Palo Alto Children’s Theatre exists to nurture the intellectual, artistic, and personal development of youth through multi-arts education, performing opportunities, and extraordinary theatre experiences. At the Children's Theatre, the process and product are of equal importance in creating excellent theatre for young audiences. Through multi-arts education, the Children’s Theatre develops lifelong skills such as critical and creative thinking, cooperation, and aesthetic sensitivity.

A theatre and an educational institution, the Children’s Theatre provides classes and programming designed to provide hands-on learning experiences for youth age 3 through high school. This invaluable teaching tool develops skills and provides an excellent opportunity to develop participants’ theatrical knowledge. Performing arts education opportunities include onsite classes, camps and production experiences, as well as theatrical Outreach Productions (grades 3-5) and Dance In Schools classes (grades K-2) in all twelve PAUSD Elementary Schools.