East Bay Center for the Performing Arts Camp

East Bay Center for the Performing Arts offers tuition-free classes in Music, Dance, and Theater for children and youth ages 3-18. It also offers a Young Artist Diploma Program for students ages 12-18, with year-round study during the academic year and summer.

Programs

• Tuition-free classes in Music, Dance, and Theater — Children and youth ages 3-18
• Young Artist Diploma Program — Students ages 12-18 · Year-round during the academic year and summer · Tuition-free, six-year intensive performing arts program with rigorous training, mentorship, and opportunities to grow as artists and leaders.
• School-based instruction — Children and youth · Weekly during the school year · Programs in schools providing hands-on performing arts experiences for students in West Contra Costa Unified School District.
• School assemblies — Elementary and middle schools · Annual · Interactive assemblies featuring Center faculty artists.
• In-school music program — Students in participating schools · Weekly during the school year · Standards-aligned weekly music instruction with performances twice a year.
• After school & summer classes — Children and youth · During the school year and summer · Intensive, fun, and skill-building classes in Richmond for some of the highest need schools and community centers.
• Instrumental coaching — Middle and high school levels · Support for existing band and orchestra programs through small-group coaching, workshops, and master classes.
• Preschool Arts Program — Young children and their families · Play-based, culturally relevant curriculum; runs only during selected years.

At a glance

• Ages: 3–18 years old
• General schedule: The Young Artist Diploma Program is a six-year program. Year 1 and 2 include Summer Intensive and a minimum of four hours of study per week during the academic year. Year 3 and 4 continue with Summer Intensive and up to four hours of study per week during the academic year. Year 5 and 6 include Summer Intensive and a resident company during the academic year. The program also includes a five-week summer program called Summer Intensive.
• Facility hours: Business hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. Registration Desk Hours are 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM M-F, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Saturday. Main Site Building Instructional/Rehearsal Hours are 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM M-F and 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Saturday.

About the provider

The Young Artist Diploma Program is a six-year tuition-free intensive performing arts program. Its schedule includes Summer Intensive, a minimum of four hours of study per week during the academic year in Years 1 and 2, up to four hours of study per week during the academic year in Years 3 and 4, and a resident company during the academic year in Years 5 and 6.

What families say

“My two girls went through the diploma program and they were taught not only music but received exposure to world-class performing arts -- ballet, spoken word, steel drum, african and mexican dance, acting, singing. And all they ask was the commitment. This is a truly amazing place.” — Mario M., Parent of child in the Young Artist Diploma Program

“In college, I meet new people every day and the Center taught me how to interact with people of different cultural backgrounds. Exploring a variety of performing arts in summer intensive also taught me to be open to new experiences.” — Quetzalli M., Alum of the Young Artist Diploma Program

“I can definitely say that I am a proud alumna of the East Bay Center for The Performing Arts! Not only did its faculty and staff give me all of the tools I needed to develop my artistic abilities, but they also helped me prepare for college, and I’m touched by the ways in which they support the community.” — Maria F., Alum of the Young Artist Diploma Program

Last updated September 16, 2026.