mini-musicals each year, and learn movement and expressiveness skills.

Theater in Action! Is the in-class curriculum offered to elementary schools by Creative Kids Playhouse. PTAs often purchase this 6-10 course series to offer drama and performance education to every student in their school.

School Musicals - Creative Kids Playhouse does customize after school programs for schools, and goes to the school to rehearse their students and produce school musicals.

Creative Kids Playhouse does not have it's own rehearsal and performance space. Rather, it is accessible to students throughout Orange County by rehearsing and performing in various school, community, and church venues.

In 2015, 1,219 students were served by Creative Kids Playhouse Children's Theatre of Orange County. Approximately 9,500 audience members were entertained by CKP productions.

In January, 2016, Creative Kids Playhouse will host their first annual Children Achieving Theatre Excellence (C.A.T.E.) Awards Show & Gala, to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of their 2015 performers.

Creative Kids Playhouse Children's Theatre of Orange County aspires to occupy a theater and rehearsal space of their own. Performance space and funding are the biggest limiting factors to the growth of this organization, and the reach of its mission.