Olathe Civic Theatre Association (OCTA) is an organization of dedicated volunteers who come together to produce high quality, live entertainment in a variety of genres and styles in a civic theatre for the betterment of the community at large. The OCTA KIDS mission is to provide children the space and opportunity to ACT:

ACCESS to participate in professional theatrical experiences.

CONNECT to their peers and community through creative expression.

TRANSFORM and inform their perception of empathy, agency, creativity, and joy.

Through our youth development and educational programming, we strive to spark imagination, inspire learning, and create a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

We believe theatre EDUCATES!  Shared storytelling is vital for youth development as both actor and audience patron.  The theatre is a place for active learning in which children practice critical skills such as communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.

We believe theatre EMPOWERS!  Theatre develops confidence, curiosity, and imagination.  The theatre is a space where children can practice perseverance and grit, learning to see challenges as opportunities.

We believe theatre ENTERTAINS! Theatre brings humor, play, and joy into children’s lives. Live theatre brings an added depth and dimension to the experience of entertainment.

OCTA is committed to guiding children in making positive decisions, building self-esteem, and displaying empathy and compassion for others. Our staff promises to demonstrate and develop a series of core values in all aspects of working with children, but staff alone cannot make a difference. A strong partnership between parents and staff, including the support and reinforcement of our values, must be present in order to foster the growth of happy, confident, and caring children. Our programs seek to promote these values in every experience and relationship. 

Kindness: To be sensitive to the well-being of others. 

Respect: To treat others as you would have them treat you. 

Responsibility: To do what is right, and to be accountable for your behaviors and obligations.

OCTA strives to make sure we are a welcoming space for peoples of all ability, ethnicity, economic status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. If there are ways we can be more welcoming to your family, please let us know at octa.kids@olathetheatre.org