Children's Theatre Program

"...Children's Fairyland does a great job of really teaching kids to take ownership of their roles, not just on stage but in developing the show and being accountable to each other. My kidshave shown growth, not just as actors, but as people." — A dad from Fairyland’s 2019 Children's Theatre program

“I love the shows that we do and spending time with friends.” — 2019 cast member

Fun fact: Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf played Raggedy Ann as a Fairyland Personality in the 1970s. We can't promise your child will grow up to be a political figure, but we can promise they will have fun and be rewarded for their hard work.

Auditions require a two-minute solo performance.
Children perform every third weekend and some holidays.

Children’s Fairyland has auditions for children, ages 8 to 11, who like to sing, act and dance.

Auditions for our Children’s Theatre program take place in February of each year for children 8-11 years old.

Here's is a peak at what the auditions process looks like.

For the audition, each participant is invited to prepare a three-minute showcase of their talents. Auditions should include:

An introduction: Say your name in a loud, clear voice, and tell us what you'll be presenting for your audition.
A memorized monologue, speech, poem or other text.
A bit of song: We're happy to hear songs with recorded accompaniment (please bring your own device to play the music on), but acapella is fine as well.
If you like, you can also show us a bit of yourself dancing, or playing an instrument, or any other performance skills you would like to share.

Following the audition we will speak with participants and their families in an informal interview format.

No experience is necessary! Selections and casting decisions will be made by our artistic and education staff, based not only on stage presence and vocal quality, but also on things like enthusiasm, ability to focus, and desire to commit to the program.

Applications for our Children's Theatre program begin in October 2023 for the 2024 season.

Scholarships information

Fairyland is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and is dedicated to making sure our youth programs are affordable for all families. Our scholarship program offers youth with financial needs to participate in our Children’s Theatre and Summer Day Camp through a short application process. Eligible families will receive up to 70% of reduction on Summer Camp fee and 100% scholarship for Children’s Theatre. The application is closed for 2023. We will open the 2024 application in November of 2023.

Time Commitment

A Fairyland Performer must attend all scheduled rehearsals, performances, and official Fairyland events. While we understand that last minute things occur, we rely on our families to communicate those conflicts in advance.

While we understand that our students are involved in many afterschool programs and activities, we also recommend that you take a serious look at your student’s schedule to make sure this program will fit into your lives. Overstressed, busy children can burn out just like adults!

Rehearsal calendars will be sent out upon casting. Each child in the Children’s Theatre Program must attend all rehearsal weekends that they are scheduled for in March, April, and May. They will perform every three weekends, not including holidays, from June through September. There is also an optional holiday pageant that students can participate in from late October-December!

Parent Commitment

Parents are also part of the Children’s Theatre Program. As the parent of a Fairyland performer, you are responsible for:

Paying a production fee to cover costs including costumes (which belong to your child) and photo documentation of the show, and the cost of our teaching artists.
Bringing your child to all rehearsals, performances, and events;
Acting as a chaperone at parades or other official events;
Attending regular Children’s Theatre meetings

Code of Conduct of our Actors

If cast in a production with Children’s Fairyland, we expect our students to behave with kindness towards all cast members and employees of the park. Students will be respectful to all guests, employees, and Fairyland property.

No bullying will be tolerated. If a student is found to have bullied someone, their guardian will be called immediately and they will be asked to leave the cast. No refunds will be given in the event that this occurs.

Costume Care

If cast in a production, your child will be fitted for and be given a costume that is appropriate for their character. Costumes are created by a professional costume designer and paid for by your participation fee. Once your child’s costume is given to you, it is yours to keep! With that comes some responsibility:

Please wash your child’s costume after every performance weekend
- Sweat, spills, and dirt happen at Fairyland and we need our performers looking their best for each performance.
Rips and tares happen, too!
- If you cannot repair your child’s costume at home, please let our Theatre Director know immediately.
Sizes change and students grow
- While we always create costumes that are a size up to account for the growth that students go through over the course of our program, sometimes students go through large growth spurts that might call for adjustments to be made to their costume. Let us know if you think your child is rapidly outgrowing their costume.
No costume alterations can be made without director approval
- Please do not drastically change your child’s costume. They are created specifically for their character. If drastic changes are made, the parent is solely responsible for procuring the child a new approved costume.