Celebrating 30 Years of Educational Theatre in the Coachella Valley

Who We Are

Every Child Has A Place Here

For more than 30 years, Children’s Playtime Productions (CPP) and Youtheatre Players have empowered children and teens through educational theatre experiences that build confidence, creativity, leadership, communication, and lifelong friendships.

What began as one courageous decision has grown into one of Southern California’s longest-running youth theatre organizations, helping thousands of young people discover their voice both on and off the stage.

Every Great Story Begins With One Brave Decision

It Started With a Dream. It Became a Community.

More than 30 years ago, two professionals from very different careers shared one belief: Theatre has the power to change lives.

One was an accomplished patent attorney and former electrical engineer. The other was an educator, researcher, and theatre artist.

Together, they made the extraordinary decision to leave successful careers behind and dedicate their lives to creating opportunities for young people through educational theatre.

That decision became Children’s Playtime Productions (CPP) in 1995. Today, that same dream continues through Youtheatre Players, where every rehearsal, every class, every production, and every performance is designed to help children discover confidence, creativity, and belonging.

"We didn't begin with a stage. We began with a belief that every child deserves a place to shine."

Why Theatre?

Because Theatre Teaches Far More Than Acting

We never set out to simply create performers. We set out to help young people become confident, compassionate, resilient human beings. Every rehearsal becomes a lesson in life. Every performance becomes an opportunity to grow. Every student discovers strengths they never knew they had.

Confidence

Stepping into the spotlight teaches children to believe in themselves both on stage and in everyday life.

Creativity

Students develop imagination, curiosity, storytelling, and creative problem-solving through every rehearsal.

Community

Theatre builds teamwork, empathy, communication, friendship, and respect.

Character

Responsibility, perseverance, leadership, resilience, and kindness grow naturally through collaborative performance.

More Than Performing - Growing for Life

While students develop acting, singing, dancing, and performance skills, they also gain valuable life skills that last long after the curtain closes.

The greatest standing ovation isn’t on stage, it’s watching young people become the best version of themselves.

Thirty Years of Impact

Years Serving Youth

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Empowering young people through the performing arts since 1995.

Major Productions

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Creating unforgettable theatrical experiences that inspire growth and creativity.

Young Performers

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Building confidence, friendships, and lifelong memories on stage.

Audience Members Reached

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Sharing the magic of live theatre with families throughout the Coachella Valley.

Educational Theatre That Makes a Difference

Every rehearsal, performance, workshop, and community partnership contributes to something much bigger than theatre.

For more than three decades, we’ve helped young people throughout the Coachella Valley discover confidence, creativity, leadership, and lifelong friendships while creating unforgettable experiences for families across our community.

A Dream That Never Stopped Growing

What began with one production has grown into year-round educational theatre opportunities for children and teens throughout the Coachella Valley.

Today, Youtheatre Players offers:

Mainstage Productions
Acting Classes
Musical Theatre
Dance
Voice
Improv
Theatre Club
Summer Camps
Workshops
Youth Take the Stage

Each program shares one purpose: Helping every child discover confidence, creativity, connection, and joy.

Through Every Challenge, Our Mission Stayed the Same

When the world paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, so did live theatre.

Performances were canceled. Schools closed. Our newly opened theatre doors had barely welcomed their first students before they temporarily closed.

But our mission never stopped. We adapted, rebuilt, and continued serving young people because we believe the performing arts are essential to helping children heal, grow, and thrive.

Thirty years later, that same commitment continues stronger than ever.

Meet the People Behind the Magic

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What Makes Us Different?

We Teach More Than Theatre

Our programs use performing arts to teach communication, leadership, creativity, and confidence.

Every Child Has a Place Here

Whether your child dreams of Broadway or simply wants to build confidence, there’s a welcoming place for them.

Education Comes First

Our focus is helping children grow into confident, compassionate young adults through meaningful performing arts experiences.

Community Matters

Families don’t just enroll in classes, they become part of the Youtheatre family.

Accessible Opportunities

Affordable membership options and year-round programming help make educational theatre accessible to more families throughout the Coachella Valley.

CPP, YTP, & YTTS: What's the Difference?

CPP

Childrens Playtime Productions

Children’s Playtime Productions (CPP) is the nonprofit heart behind Youtheatre Players. As a 501(c)(3) California Corporation, CPP has spent more than 30 years creating opportunities for young people to discover confidence, creativity, friendship, and a sense of belonging through educational theatre experiences. Through productions, classes, camps, workshops, and community outreach programs, we help youth throughout the Coachella Valley find their voice and realize their potential, both on and off the stage.

Federal Tax ID: 33-0730102

YTP

Youtheatre Players

Youtheatre Players is the performance division of Childrens Playtime Productions and serves as the public-facing home for many of our classes, productions, camps, and youth performance opportunities.

YTTS

Youth Take The Stage

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.

