STAGE DOOR CONSERVATORY
Offers four popular summer camp programs in musical theater and the performing arts to children in the 3rd through graduating 12th grade. Based in Berkeley, our programs are in close proximity to Albany, Richmond, Oakland, Piedmont, Alameda and other East Bay and Contra Costa communities. Acclaimed artistically, our day camps provide an enriched, supportive and often profoundly memorable experience for children interested in developing and expressing themselves as young actors and theater artists.

COMMON QUESTIONS

HOW IS STAGE DOOR CONSERVATORY FUNDED?
Our organization is funded in a variety of ways, including tuition, ticket sales, donations and grants. We have been funded through the auspices of the California Council on the Arts, the Alameda Art Commission and with grants from several small foundations. We are seeking additional funds of support, especially for program development and our Scholarship Fund for Low-Income Families, and welcome your support. We also welcome suggestions regarding foundations that might be interested in supporting our organization.

HOW MANY CHILDREN ENROLL EACH YEAR?
Approximately 160 children participated in our programs this year. This year, we plan to accept 20 children in each of our four sessions of KIDS ON STAGE, and up to 36 children in ON BROADWAY and TEENS ON STAGE.

WHAT ARE THEIR AGES?
In general, KIDS ON STAGE serves children in the 3rd through 6th grade, ON BROADWAY serves children in the 5th through 9th grade, and TEENS ON STAGE serves children in the 8th through graduating 12th grade. We occasionally make an exception, based upon a variety of factors.

WHAT PROGRAMS DO YOU PLAN TO OFFER THIS SUMMER?
We will be offering our four summer programs, including KIDS ON STAGE, ON BROADWAY, TEENS ON STAGE and BACKSTAGE.

DOES A CHILD NEED TO HAVE ACTING, SINGING OR DANCING EXPERIENCE TO PARTICIPATE?
Absolutely not! We strive to provide a safe yet exciting experience for beginning students, as well as more advanced training and challenge for more “seasoned veterans.”

HOW DO YOU CAST THE PARTS IN THE SHOWS?
After an orientation to our productions, our participants are guided through a supportive, non-pressured audition process. We are committed to identifying developmentally-attuned and rewarding roles for each of our participants, so that they have a memorable performance experience. Please see our “About Casting” page for more information!

HOW CAN MY CHILD PARTICIPATE IN BACKSTAGE?
Please contact us to obtain an application. Generally, we accept up to 15 applications and then conduct interviews with our candidates in March and April.

DO YOU OFFER FINANCIAL AID?
Yes, we try to make the experience of Stage Door Conservatory as accessible as possible to the broadest range of children, regardless of their ability to pay, and try and raise special funds for this purpose. This past year, we offered nearly $60,000 in scholarships to Bay Area youth.

WHAT COUNTIES DO YOU SERVE?
We serve the entire Bay Area, but focus on serving Alameda and Contra Costa families.