Founded in 1977, Applause Community Theatre produces two to three shows per year, and offers summer camps - one for ages 6-12, and one for teens - that explore one work for a couple of weeks and conclude with a series of performances. The website lists upcoming audition opportunities for kids ages six and up.

Auditions, camps, and performances take place in south metro locations such as Eagan and Burnsville. Some performances take place in the Thomas Mraz Center for Performing Arts at Burnsville High School (600 East Highway 13), which is located about 1.5 miles east of Highway 35W.

The Bloomington Art Center celebrates art in everyday life and offers summer camps and art instruction for adults and children.

The Nine Mile Creek Theater for youth presents an ensemble production each spring and instruction throughout the year. The Gallery Theater Company presents several productions a year in the center's Black Box Theater, with participation opportunities for all ages.

The non-profit Center for Irish Music aims to promote traditional Irish music through classes, performances, and cultural events. Group and individual lessons are offered in accordion, bodhran, fiddle, flute, guitar, harp, vocals, piano, and more.

For nearly 40 years, Twin Citians have been trekking out to Chanhassen - no longer such a chore, now that the metro area extends out that far! - to enjoy high-quality musical theater productions.

Currently, three stages host Broadway favorites and other classic fare, with the most family-friendly productions usually scheduled during the summer. While some shows are suitable for children as young as five, parents should be aware that this is not a children's theater. (For example, if you're used to high school productions of Grease, you might have found some elements of the original Broadway version Chanhassen recently presented objectionable.) The theatre is very sensitive to this, and invites concerned parents to request detailed information about content before ordering tickets. Babies should be left at home.

The dinner part of the experience includes bread, salad, entree, and coffee, tea, or milk. Appetizers, desserts, and drinks are available for an additional charge. Menus for children and vegetarians are available upon request.

Purchase tickets in advance, and be aware that most guests dress up a bit here; jeans, sneakers, or shorts will stand out. Youth discounts are sometimes offered, and show-only tickets, when available, are sold 10 days prior select performances.

Classes: Performance Training classes, a new offering for ages 13 and up, are geared toward kids who are serious about a career in the performing arts. The classes meet for two hours once a week, and hone existing skills and audition techniques, with eight-week sessions that include dance, voice, and acting. The classes are taught by professional actors from Chanhassen, as well as guest artists.

Summer Camps: Weeklong half-day First Act Theater Camps for ages eight to 18 are also taught by Chanhassen's stable of professionals, but here the focus is more on fun, giving kids an exciting glimpse behind the scenes at a working theater. The emphasis is on building confidence while introducing kids to theater fundamentals, including acting, movement, voice, costuming, scenery, and auditioning. Camp fees run about $225/week for morning or afternoon sessions; no extended care is available.

Circus Juventas, a non-profit performing arts circus school, offers a wide array of classes in each of the five genres of contemporary circus arts: balance, aerial, juggling, circus theatre, and acrobatics.

The non-competitive classes stress teamwork and confidence-building, and are held in CJ's unique 21,000-square-foot fabric-sheathed Big Top arena.

Toddler classes meet during the day; ages six and up attend weekdays after 4pm and Saturdays. Themed workshops and weeklong summer camps are also offered. Mentorship and family involvement are an integral part of the program, and parents are expected to volunteer while their children are enrolled.

Each August, dozens of CJ's advanced students present an original Cirque du Soleil-style spectacle including elite acts such as the bungee trapeze and flying trapeze. Tickets run about $15 per person.

CLIMB's mission is to create and perform plays and classes that inspire young people toward actions that benefit themselves, each other, and their communities.

Most performances and classes are held in K-12 school settings, addressing issues such as bullying, substance abuse, the environment, friendship, and the importance of a college education. But performances and special events for the public are also held at CLIMB's own little theater.

Deuxmensions offers classical ballet, tap, jazz, creative movement, and modern dance classes for ages three and up during school-year and summer sessions, with performance opportunities in December (informal) and June (costumed). The Junior Dance Theatre company offers additional performance opportunities for committed students ages 12 to 18.

Attire to meet the dress code, which varies by age and class, must be purchased from the school, though used shoes may be purchased from other students, if available.

Birthday parties: Disco, anyone? Themed dance parties can be booked in the studio. Call 952.926.7542 for more information or to book.

Dreamland Arts, a welcoming performing arts studio, offers classes, workshops, and performances in theater, music, puppetry, dance, and more. Its intimate 40-seat theater often hosts family-oriented performances.

Parties: Families can schedule a private performance of one of Dreamland's kid-friendly shows in the theater - a portion of the show can even be customized for the birthday child! However, no outside food or beverages are allowed, and no place or time is provided for gift opening and running around - that needs to take place elsewhere.

