Playful People Productions

Playful People Productions offers training in acting, singing, and movement, along with technical theatre areas such as sound, lighting, direction, and stage management. Participants also work in set design and building, costume design, and prop design as part of the program’s theatre experiences. The program includes “Kids” and “Junior” versions of musicals as well as full-length Broadway classics such as The Music Man and Fiddler on the Roof, with live music.

• Ages: 5–18 years old

Playful People Productions was first founded in 2010 by mother-daughter team Barbara Galiotto and Katie D’Arcey. It has operated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit since 2017 and is a licensed 501(c)3 organization. The program follows Positive Discipline guidelines as well as proven child education techniques. Its mission states that Playful People Productions aims to create an environment where all feel welcome, and where creative impulses are encouraged by experienced Bay Area artists. Creative impulses are encouraged by experienced Bay Area artists, and experiences are tailored for all ages and interests, including performance, technical roles, and general support. The organization stages multi-generational performances where family members can perform together and has had frequent instances of children performing with siblings, parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents, and it also welcomes adults who wish to perform when local theater auditions and rehearsals do not fit their needs. Playful People Productions is supported, in part, by a Cultural Affairs grant from the City of San José and by SVCreates, in partnership with the County of Santa Clara.

Last updated June 23, 2026.