About Youtheatre Players & Children's Playtime Productions
For more than 30 years, Youtheatre Players (YTP) and Children’s Playtime Productions (CPP) have inspired confidence, creativity, and community through educational theatre experiences for children and teens throughout the Coachella Valley.
Every Child Has a Place Here
Founded in 1995, CPP is a nonprofit youth theatre organization dedicated to helping young people discover their voice, build self-confidence, develop lifelong skills, and experience the transformative power of live theatre. Through classes, camps, productions, workshops, and performance opportunities, we create a welcoming environment where every child can learn, grow, and shine.
Today, our programs reach more than 10,000 children and adults annually through performances, educational programming, and community partnerships.
Educational Impact Theatre Since 1995
Empowering young people through the performing arts since 1995.
Creating unforgettable theatrical experiences that inspire growth and creativity.
Building confidence, friendships, and lifelong memories on stage.
Sharing the magic of live theatre with families throughout the Coachella Valley.
Meet the Team
Behind every production is a passionate team of educators, directors, performers, and mentors dedicated to helping young people grow through the performing arts. With decades of combined experience in theatre, education, music, and youth development, our team is committed to creating a welcoming environment where every child can build confidence, discover their creativity, and find a place to shine.
Chuck Balgenorth
Founder, Artistic Director, Producer & Educator
For more than 30 years, Chuck has inspired young performers throughout the Coachella Valley through educational theatre. As founder of Children's Playtime Productions and Youtheatre Players, he has helped thousands of children discover confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of the performing arts.
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For more than 30 years, Chuck Balgenorth has dedicated his life to inspiring young people through the transformative power of theatre. As the founder of Children’s Playtime Productions (CPP) and Youtheatre Players, Chuck has helped create opportunities for thousands of children throughout the Coachella Valley to discover confidence, creativity, self-expression, and a sense of belonging.
A passionate storyteller and lifelong advocate for arts education, Chuck has written numerous original productions for CPP and has served as the writer of the Riverside County and National Date Festival’s Arabian Nights Musical Pageant for more than 17 years. Throughout his career, he has directed hundreds of children in musicals, plays, workshops, camps, and educational theatre programs, helping young performers develop skills that extend far beyond the stage.
Chuck believes theatre is one of the most powerful tools for personal growth. Under his leadership, students learn not only acting, singing, and performance skills, but also teamwork, responsibility, communication, empathy, and self-confidence. His greatest joy comes from watching young people discover talents they never knew they had and grow into confident, capable individuals.
Today, CPP proudly celebrates more than 30 years of service, 55 major productions, over 1,300 direct student participants, and more than 150,000 audience members reached through educational theatre experiences. Much of that impact stems from Chuck’s unwavering commitment to making theatre accessible, welcoming, and meaningful for every child.
His vision remains rooted in a simple belief:
“Every child deserves the opportunity to experience the magic of live theatre, regardless of background, experience, or circumstance.”
Richard De Haven
Technical Director, Instructor & Youth Theatre Mentor
For more than 30 years, Richard has been a beloved part of the CPP and Youtheatre Players family. Known for his energy, humor, and unwavering dedication, he has helped bring countless productions to life while inspiring generations of young performers both on and off the stage.
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If you’ve spent any time around Children’s Playtime Productions or Youtheatre Players, chances are you’ve met Richard De Haven. Known for his infectious enthusiasm, quick wit, and larger-than-life personality, Richard has been an integral part of the organization for more than two decades.
While he often jokes that he’s “all fun and no work,” those who know him understand just how much dedication, passion, and hard work he brings to every production. Throughout the years, Richard has worn many hats—performer, technician, mentor, instructor, stagehand, problem-solver, and trusted friend to countless students and families.
Richard has performed in numerous productions and has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to help bring CPP’s vision to life. From building sets and managing technical elements to coaching young performers and keeping rehearsals running smoothly, he has played a vital role in the success of hundreds of performances.
As Technical Director and Instructor, Richard is passionate about helping students discover confidence, creativity, and teamwork through theatre. He has a unique ability to make every participant feel welcome, valued, and capable of achieving more than they ever thought possible. Whether he’s leading an improv game, solving a backstage challenge, or encouraging a nervous first-time performer, Richard’s energy and positivity help create an environment where young people can thrive.
