By Paul Horsley

One of the fruits of Kansas City’s performing-arts community is an abundance of opportunities for young people. From orchestras to dance groups, children’s theater to music lessons of all kinds, our region is host to dozens of places where young folks can gain skills and learn the joy of playing, dancing, acting and singing. With new evidence every day that participation in the arts can expand a child’s brain, it’s just a good idea to help your kids discover the fun. Here are a few suggestions for where they might start.

THEATER

Kansas City Young Audiences; Offering classes, music lessons, theater and improv groups, and this summer featuring Annie Jr. on July 23rd. Each production uses every child who wants to take part! 816-531-4022 or kcya.org.

Coterie Theatre; In addition to youth-friendly performances the Coterie offers a variety of acting classes around the metro. 816-474-4241 or thecoterie.org.

Music Theatre Kansas City; The former Music Theatre for Young People presents professional performances and preparatory training; performances include Children of Eden (July 12th) and The Pajama Game (July 26th). mtkc.org.

Culture House, Academy of Performing Arts; Professional performances and classes in theater, dance, music and art; this foundational home of Störling Dance Theatre offers a wide variety for youngsters. 913-393-3141 or culturehouse.com.

Theatre for Young America; Offering classes and workshops in addition to a wide range of performances. 816-460-2083 or tya.org.

StoneLion Puppet Theatre; Performances and a variety of activities for young people and others. 816-221-5351 or stonelionpuppets.org.

MUSIC

Music/Arts Institute; Founded in 1979, this group offers music lessons and ensembles including the celebrated MAIsterSingers Children’s Choir. 816-836-1998 or musicartsinstitute.org.

Youth Symphony of Kansas City; Founded in 1958, this group now features four separate orchestras. 816-897-0577 or youthsymphonykc.org.

Allegro Choirs of Kansas City; Founded in 2000, this group now boasts six choirs and 250 participants. Christy Elsner is director. 913-219-7213 or allegrokc.org.

Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of Kansas City; James Murray III, conductor. 816-716-0607 or myokc.org.

Lyric Opera of Kansas City; Youth programs include Opera Camp and a S.T.A.G.E.S. workshop for high-school students. 816-471-7344 or kcopera.org.

Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City; Opportunities for young people include the Encore! School of the Arts and the annual KC Superstar competition (finals August 23rd at Yardley Hall, kcsuperstar.org). 913-327-8000 or thejkc.org.

Community Music and Dance Academy (UMKC Conservatory); Offers preparatory education in music, dance and other activities. 816-235-2741 or conservatory.umkc.edu/cmda.

Kansas City Boys Choir and Kansas City Boys Choir; Two parallel organizations sharing a common purpose and an office staff. 816-474-7464 or kcboychoir.org or kcgirlschoir.org.

DANCE

Kansas City Ballet School; In addition to being a major community force, the School offers dance, movement and a huge array of other classes throughout the year, for ages 3 and up. Downtown campus: 816-931-2232; Johnson County campus: 816-931-2299 (or kcballet.org).

Miller Marley School of Dance and Voice; A significant voice in the community for 52 years, with classes in dance, singing and acting, ages 3 to 18. 913-492-0004 or millermarley.com.

Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey; Performances of the professional Ailey companies and award-winning school and studio programs, some nationally recognized, such as AileyCamp. 816-471-6003 or kcfaa.org.

City in Motion: Dance in Kansas City; In addition to a company this longstanding professional group hosts a Children’s Dance Theater and an Apprentice Company, and a variety of classes. 816-561-2882 or cityinmotion.org.

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