performing arts for kids

Kaleidoscope Crown, written by playwright Ashleigh Akilah Rucker, tells the inspiring story of a young girl who awakens to a shocking new ability: with every new emotion, her hair transforms into vibrant, multicolor tresses. This extraordinary change disrupts the uniformity and peace of her small traditional village, prompting both her and those around her to confront their perceptions of beauty and individuality. This live performance at COCA is for ages 6 and up.

Film & Fun is a great opportunity for your family to enjoy art-making and see a family-friendly film! See Encanto at COCA, enjoy art and learn a song together. 

Explore the big, blue world of Finding Nemo Jr. in this stage version of the Pixar film, which brings together kids and teens with and without disabilities so every child has a chance to shine. Finding Nemo Jr. is presented by COCA in partnership with Variety the Children's Charity. Tickets are just $10.

Prepare to be spellbound by the powerful voices and unforgettable characters who take you on a heartwarming odyssey of love, empowerment and redemption. The Color Purple, COCA's summer musical, features a Grammy-winning score infused with jazz, ragtime, gospel, and African blues. It's a moving testament to the power of love, faith, resilience and sisterhood. Ideal for ages 13 and up.

In this new production from COCA, the Center of Creative Arts, 12-year-old Simon lives an overwhelming and overscheduled life, but they really want to find a place where they can stop and think. At the same time, on the other side of the universe, The Kid at the Edge of Everything lives alone, bored, and isolated. Following a startling sequence of events involving "lots and lots of fireworks" and a rocket ship, their worlds collide, changing the trajectory of the children's lives forever.

Join the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra for an afternoon of fun for kids and families. Through Peter Schickele's A Zoo Called Earth you'll hear creatures ranging from fish and dinosaurs to kangaroos and elephants come to life from the perspective of an extraterrestrial tourist. 

Pippin is a coming-of-age story that perfectly captures the teenage years of life and the search to find what fulfills us. With an infectiously unforgettable score from Stephen Schwartz, Pippin tells the story of the quest to live an extraordinary life.