For more than 30 years, Richard has helped build the supportive and inclusive culture that makes CPP and Youtheatre Players feel like a second family for so many students. His commitment to youth, theatre, and community continues to leave a lasting impact on generations of young performers throughout the Coachella Valley.
Christie Clemens
Musical Director & Vocal Coach
Christie Clemens helps young performers find their voice, both on stage and beyond. As Musical Director and Vocal Coach, she brings passion, encouragement, and musical expertise to every rehearsal, helping students develop confidence, performance skills, and a love for musical theatre.
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Christie Clemens has been an invaluable part of the Children’s Playtime Productions and Youtheatre Players family, helping young performers discover the power of music, storytelling, and self-expression through musical theatre.
As Musical Director and Vocal Coach, Christie works closely with students of all ages and experience levels, guiding them as they develop vocal technique, stage presence, musicality, and confidence. Her patient and encouraging teaching style creates an environment where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.
Christie believes that music has the unique ability to connect people, build confidence, and tell stories that resonate deeply with audiences. Whether she is teaching harmonies, helping students prepare solos, or leading cast rehearsals, she is dedicated to helping every performer find their voice and experience the joy of creating something meaningful together.
Throughout her time with CPP and Youtheatre Players, Christie has helped bring countless productions to life, sharing her love of music and performance with generations of young artists. Her commitment to nurturing creativity and fostering growth has made a lasting impact on students and families throughout the Coachella Valley.
Christie’s greatest reward is watching young performers gain confidence, overcome challenges, and discover talents they never knew they possessed. Through music and theatre, she helps students develop skills and memories that will stay with them long after the final curtain call.
Isabella "Izzy" Ceja
Costume Designer & Theatre Educator
A former CPP performer turned theatre professional, Izzy brings creativity, expertise, and a passion for mentorship to every production. From costume design to theatre education, she helps young performers discover confidence, imagination, and the magic of bringing characters to life.
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Isabella “Izzy” Ceja’s journey with Children’s Playtime Productions and Youtheatre Players began as a young performer on the very same stage where she now inspires the next generation of theatre artists. Having spent more than a decade participating in dance and theatre productions as a child, Izzy experienced firsthand the confidence, creativity, and sense of belonging that educational theatre can provide.
After graduating from high school, Izzy pursued her passion for the performing arts at California Polytechnic State University, Humboldt, where she earned degrees in Theatre Arts with an emphasis in Costume Design and Communication Studies. During her time in college, she developed extensive skills in costume construction, design, theatrical storytelling, and production management.
Following graduation, Izzy returned to the Coachella Valley with a desire to give back to the organization that helped shape her own love of theatre. Today, she serves as CPP and Youtheatre Players’ resident Costume Designer and Theatre Educator, helping bring productions to life through creativity, artistry, and attention to detail.
In addition to her work with Youtheatre Players, Izzy serves as a costume designer for theatrical productions at College of the Desert, where she continues to expand her professional experience while mentoring young artists and performers.
Izzy is passionate about helping students discover that theatre is more than what happens on stage. Through costume design, character development, and creative collaboration, she teaches young people how every role—whether in the spotlight or behind the scenes—contributes to the magic of live performance.
As both a former student and current instructor, Izzy represents the lasting impact of educational theatre. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of what is possible when young people are given opportunities to learn, create, and grow through the arts.
Susannah Vera
Theatre Educator, Director & Playwright
A former CPP performer turned theatre educator, Susannah Vera combines professional training, classroom experience, and a passion for storytelling to help young performers build confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of the arts.
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Susannah Vera’s journey with Children’s Playtime Productions and Youtheatre Players began as a young performer participating in productions during her middle and high school years. Those early experiences helped spark a passion for theatre, storytelling, and arts education that would ultimately shape her career.
After graduating from high school, Susannah pursued her love of the performing arts through higher education, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts with a minor in Music before continuing her studies and obtaining a Master’s Degree in Script and Screenwriting. Her academic background provides a unique blend of performance, music, storytelling, and creative writing expertise that she brings to every production and classroom.
