There are many avenues with which to involve your budding young actress or actor in the children’s performing arts on Cape Cod. A great introduction begins by exposing children to live theatre and taking them to experience a performance first-hand. After the seed has been planted there are many classes and community stage productions where they can explore their own skills.
Venues for Children’s Performing Arts on Cape Cod:
1. Cape Cod Theatre Company/Harwich Junior Theatre
This multi-generational theatre in West Harwich puts on shows to, “educate, empower, and inspire students of all ages from all backgrounds to explore and expand their creative talents and aspirations, to experience and appreciate live theatre and to develop and nurture a life-long appreciation of the performing arts.”
They are in their 71st season and offer a wide range of productions and classes. This holiday season “A Christmas Story- the Musical” will be on stage throughout the entire month of December.
This fall they are offering a wide range of classes for both kids and adults. Classes start for young children with with a Preschool Sing Sing Sing! and Creative Movement Courses. For Grades 1-6 there are Creative Drama Courses, including a new Creative Drama course for those students on the spectrum, or the ever-popular Frozen Class, based on the popular Disney movie.
There are Acting & Improv classes for Grades 9-9, as well Technical Theatre, Mindfulness and Tap Classes. Many of these classes are also offered as Adult Classes. and more!
2. Cape Rep Theatre
The Cape Rep Theatre in Brewster puts on a fun variety of performances from their unique location in Nickerson State Park. The 
theatre has been in operation since 1986. In addition to well-known favorites, the theatre commissions work written by local playwrights, bringing original stories to their theatre. In a typical year the theatre produces 4-5 indoor plays from May-December and puts on shows for children in the outdoor theatre. They also provide opportunities for aspiring actors and performers with the Young Company. This program is free and open to students in 8th-12th grade.
3. Cape Cod Ballet Theatre for Children
Located in Harwich, the Cape Cod Ballet Theatre aims to, “share the 
joy and benefits of dance, theatre, storytelling, hard work, collaboration, & focus with the next generation.” Their classes, include Pre-Ballet, Ballet Theatre 1-6, Musical Theatre Jazz for multiple levels, and Modern for multiple levels. The Fall Semester in underway but it’s not to early to register your child for the Winter Semester that will begin in January. A great way to stay involved and keep warm throughout the winter months. They also usually offer weekly summer workshops and performances from students.
4. College Light Opera Company
College Light Opera Company, a non-profit theatre, has been operating for over 50 years. Each 
season 75 college age students participate in an intense 11-week production, learning about and executing all aspects of the production of 9 musicals and operettas. Their performances can be seen at Highfield Theatre and are top notch! Past performances have included: The Pirates of Penzance, Cinderella, All Shook Up, Kiss Me Kate, No No Nanette, The Wizard of Oz, Little Women, and The Sorcerer.
The College of Light Opera Company has recently added an internship for high school students. This is a unique experience for those students interested in pursuing a degree in the theatre arts. While it is a summer internship, applications are being accepted now.
The holiday season is a perfect time to introduce your kids to Children’s Performing Arts on Cape Cod. For a listing of productions and showtimes check out our Events Calendar.