Heartbeat Studios caters to both recreational dancers and those with professional aspirations. Lessons incorporate age-appropriate music, choreography, and costumes, and teach dance techniques, impart life skills, and celebrate youth - stressing discipline, dedication, commitment, confidence, self-esteem, and respect.

The Academy Program develops dancers for college and professional careers. The studio is also the official performing arts center for the Minnesota Timberwolves and home to the Beat Squad, the NBA team's hip hop and youth break dance company.

Summer camps: Kids as young as three can explore acting in week-long or evening programs; week-long camps and single-day workshop offerings for older kids focus on poetry, dance, and stage skills.

Parties: The options include dance and exercise activities led by a Heartbeat instructor for a two-hour party, with parents providing food and tableware for the basic party ($150/10 guests), and Heartbeat providing cake and beverages, gift bags, and a keepsake video for the deluxe version ($245/10 guests). Additional guests cost $10-$15 each. Book at least two weeks in advance.

Stages Theatre Company mounts bouncy productions for young children, and more thought-provoking fare for teens, with local youth performing alongside professional actors and mentors onstage at the Hopkins Center for the Arts.

Generally, the quality is good - and a good value, given the low ticket prices. Discount options for those who want to attend often include season subscriptions, and packets of vouchers - sold in lots of 10 or 20 - for use anytime during the season.

Stages' educational offerings are inventive and enriching. During workshops and summer camps, imaginations get kicked into high gear as kids ages four and up explore the creative process in improvisation, acting, musical theater, and dance offerings.

Programming is offered at the Hopkins Center for the Arts and at other sites in the West Metro. Kids demonstrating talent, discipline and interest might want to look into the more intensive Acting Conservatory for ages nine to 17, and/or audition for Stages productions.

In The Company of Kids offers classes and ShowBiz Kids summer camps exploring dance, acting, improv, voice, and more, and programs for children with special needs such as high-functioning forms of autism. Classes take place in a non-competitive environment, led by professional teachers. Group and private lessons are available by arrangement.

Parties: Two-hour themed parties include invitations, paper goods, food and beverages, a party host, games and activities, decorations, and set-up and clean-up. Parents supply the birthday cake and party favors. Themes include American Idol, cheerleading, Hannah Montana, Cheetah Girls, Transformers, animals, and princesses. Cost: $275/eight kids; $15/each additional child.

For 30 years, In the Heart of the Beast Puppet & Mask Theatre (HOBT) has been using water, flour, newspaper, paint, and a hefty dollop of glorious imagination, to tell stories that explore and celebrate the human experience, and the world's cultural richness and natural wonders. The productions are a feast for the eyes, but simple - no lavish budget for materials here - and as a result, often truly heart-warming.

HOBT is best known for its annual MayDay Parade & Festival, a joyous, community-building extravaganza of art, theatre, pageantry...and really, really big puppets. HOBT's artists, and countless volunteers, spend months preparing for this eagerly-awaited spring ritual that takes place the first Sunday in May. Each year's festival centers around a different theme, building up to a somber presentation in Powderhorn Park which culminates in an uplifting affirmation of life, love, and community. It's a unique must-see experience, with plenty of opportunities for families and children to get involved before and during the event.

In addition to MayDay, HOBT hosts low-cost Saturday puppet shows from October through March in the theater lobby; produces a season of original, company-generated plays; and offers youth and adult classes in puppetry, pageantry, performing arts, and more - including workshops parents and kids can take together. Some programming takes place at Celebration Hall, HOBT's studio space on the third floor of Plaza Verde, just up the street from the theater.

Summer camps: HOBT's unique and creative themed week-long camps give kids ages five to 14 a chance to build puppets, create toy theaters, and learn skills such as taiko drumming and stilt-walking. Full-day ($245) and half-day ($140) options are offered.

Intermedia Arts is a multicultural, multidisciplinary arts center that hosts exhibits, performances, workshops, and special events throughout the year.

The center's youth programs give older children and teens a chance to express themselves through spoken word, digital media, creative writing, and performance art.

In addition to mounting several family-friendly productions each year in its historic 182-seat theatre - including some with young actors - Lakeshore offers afterschool acting classes for kids ages six and up, and a full-day summer youth project.

Lyric Arts, a non-profit community theater, presents family-friendly fare performed by young actors in its intimate 220-seat bowl-style theater, and offers acting workshops and camps for youth. Four-pack subscriptions for families include discounts and popcorn.

Call 763.433.2510, ext. 101 for information on auditions, which are open to all and usually held about eight weeks prior to show openings.

Classes & Camps: Acting workshops - including auditioning and monologue technique, as well as dance and stage terminology - are offered for ages five and up. Check the website or call 763.433.2510, ext. 101, for more information.

