On Stage Kids 'N Dance 'N Theater Arts

On Stage Kids 'N Dance 'N Theater Arts offers Little Theater Camps, Dance Camp, Youth Musical Theater, Youth Improv, and a Summer Arts Camp that includes theater and other activities. Campers take part in Musical Theater, Hip-Hop Dance, Circus Arts such as aerial silks, trapeze, juggling and acro, as well as gymnastics, choreography, musical rehearsal, blocking, and group games. Some sessions also include needle felting, stop-motion claymation, recycled art, show-related crafts each day, creative crafts, board games, air hockey, art, Aerial Gym Room time, Outdoor playtime on a Ball Pit Play-Structure, goofy relays, and themed options like K-pop Demon Hunters, along with field trips to mini-golf, bowling, swimming, and local parks.

• Ages: 4–13 years old
• Schedule: Little Theater Camps and Youth Musical Theater run for 1 week at 7 hours per day; Dance Camp runs 4 days at 7 hours per day; Youth Improv runs 5 days or 4 days at 7 hours per day; the Summer Arts Camp runs as a 3-week camp at 7 hours per day, with camp day hours typically 9:00–4:00 and extended care available 8:30–9:00am and 4:00–5:30pm.
• Price: Little Theater Camps and Youth Musical Theater are $445 for 1 week (7 hours per day); Dance Camp is $356 for 4 days (7 hours per day); Youth Improv is $445 for 5 days or $356 for 4 days (7 hours per day); the Summer Arts Camp is $1246 for 3-week sessions from 6/1–6/19 (no class 6/19) and 6/22–7/10 (no class 7/3), and $1335 for 7/20–8/7; extended care is $7 from 8:30–9:00am and $14 per hour from 4:00–5:30pm.

Kids 'N Dance was established in Lafayette in 1996 and expanded to Kids ‘N Dance ‘N Theater Arts four years later. The broader name On Stage is used to encompass the range of programming brought to the greater Bay Area. Kris Mueller’s stated vision is to inspire students, with instructors, curriculum, and teaching approaches that aim to capture creativity and allow it to blossom, with a focus on self-esteem and self-expression through dance, musical theater, and circus arts, and instruction described as non-competitive, well structured, and appropriately rigorous. The program presents final shows with full scenery, costumes, props, professional stage lights, and individual microphones, and notes that campers do not need to read fluently or have every line memorized, with directors guiding campers every step of the way and most Musical Theater and Dance shows offering reserved seating.

The organization describes itself as a performing arts center that grows with children by nurturing imaginations, guiding students to trust their abilities to express themselves with new skills, and providing more formal instruction over time. It also notes that high-caliber theater shows are a testament to the value of its progressive approach to performing arts, and that it brings programming to the greater Bay Area.

One snack is provided for some camps, and all campers must be potty trained and self-sufficient in restrooms, with a request that families register for extended care two weeks before camp. Testimonials from Oakland clients between 2010 and 2015 describe birthday parties and classes where teachers led children in dances with stories and costume changes, included younger siblings, and were described as incredible dancers who cared about the children and wanted the experience to be meaningful, with one parent noting high quality music theater instruction without the pressure and intense schedule of some other options.

Last updated June 18, 2026.