About the Children's Theatre
The Palo Alto Children's Theatre program began in 1932 with a performance of The Perfect Gift, directed by Hazel Glaister Robertson, the founding Director of Children's Theatre. With a gift to the City from Lucie Stern in 1937, The Palo Alto Children's Theatre became one of the first and only children's theatres in the nation to have a fully-equipped theatre just for the young people of the community. Since 1932, the Palo Alto Children's Theatre has gained world acclaim as a model for theatres by and for young people.

The Children's Theatre serves children and young adults aged four to twenty four years. Throughout the past 76 years, the theatre has provided programs for audiences and participants including radio, television, film, and video as each became a special interest. It has gained world acclaim as a model for theatres by and for young people. Guests and scholars from around the world have been welcomed and told about the Theatre. It is included in the textbooks and history books on Children's Theatre in America and in 1998 the Children's Theatre programs were the subject of a Doctoral Dissertation by Bryna Rifkind through New York University.

Tickets for all Palo Alto Children's Theatre productions are available in person or over the phone through the Children's Theatre Box Office. We cannot process any orders online at this time. Recommended age for audience members is 4 years through adult, unless otherwise noted. All titles, dates and times are subject to change. Acceptable forms of payment include cash, check, Visa and MasterCard. No refunds.

Children's Theatre Programs
The Children's Theatre's primary programs are the Regular Season Productions, Hot Dog Suppertime Shows, Elementary and Middle School Outreach Productions, Summer Conservatory, Wingspread Summer Stock Company, Second Saturday Shows, leadership groups, and the many classes, camps, and special events which are offered during both the summer and school year.

From its inception, the Children's Theatre has worked closely with the Palo Alto Unified School District to provide innovative programming which benefits the young people of the community and teaches them the value of performing arts in their everyday lives. As one looks back on the Children's Theatre's long history, it becomes apparent that the City Council, in accepting Lucie Stern's gift, created one of the many Palo Alto traditions which make our community a special and unique place to live.

Children's Theatre Goals

• To educate young people in all theatre arts including acting, dance, set design and construction, costuming and makeup, the design and use of sound and light systems, and performance direction, production, and videography.
• To teach children to communicate effectively, solve problems creatively, work co-operatively, make and meet commitments, develop self-assurance and independence, and use critical thinking and creative skills.
• To provide a constructive leisure-time activity for those who participate in the productions and classes and for those who enjoy productions from the audience.
• To create lifelong appreciation among the young people who will continue to support theatre, music, dance and related arts as adults.
• To introduce children to other cultures and instill a sense of history and historical perspective.

Access for the Disabled
Persons with Disabilities who require auxiliary aids or services in using City Facilities, services or programs, or who would like information on the City's compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 may contact: The Disability Act Director, City of Palo Alto, 250 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94301 (650) 329-2550 (voice) or (650) 328-1199 (TDD)

The Theatre is equipped with Sennheiser Listening Device System.