This new entity, created by the 2006 merger of Ballet Arts Minnesota and the School of Minnesota Dance Theatre, offers first-rate training in classical ballet and contemporary dance. Instruction is offered year-round for all levels, from beginning to pre-professional to professional.

Classes and summer camps for kid as young as three years old are offered downtown and at the Edina Community Center. Children in the Performing Arts Division can perform at the State Theatre in the classic holiday production, Loyce Houlton's Nutcracker Fantasy.

In addition to religious services, ministries, and education, this suburban Lutheran church offers arts instruction for children and on-site daycare. The site also serves as a community center, hosting and providing space for other family-friendly programming.

Daycare: The Mount Olivet Child Learning Center accepts kids ages six weeks to five years. Call 763.559.3036 or email Julie Cohrs for more information.

Classes: Mount Olivet School of Arts offers private lessons September through May in brass, woodwinds, and piano; $18/half-hour. Contact Music Director Angela House for more information. Through Top Hat Theatre, the church offers classes in singing, character development, and acting for ages four to ten; Contact Todd and Pam Russell at 763.535.1162 for more information.

This acclaimed taiko ensemble performs throughout the Twin Cities and offers classes in the traditional Japanese drumming style for adults and children, including a parent/child class! Teens are welcome in the adult classes.

Check the website for current offerings and performance schedules.

The versatile Old Arizona Center for Performing & Media Arts hosts innovative theatre, music, dance, and film presentations in an intimate, informal atmosphere.

Old Arizona also has a youth program serving inner city teenage girls with an interest in the performing and visual arts. The free program operates Monday through Thursday from 4pm to 6:30pm during the school year (summer hours vary), and accommodates up to 15 participants per evening on a first-come, first-served basis. Call the Youth Program Coordinator at 612.871.9099 for more information.

The theatre boasts a cafe serving organic and vegetarian selections, southwest cuisine, and beer, wine, teas, and other beverages. An on-site curio shop sells tea, herbs, flowers, art, and spiritual and feng shui supplies. Store & Cafe hours: Wed-Sat 11am-7pm.

The versatile Old Arizona Center for Performing & Media Arts hosts innovative theatre, music, dance, and film presentations in an intimate, informal atmosphere.

Old Arizona also has a youth program serving inner city teenage girls with an interest in the performing and visual arts. The free program operates Monday through Thursday from 4pm to 6:30pm during the school year (summer hours vary), and accommodates up to 15 participants per evening on a first-come, first-served basis. Call the Youth Program Coordinator at 612.871.9099 for more information.

The theatre boasts a cafe serving organic and vegetarian selections, southwest cuisine, and beer, wine, teas, and other beverages. An on-site curio shop sells tea, herbs, flowers, art, and spiritual and feng shui supplies. Store & Cafe hours: Wed-Sat 11am-7pm.

Pas de Deux offers dance classes based on the Cecchetti Method of Classical Ballet for kids ages four and up at three locations in St. Paul: Dayton's Bluff Rec Center, Hazel Park Rec Center (954 Hazel Street), and at 1899 Larpenteur Avenue West.

Classes include individualized instruction in a relaxed atmosphere, and stretching and barre exercises. Daytime classes are available for homeschooled students and preschoolers. All students are invited to perform in a Spring Recital.

Pillsbury House, a non-profit inner-city neighborhood center based on the old settlement house model, is dedicated to helping people in poverty and building strong families.

Run by an umbrella organization with divisions for family services and employment, Pillsbury House offers on-site childcare, summer, and afterschool care, and homework help, computer labs, and mentoring for teens. Parenting classes are offered in English and Spanish, and families can join a food-buying co-op.

The center is also home to an acclaimed but intimate 96-seat multi-cultural theatre. Through the mentor-based Chicago Avenue Project, the Pillsbury House Theatre reaches out to marginalized youth with the collaborative creation of original plays; the Breaking Ice program explores hot-button issues with performances followed by open forum discussions; and bold Mainstage Season productions feature classic and new works.

Pillsbury House, a non-profit inner-city neighborhood center based on the old settlement house model, is dedicated to helping people in poverty and building strong families.

Run by an umbrella organization with divisions for family services and employment, Pillsbury House offers on-site childcare, summer, and afterschool care, and homework help, computer labs, and mentoring for teens. Parenting classes are offered in English and Spanish, and families can join a food-buying co-op.

The center is also home to an acclaimed but intimate 96-seat multi-cultural theatre. Through the mentor-based Chicago Avenue Project, the Pillsbury House Theatre reaches out to marginalized youth with the collaborative creation of original plays; the Breaking Ice program explores hot-button issues with performances followed by open forum discussions; and bold Mainstage Season productions feature classic and new works.

Richfield Lutheran Church offers a wide variety of youth activities, including a Drama Ministry and a Terrific Tuesday program during the summer.