Our first 30 years were just the beginning

Looking Toward the Future

As we look ahead, we’re expanding opportunities through new productions, educational programs, workshops, summer camps, community partnerships, and performance experiences so even more young people throughout the Coachella Valley can discover the transformative power of theatre.

Because every child deserves the opportunity to find their voice, express their creativity, and experience the joy of belonging.

The next chapter of our story is still being written, and we’d love for your family to be part of it.

Now it’s your family’s turn.

Everything You Need to Know About Youtheatre Players

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our youth theatre programs, acting classes, musical theatre, registration, performances, locations, and how families can become part of the Youtheatre Players community.

What is Youtheatre Players?

Youtheatre Players (YTP) is the performance division of Children’s Playtime Productions (CPP), a nonprofit youth theatre organization serving the Coachella Valley since 1995. YTP offers acting classes, musical theatre, dance, voice, improv, theatre clubs, summer camps, workshops, showcases, and full-scale productions where children and teens build confidence, creativity, and lifelong friendships through the performing arts.

What is Children's Playtime Productions (CPP)?

Children’s Playtime Productions (CPP) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational theatre organization dedicated to enriching the lives of young people through the performing arts. For more than 30 years, CPP has provided affordable theatre education, productions, workshops, camps, and community outreach programs that help children develop confidence, communication skills, creativity, leadership, and self-expression.

How long has CPP served the Coachella Valley?

Children’s Playtime Productions has proudly served families throughout the Coachella Valley since 1995. Over the past 30 years, we’ve produced more than 55 major productions, welcomed over 1,300 young performers to the stage, and shared the magic of live theatre with more than 150,000 audience members.

What ages can participate?

Most Youtheatre Players programs are designed for children and teens ages 7 to 18, although some opportunities may welcome younger participants based on instructor assessment and program readiness. We offer classes and performance opportunities for beginners through experienced performers.

Does my child need theatre experience?

Not at all! Many students join us with little or no previous theatre experience. Our welcoming instructors create a supportive environment where every child can learn at their own pace, build confidence, and discover new talents. Whether your child dreams of Broadway or simply wants to try something new, there’s a place for them here.

What types of theatre programs do you offer?

Youtheatre Players offers year-round educational theatre opportunities, including:

Mainstage Productions
Acting Classes
Musical Theatre
Dance
Voice
Improv
Theatre Club
Summer Camps
Workshops
Youth Take the Stage
Showcase Performances
Special Events

Our programs are designed to help young performers grow both on and off the stage.

What life skills do students develop?

While students learn acting, singing, dancing, and performance techniques, they also develop valuable life skills that benefit them in school and beyond, including:

Confidence
Communication
Public Speaking
Creativity
Leadership
Teamwork
Problem Solving
Responsibility
Resilience
Self-Expression
Collaboration
Empathy

These skills often become just as valuable as the performance experience itself.

Where are classes and productions held?

Most Youtheatre Players classes and clubs are held at The Shops at Palm Desert (formerly Westfield Palm Desert Mall), Lower Level near JCPenney.

Major productions, showcases, camps, and special performances may also take place at various theatre and community venues throughout the Coachella Valley. Each program page includes the specific location and performance details.

How do I register?

Getting started is easy! Simply visit the program or club page that interests you and complete the online registration form. If you have questions about which program is the best fit for your child, our team is happy to help you find the right opportunity.

Need assistance? Contact us at 760-303-1990 or cppontheweb@aol.com.

What is the All Access Club Pass?

The All Access Club Pass is one of the best values in youth theatre.

For $60 per month (plus a small processing fee), participants receive access to multiple Youtheatre Players clubs and classes—including Acting, Theatre Club, Voice, Dance, and Improv—through one affordable monthly membership. A three-month initial commitment helps students build skills, friendships, and confidence while fully experiencing our educational programs.

Can parents volunteer?

Absolutely! Parent involvement is an important part of the Youtheatre Players community. Families often volunteer by helping with costumes, props, set construction, backstage support, fundraising, event coordination, concessions, photography, and many other areas. Volunteering is a wonderful way to support your child while becoming part of our theatre family.

How can I support Children's Playtime Productions?

There are many meaningful ways to support our nonprofit mission:

Enroll your child in a program
Volunteer your time and talents
Attend productions and showcases
Become a sponsor or community partner
Make a tax-deductible donation
Share our programs with friends and family
Follow and engage with us on social media

Every registration, volunteer hour, donation, and ticket purchased helps us continue creating life-changing educational theatre experiences for young people throughout the Coachella Valley.

Why do families choose Youtheatre Players?

Families choose Youtheatre Players because we combine high-quality performing arts education with a welcoming, inclusive community where every child belongs. For more than 30 years, we’ve helped young people throughout the Coachella Valley build confidence, creativity, leadership, communication skills, and lifelong friendships through acting classes, musical theatre, dance, voice, improv, camps, productions, and educational theatre experiences. Whether a student is stepping on stage for the first time or pursuing a passion for the performing arts, our focus is always the same: helping every child become the best version of themselves.