How parents in Modesto area can help kids build ‘self-expression,’ ‘confidence’

Parents with children who show an affinity for the arts and entertainment — or who simply would like to get their kids more involved — have plenty of opportunities in the Modesto region.

Several companies and venues offer programs and classes that fit specific interests, from theater to visual arts and dance, symphonic music, opera and more.

“We think every child should have access to creative activities,” Lisa McDermott, director at the Carnegie Arts Center in Turlock, said in an email.

“Engaging in the arts builds confidence as children learn how to express their unique selves. It also encourages curiosity and exploration as our students try something new with different techniques and materials that they may not have at home,” she said.

Companies and venues offer programs for those as young as 2. Some come with the bonus of performing on stage — including at Modesto’s Gallo Center for the Arts — in front of family, friends and even large public audiences.

And involvement goes beyond just their artistic sides.

Programs such as those offered by Central West Ballet “offer a community space where kids of all ages can experience a joyful combination of movement, music and self-expression,” Leslie Ann Larson, director of the company’s academy, said in an email. “It’s a wonderful environment for building discipline and strength and, most importantly, lifelong friendships.”

Roy Stevens, general director of Opera Modesto, said not everyone in the community may be aware of just how much is available.

“Modesto and the surrounding region offer a surprisingly rich tapestry of arts-based opportunities for youth,” Stevens said in an email. “I keep hearing that people think that Modesto is a cultural wasteland, and when they realize the truth, they find out that there are more healthy and supportive youth arts experiences here than just about anywhere.”

Following is a look at just some of what’s available. For information on fees and tuition, contact the companies or venues, or go to the websites listed. Some offer cost assistance programs.

Carnegie Arts Center: A variety of classes is available for age 2 and up at the center in Turlock, including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture and ceramics. Fall classes begin in September.

The Carnegie also has a Central Valley Animators Film Festival in October that is open to all ages and will showcase the best in animation from Central Valley artists, and a Downtown Banner Contest for ages 4 to 18. There’s a youth art show, “Ready, Set, Show!”, annually in June, open to ages 5 to 18. For details on programs and classes, see carnegieartsturlock.org.

Central West Ballet: The CWB Academy serves ages 2 through adults. Offered are multiple levels of ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern, contemporary and mommy-and-me classes. There’s also a boys-only class. A showcase performance by academy members is held at the Gallo Center at the end of each year. Students also have the opportunity to perform in CWB’s full-length ballets throughout the year.

The company offers an Academy Sensory Dance Class, “an inclusive dance class for individuals who might be neurodiverse and/or have sensory sensitivities. (It’s to) encourage children to dance, sing, talk or use fidget toys as needed in a comforting, nurturing and safe environment,” according to Larson. For all programs, see ww.centralwestballet.org.

Gallo Center for the Arts: Youth Entertainment Stage Company (YES) is an audition-based offering through the Gallo Center that produces a full-length Broadway musical each summer at the venue. Directed and designed by local theater professionals, YES Company is for students in grades seven to 12. Participants develop their craft through eight weeks of training and curriculum-based performing arts. The program is a partnership between the Gallo Center and the Stanislaus County Office of Education.

The Gallo Center also offers a Youth Academy, an after-school musical theater program for students in grades one through eight – also a partnership of the Gallo Center and the office of education. Over a 10-week semester, students receive training and curriculum-based performing arts teaching. Each semester ends with a musical theater production in the center’s Foster Family Theater. See www.galloarts.org.

Modesto Symphony Orchestra: The MSO also has a Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra, about to enter its 50th season. MSYO is composed of two orchestras for students in grades five to 12 who rehearse weekly and perform three concerts at the Gallo Center for the Arts. Students interact with the MSO’s professional musicians, conductors and guest artists through workshops and clinics.

The MSO also partners with Carnegie Hall to bring Link Up to students in grades three to five each year. Link Up is a hands-on program where students learn about music through playing the recorder and singing. The curriculum starts in the classroom and culminates with a concert at the Gallo Center, where the students play their recorders along with the Modesto Symphony. See www.modestosymphony.org.

Opera Modesto: Among the offerings is a Summer Opera Institute for artists graduating from eighth through 12th grades. The program includes workshops to enhance self-confidence, leadership and performance skills. Classes include vocal training, language pronunciation, dance, drama, workshops by guest artists and more. The institute concludes with a concert of staged operatic excerpts in a variety of languages. The next program will be in 2026, with enrollment in March.

The company also holds an annual Kristina Townsend Memorial Vocal Competition for youth and preprofessional artists in three age categories: 16-18, 19-22 and 23-26. Singers from an 11-county region can sign up to sing for national and international judges. Sign-ups will be in February, with the competition in March. See operamodesto.org.

Stanislaus Arts Council: The council has a longstanding Young at Art youth-focused exhibition for artists ages 3 to 25. The next exhibit will be called “Youth in Bloom” from March 23 to June 5. The submission deadline is March 5. See www.stanislausarts.org.