Following her education, Susannah returned to the Coachella Valley with a desire to inspire the next generation of performers. Today, she serves as a theatre educator, director, and instructor with Youtheatre Players, where she helps students develop acting skills, confidence, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for the performing arts.
In addition to her work with Youtheatre Players, Susannah serves as the Theatre Teacher at Palm Desert High School, where she continues to mentor and guide young artists as they develop their talents both on and off the stage. Her experience in both educational and performance settings allows her to create engaging, supportive environments where students feel encouraged to take creative risks, discover their strengths, and grow as individuals.
Susannah believes theatre is about more than performance—it is about storytelling, collaboration, empathy, and self-discovery. Whether she is directing a scene, teaching acting techniques, developing scripts, or mentoring young performers, she is passionate about helping students find their voice and express themselves with confidence.
As both a former CPP student and current educator, Susannah represents the lasting impact of educational theatre. Her journey from participant to professional educator is a powerful example of how the arts can inspire, transform, and create opportunities that last a lifetime.
Today, she continues to share that passion with every student she teaches, helping young performers discover the confidence, creativity, and joy that come from stepping into the spotlight.
Susan Piron
Vocal & Musical Theatre Instructor
Susan Piron helps young performers discover the power of their voice through singing, performance, and musical theatre. Her encouraging teaching style inspires students to build confidence, develop vocal skills, and shine both on and off the stage.
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Susan Piron is a passionate educator, performer, and vocal instructor who has dedicated her time and talents to helping young performers develop confidence through music and theatre. As a valued member of the Youtheatre Players team, Susan brings warmth, creativity, and enthusiasm to every class, helping students discover the joy of singing and performing.
Through Youtheatre Players’ Singing & Dancing to Broadway Performance Club and musical theatre programs, Susan works closely with students of all experience levels, teaching vocal technique, breath control, projection, stage presence, and performance skills. Her supportive and encouraging approach helps young performers feel comfortable taking creative risks while building the confidence to express themselves authentically.
Susan believes that every child has a unique voice and story to share. She creates a positive learning environment where students are encouraged to grow not only as performers, but also as individuals. Whether a student dreams of performing on stage or simply wants to gain confidence speaking and expressing themselves, Susan is committed to helping them achieve their goals.
Her greatest reward comes from watching students discover talents they never knew they had and seeing their confidence grow with each rehearsal and performance. Through music, teamwork, and the shared experience of theatre, Susan helps create lasting memories and meaningful experiences that extend far beyond the stage.
As part of the Youtheatre Players family, Susan continues to inspire the next generation of performers while helping fulfill the organization’s mission of building confidence, creativity, community, and self-expression through the performing arts.
CPP, YTP & Youth Take The Stage: What's the Difference?
Childrens Playtime Productions (CPP)
Children’s Playtime Productions is our official nonprofit organization and educational foundation. CPP develops and delivers theatre-based educational programs, productions, workshops, and community outreach opportunities.
Youtheatre Players (YTP)
Youtheatre Players is the performance division of CPP and serves as the public-facing home for many of our classes, productions, camps, and youth performance opportunities.
Youth Take The Stage (YTTS)
Youth Take The Stage is a unique community showcase program that provides performance opportunities for talented youth from across the Coachella Valley, regardless of whether they are affiliated with a theatre company or perform independently.
Where We're Going
There is an incredible pool of talented, creative young people throughout the Coachella Valley who are eager to perform, create, and connect.
Our vision is to expand opportunities through additional productions, educational programs, workshops, summer camps, community partnerships, and youth performance experiences.
We believe every child deserves the opportunity to discover their voice, find their confidence, and experience the joy of live theatre.
The best is yet to come!
Join the Youtheatre Players Family
Whether you’re looking for theatre classes, summer camps, performance opportunities, volunteer experiences, or ways to support youth arts education, we’d love to welcome you into our community.
Children’s Playtime Productions is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) California Corporation dedicated to providing educational theatre experiences for youth throughout the Coachella Valley.
Federal Tax ID: 33-0730102