Creative enrichment
After School Classes
A creative space after the bell. Theater, dance, choir, and devised performance led by Teaching Artists who help every student find a way in.
Program detailsTHE EXPERIENCE
A new skill. A stronger sense of self.
After-school arts experiences give students room to explore, collaborate, and express themselves. Our classes build confidence through creative practice, with the encouragement to participate at their own pace.
- Where
- Participating schools
- Explore
- Theater · Dance · Choir
- Approach
- Creative, inclusive learning
Class formats
Find their way into the arts.
Theater Classes & Drama Clubs
Students build confidence and communication skills through theater games, improvisation, character work, and scene work while developing creativity, collaboration, and self-expression.
Dance Classes
Students explore choreography, musicality, and performance while developing coordination, confidence, creativity, and their own unique style.
Choir Classes
Students develop vocal technique, musicality, and confidence while learning songs, exploring harmonies, and building skills as an ensemble.
OnStage Theater Arts
A devised theater experience: students create characters, develop a story, learn lines, play theater games, rehearse a play together, and share a final presentation with families.
Explore OnStage Theater Arts
Classes or shows?
Interested in a full production?
After school classes are not the same as a full production. Classes focus on exploration and skill-building. OnStage includes a student-created presentation. If your school wants a fully produced play or musical, explore After School Shows—a separate pathway with its own production planning.
Get started
Bring a creative rhythm to your school.
School teams can discuss disciplines, grade levels, schedules, and delivery. Families should check with their school about participation and enrollment; availability is campus-specific.
Community voices
The difference they see.
“My students were always excited to come, many of them even begging parents to stay longer or switch outside extracurriculars to other days so they could attend.”
“It provided a creative outlet that encouraged self-expression, teamwork, and confidence. Many students who are typically reserved in other settings were visibly more engaged and excited during dance sessions.”
More voices from our community 15 testimonials
“Our students have enjoyed the offerings provided by NorCal. We see a majority [of] athletics based enrichment activities. This activity is a great outlet for students to stretch their creative minds… While I've had miscellaneous issues arise in the past, the NorCal leadership has been phenomenal to work with. I'm able to chalk up any concerns I've had to the big personalities stereotypically associated with the arts. I believe the instructors with NorCal truly care about their craft, and about giving students a chance to enjoy it to the fullest.”
“By the end of the summer we had students performing who, a year ago, would refuse to participate in anything that involved them standing in front of an audience. These students embraced their performative and visual arts talents to shine because our Teaching Artist team did such a fabulous job at establishing an engaging, safe space to grow.”
“Many of our students participated in NorCal last year and participated in the summer play held here. They enjoy doing their activities, especially our fifth grade class looks forward to attending the class. These students almost never get access to programs like this, so for your teachers to come in and spend time teaching them, it means a lot to these students.”
“Overall, the program was a valuable experience for my students. It kept them busy and engaged for the most part, and I noticed several students participate more enthusiastically than they typically do in other activities. Some of my quieter and less-involved students really came alive during certain classes, class that they enjoyed. I found that a lot of my intermediate students were interested in Dance, and they had the chance to shine and express themselves through dance.”
“I loved the opportunity the kids had to learn about movement, team work, and expression. It gave the younger kids valuable time to use their imagination and the older kids to work together to create a fun environment. It’s a great switch up from their regular schedule. All kids deserve to experience the arts, it is just as important for their development as math, English and science. Very grateful to this program for the opportunity it brings to students who may not have opportunities in that otherwise.”
“The students enjoy having an outlet for their creativity and a space where they can more more authentically express themselves. The OnStage staff are exceptional at providing a safe space where students feel seen and supported. Last year, a rather shy student was placed in the program by their parents to help with the student's confidence and social skills. The student began hesitantly but grew more comfortable as the weeks went by. By the end of the year and into the summer program, she could not wait to restart the OnStage program and her confidence has noticeably increased.”
“Amazing communication skills from Ms. Emilee, NorCal Arts Outreach Director, as well as any staff she sends to facilitate the sessions. Our students are always engaged with the activities they provide. Our sitewide favorite provider.”
“Students look forward to Thursday when NorCal is scheduled. NorCal [teaching artist] is able to encourage the students to participate and share their thoughts. She provides the students a safe space to get them out of their comfort zone and express themselves through different activities and conversation.”
“Nick is very animated and gets on really well with the students. Even with simple ice breaker games, he makes them very fun and engaging for students. Through NorCal sessions, students have grown to learn how to be creative and think outside of the box on the fly. Encouraging their imagination, communication, and creativity skills.”
“Staff are encouraging and positive, hands on and talk with the students, caring and working to bring student interest into their activities.”
“NorCal Sota has excellent communication and is easily reachable and replies to emails, etc. Mr. Nick and Theatre Arts class is awesome!!! Always on time, if instructors are unavailable, they send subs to cover. Students don't miss out on class. Mr. Nick the theatre arts teacher is fantastic and keeps all students engaged and participating in their own way. Students and staff love him! Theatre arts provides a chance for students to try new things and break the ice. Instructor encourages but does not force anything.”
“Love [the teaching artist] and the way she engages with not only our students but with our staff as well. Communication with site instructor and agency manager is excellent. I aplaud [the teaching artist] for being so flexible. Students seem more confident when trying out new things. They are not afraid to try new things the first time.”
“Provider communicates schedule changes in an effective and timely manner. Provider ensures substitute instructor is available for sessions if needed. Provider ensures youth participants are engaged and enjoy the lesson plan and activities. Very effective. Provider demonstrates effective communication skills and classroom management when working with youth participants. Scholars have been able to express themselves through the performing arts program and activities. Scholars enjoy collaborating with their peers on theater activities and increase improvisational skills.”
“Students have become more comfortable performing in front of others. Students have become more outgoing.”
“They always communicate well and keep us up to date. The kids love it.”