Palo Alto Children's Theatre hosts live theatre performances and multi-arts educational programs, and offers performance opportunities for young audiences in the Palo Alto area. The theatre provides classes designed to develop the learning and social experiences of children, including subjects such as Creative Play and Story Acting. Tickets for performances can be purchased either in-person at the box office or online through the Palo Alto Children's Theatre website.
Since 1963, this non-profit has provided children an opportunity to participate in a symphony orchestra. There are 450 children, ages 6-18, comprising five orchestras and several smaller ensembles. The Symphony provides training and rehearsals, and organizes international tours for the students, giving them the chance to play with internationally acclaimed professional orchestras at renowned venues all over the world.
The Silicon Valley Boychoir is an all boys choir based in Palo Alto. The choir includes boys ages 6 to 12, aiming to "train boys in the choral art with an emphasis on music literacy and the highest artistic standards." Choir members are taught proper breathing technique, increased singing range, sheet music reading and performance skills. Boys are split between two choirs based on skill level and experience - Overture Choir and Concert Choir. The Silicon Valley Boychoir sings pieces from a range of styles including classical, contemporary, folk, secular and choral. Admission into the choir is by audition only. Performances occur throughout the year.
The Spangenberg Theatre is a 953-seat theater that hosts live events and video presentations. It is affiliated with the Henry M. Gunn High School and the Palo Alta Unified School District, as well as local organizations in the Bay Area. It features full stage lighting, a sound system and full facility clear-com coverage. A production calendar, use permit applications and equipment and materials request forms are posted at the theatre's website.
Bay Area School of Performing Arts offers courses in dance, music and theater. The school provides instruction to students in Palo Alto, San Jose and Daly City. Specific courses include Creative Drama, Acting Fundamentals, Basic Acting, Songwriting, Teen and Junior Glee, Contemporary Jazz, Break Dancing, Hip Hop and Creative Movement. Spring and summer camp opportunities are available.
The Lucie Stern Community Center is a Spanish Mediterranean-style facility that houses the Palo Alto Recreation Department, two theaters and multiple rooms that can be rented for meetings, weddings, receptions and parties. These rooms include the Stern Ballroom, featuring wood floors, two fireplaces and cathedral ceilings; and the Community Room and Fireside Room, both of which have wall-to-wall carpeting and access to an outdoor patio. Discounted rates are available to residents and nonprofit organizations.
The City of Palo Alto shares its Community Theatre to resident performers and showcases local productions and talent. You will find the Theatre in the Lucie Stern Community Center on Middlefield Rd. Vistors are welcome to stop in and see whats coming up next. This Spanish style theatre seats over 400 and is a hidden gem.
West Bay Opera Association, whose box office is located on Lambert Avenue, is an opera company that features singers and musicians from all around the Bay Area. West Bay Opera offers three shows per season and performs at Palo Alto's Lucie Stern Theatre. Those that wish to view West Bay Opera perform may order tickets online or contact the box office for ticketing information.
TheatreWorks is a nonprofit theatre company in Silicon Valley organizing the production of comedies, musicals and dramas. In addition to staging performing arts shows, it rents costumes and props, hosts writers retreats and puts on an annual new work festival each summer.
Founded in the early 1950s by five families, this traditional Russian Orthodox church has been a resource for seekers for generations. It looks the part with its traditional blue dome. Inside, sacred figures line the walls. The church serves as a refuge, particularly for recent Russian immigrants who are looking for a traditional place to worship.