WEST Performing Arts

WEST Performing Arts offers Winter/Spring classes, Summer Camps, and community classes that include hands-on arts adventures in literature, performance, and original works. The program also supports creative residencies, technical theatre incubation projects, and mentorship. Upcoming shows include productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and John Proctor is the Villain.

• Ages: 4–18 years old

WEST Performing Arts was founded in 2007 by Terri Steinmann. The mission of WEST is to ignite bold imagination, resilient creativity, and deep human connection through hands-on arts adventures in literature, performance, and original works, meeting every young person ages 4–26 exactly where they are and cultivating joyful process, holistic growth, and community unity. The program states that it is not a “star factory” or triple-threat studio and that it is a literature-rich, fantasy-infused haven that prioritizes process over product, imagination over perfection, and human connection over polished performance. WEST describes its approach as echoing Montessori principles such as child-led discovery, hands-on play, and respect for individual pace while weaving in ensemble collaboration, and it notes that the final performance is a celebration, not the goal.

The program states that every child is welcomed exactly as they are, with no audition pressure and no “type” casting, and that neurodivergent and neurodiverse students often find their greatest confidence and success there because unique minds are celebrated as a cornerstone of its strength. WEST notes that its programs live in the worlds of books, from Hogwarts to Middle-earth, mythic quests, and original tales created in the room. The organization describes a commitment to equitable access and says it eliminates financial, physical, and cultural barriers through ADA-compliant facilities and targeted initiatives, and that its professional community embodies California’s vibrant diversity across students, staff, artists, partners, and collaborators. WEST highlights values and themes it uses, including “Where Every Story Finds Its Voice…And Every Child Finds Their Whole Self,” “Best over perfect. Always,” “Bold Imagination,” “Real & Resilient,” “Creator’s Courage,” “Playful Discovery,” and “Together, We Thrive.”

According to the program, educators are trained to adapt to learning styles, sensory needs, and energy levels, and are versed in varied learning styles to meet participants where they are. WEST also hosts community classes and partners with many alternative and public schools and independent learning centers, bringing creative residencies that honor each learner’s journey.

Last updated July 7, 2026.