This 25-year-old community group presents three fun and playful stage productions each year, with both adults and children playing key roles on stage and behind the scenes.

All talents and skill levels are welcome to lend a hand.

Saint Paul Public Schools has preK-12 programming comprising a wide array of educational opportunities, including traditional elementary, middle, and high school classes; special education programs; classes for four-year-olds; alternative learning centers; and language and art immersion.

Community Education offerings provide low-cost enrichment classes for adults, children, and families. Each session is filled with terrific arts & crafts, language, fencing, gymnastics, science, sports, and computer classes. Babysitter training classes are also available.

The St. Paul JCC offers fitness classes and gym facilities (including a pool) with programming for all ages, as well as a technology center and library, sports leagues, summer camps, school release day trips and workshops, parent/child classes, and afterschool care. The center also hosts family events and special workshops, including babysitter training, and martial arts and scuba lessons for teens.

Childcare is available most mornings for kids ages six weeks to six years (with advance reservations) while parents are on-site to work out or attend classes. ($2/hour; Call 651.255.4757 to book.)

The JCC's offerings for teens are particularly notable. The Teen Lounge (open to members in grades seven to 12) features a stereo and big-screen TV with VCR and DVD player; pool, foosball, and ping pong tables; and internet access and a DVD/CD burner. Teen-only events and programs include a support group for GLBT teens, sports and leaderships organizations, and a Performing Arts School that mounts productions throughout the year. Van service is available to transport kids to the JCC from area schools.

The JCC also offers training for the JCC Maccabi Games, a Jewish Olympics-style competition. Kids in grades eight and nine can apply to be counselors-in-training at the JCC's Camp Butwin near Lebanon Hills County Park in Eagan, an ACA-accredited facility for kindergarteners and up offering summer camps with boating, climbing, crafts, nature, and theatre components.

Teens can also earn money as Party Peppers, helping out during birthday parties for kids ages five to 10 which are offered to member children (guests need not be members) at the center on Sundays. Parties include activity leaders, a decorated party room, set-up and clean-up, and use of the pool and gym. Call 651.255.4740 for more information.

Kids ages four to 18 can get acting, dance, and voice training at local branches of Stagecoach, an international chain of part-time performing arts schools offering summer camps and weekly classes and weekly classes throughout the metro.

Stagecoach classes are limited to 15 students, and are equally divided between acting, singing, and jazz/modern dance lessons. Younger kids spend a half hour on each, older kids do an hour of each per class. Performances for family and friends are scheduled twice a year, and at the end of each summer camp or workshop.

Third year students can audition for the Stagecoach National Showcase Production, which takes place in London.

Kids ages four to 18 can get acting, dance, and voice training at local branches of Stagecoach, an international chain of part-time performing arts schools offering summer camps and weekly classes and weekly classes throughout the metro.

Stagecoach classes are limited to 15 students, and are equally divided between acting, singing, and jazz/modern dance lessons. Younger kids spend a half hour on each, older kids do an hour of each per class. Performances for family and friends are scheduled twice a year, and at the end of each summer camp or workshop.

Third year students can audition for the Stagecoach National Showcase Production, which takes place in London.

Kids ages four to 18 can get acting, dance, and voice training at local branches of Stagecoach, an international chain of part-time performing arts schools offering summer camps and weekly classes and weekly classes throughout the metro.

Stagecoach classes are limited to 15 students, and are equally divided between acting, singing, and jazz/modern dance lessons. Younger kids spend a half hour on each, older kids do an hour of each per class. Performances for family and friends are scheduled twice a year, and at the end of each summer camp or workshop.

Third year students can audition for the Stagecoach National Showcase Production, which takes place in London.

Kids ages four to 18 can get acting, dance, and voice training at local branches of Stagecoach, an international chain of part-time performing arts schools offering summer camps and weekly classes and weekly classes throughout the metro.

Stagecoach classes are limited to 15 students, and are equally divided between acting, singing, and jazz/modern dance lessons. Younger kids spend a half hour on each, older kids do an hour of each per class. Performances for family and friends are scheduled twice a year, and at the end of each summer camp or workshop.

Third year students can audition for the Stagecoach National Showcase Production, which takes place in London.

SteppingStone, founded in 1987, produces a six-play season of hour-long affordable, entertaining, and multi-cultural productions. As of December 2007, the shows take place in the organization's newly renovated 100-year-old building, the former Grace Community Church. The sanctuary has been converted into a 430-seat theater with proscenium-style stage, and the building also houses offices, classrooms, and dressing rooms.

SteppingStone is dedicated to fostering an appreciation of the arts in young audiences and would-be performers, particularly low-income kids with limited opportunities for arts enrichment. Classes and performances aim to promote self-confidence, creativity, and self-expression in cast members - who range in age from nine to 18 and often