EDUCATION PROGRAMS

California Theatre Center (CTC) is a professional, not-for-profit theatre company that brings theatre training to life in its renowned Education Program for youth!

CTC's educational goal is to offer a positive atmosphere in which young people can gain an appreciation and love of the arts. CTC's Education Programs are process-oriented and allow students to learn that theatre is a collaborative, team-building experience. Students are guided by professional CTC artists to focus their creative energy on a multitude of theatrical exercises and topics to learn and develop skills for expression, thereby building self-confidence and self-esteem.

What Theatre Can Do For Children

For information on CTC Education Programs, please scroll down to the following topics.

CTC Students head circle image
Theatre FunShops
Great Spring Musical
Saturday Conservatory
Saturday Conservatory Master Class
School Outreach
PostShow PlayShops
London Theatre Tour
Teacher Information
Summer Conservatories:
Advanced and Intermediate
Core and Junior

 

THEATRE FUNSHOPS

During the school year, CTC offers special interest theatre classes in our classroom in Sunnyvale for students of all ages. These classes cover a wide range of topics and are open to the  public. Classes vary in length and ability level. Past classes have included Story Theatre, CTC Glee, Improvisation, Magic, and more.

Theatre FunShop Class Schedule
Great Spring Musical


SUMMER THEATRE CONSERVATORY
During the summer, CTC offers Summer Theatre Conservatory classes for ages 5 and up at various locations in the Santa Clara Valley
Junior Summer Conservatory 
The half-day Junior Conservatory is an 8-day program designed for ages 5-8 (must be 5 years old by January 1). Classes serve as an introduction to theatre and the production process by developing a short play from a familiar story in an encouraging, non-threatening environment, culminating in a demonstration for family members at the end of the session. This program is the perfect way to prepare young students for future Core Conservatories.

Junior Conservatory Schedule

Core Summer Conservatory
Core Conservatory is a 3-week long intensive workshop for ages 8 and up who are interested in developing and improving theatre skills. Core Conservatory includes morning workshops in theatre skills and afternoon rehearsal and production sessions culminating in performances. Upon completion of one Core Summer Conservatory, students are eligible to audition for CTC’s professional productions and Intermediate Summer Conservatory, and participate in Saturday Conservatory workshops during the school year.

Core Conservatory Schedule
Intermediate and Advanced Summer Conservatory
Intermediate prerequisite: minimum of one year of Core Summer Conservatory, age and experience, audition in January for placement.

 Advanced prerequisite: minimum of one year of Core Summer Conservatory and one year of Intermediate Summer Conservatory, age and experience,
Audition in January for placement.

Intermediate and Advanced Summer Conservatory runs as a mini-repertory company which produces 4-9 shows each summer. These programs are designed for students who would like to further develop their theatre skills. This Conservatory offers vigorous workshops and requires a high level of commitment from the serious theatre student. Auditions are held in mid-January. 

Intermediate and Advanced Conservatory Schedule
Leadership Team
Leadership Team prerequisite: at least one year of Advanced Summer Conservatory, by recommendation only

 CTC’s Leadership Team is an opportunity for serious students in the Advanced Conservatory Program to participate more fully in the programs of CTC’s professional theatre company. Leadership Team members work directly with theater professionals, focussing on three main areas: professional theatre training, development as a teacher of theater and peer mentoring. 

If you meet the prerequisite and are interested in being a part of the Leadership Team this summer, please email CTC's Education Coordinator at education@ctcinc.org.


PERFORMING IN PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTIONS
Prerequisite: completion of one Core Summer Conservatory

Students who have completed at least one Core Conservatory may audition to be considered for roles in CTC's professional productions. Auditions are usually held in October. Students rehearse evenings for 3-4 weeks and perform weekday mornings and Saturday mornings for several weeks. Although challenging, performing in a professional production is exhilarating as well; students will perform 25 or more times for sold out audiences!

If you meet the prerequisite and are interested in auditioning this Fall,
please email CTC Eduation Coordinator at education@ctcinc.org.


SATURDAY CONSERVATORY
Prerequisite: completion of one Core Summer Conservatory

 During the school year CTC offers Saturday workshops for students who have completed at least one Core Summer Conservatory in a variety of subjects to appeal to every young thespian and student of the theatre - the actor, technician and the designer. 

Saturday Conservatory Schedule

SCHOOL RESIDENCIES
In-school residencies and after-school workshops are available for elementary, middle-school, and high school Theatre Arts Departments. Professional CTC actors-educators can lead your drama class in a variety of topics with both performance and technical emphases. Programs and subject matter can be customized for your school's needs and curriculum.

CTC can also direct your school's play or musical. CTC provides the director, choreographer, designer and technical staff, and will work with you to create a production of which the shcool and its students can be truly proud!

School Outreach Form


POSTSHOW PLAYSHOPS
On selected Saturdays, for a small additional fee, audience members may stay after the show for an addiitonal 45 minutes for a talkback session with the cast and a demonstration or activity related to the show. 

PostShow PlayShop Schedule
 

LONDON THEATRE TOUR
CTC periodically offers a London Theatre Tour during the Presidents' Week school break in February. The tour includes lodging in London's West End, tickets to the top London productions, tours and much more!

If you are interested in the next London Theatre Tour,

please email the Administrative Director at searle@ctcinc.org.
 

TEACHER INFORMATION

CTC’s Teacher Information page includes information on preparing students to attend a CTC production, study guides for our touring shows, frequently asked questions about school field trips and maps to venues in the Santa Clara Valley.

Teacher Information
 
If you have questions about any of CTC’s Education Programs,
please email CTC’s Education Coordinator at education@ctcinc.org.