Creative Kids Playhouse Children’s Theatre of Orange County is a 501(c)3 federal nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality theater education in a fun and encouraging atmosphere. Our mission is to provide children the opportunity to experience the exhilaration and educational benefits of performing with an acting troupe. In February, 2019, we proudly produced our 200th production.
We offer a variety of programs, both online and in our theatre, including two-act productions, one-act musicals, workshops, Summer camps and classes. In January, 2016 we held our first annual Children Achieving Theatre Excellence (C.A.T.E.) Awards to recognize the achievements of our students, a tradition that has continued ever since. Previous winners are all posted on our Hall Of Fame.
As an education-based program, your child’s experience of the entire process is our highest priority. We ensure every child has a meaningful contribution to the show, and a purpose on stage. We strive to ensure actors receive a balanced education through varying sized roles. And, all scripts are thoughtfully reviewed for age-appropriate, meaningful and character-building lessons for the actors.
Every child is welcome to enroll. Actors are not expected to arrive to auditions with theater education, that is our job. We encourage creativity, teamwork, empathy, responsibility, kindness, inclusiveness and volunteering in our actors. This has contributed to our community of youth whom are some of the best people we know.
About the Founders
FOUNDERS . Elizabeth Ramirez and Michele Sheehy-Bowren 2020 C.A.T.E. Awards
Elizabeth Ramirez & Michele Sheehy-Bowren co-founded CKP in 2011. Born from a desire to provide first-rate theatre training in a joyful, welcoming space that allows kids to feel comfortable enough to be silly, and creative, and daring.
Elizabeth is now retired as Executive Director from CKP but continues to be an active CKP Board Member. She lives in Texas with her husband and four children.
Michele is Executive Director and Artistic Director at CKP’s new home theatre in Mission Viejo.
Watch the story of Creative Kids Playhouse from our 6th Anniversary part in 2017
Read about us from our community testimonials.