The Yes theater program is available to all students starting in 3rd grade. It is a tuition-based, after-school program at each of the five Ross Valley schools, made affordable by the Yes Foundation’s subsidy. Starting in 1st grade, each school takes a field trip to watch their school’s performance.
Enrollment in this program does not constitute a student’s annual contribution to Yes.
Each year, Ross Valley schools’ YES program offers students hands-on experience in professional theater, fostering skills in listening, reading, teamwork, and self-discipline. Highlights include:
Working with expert children’s theater directors
Performing at a local playhouse
Participating in the YES Theater KidTech program
Attending audition workshops to prepare and meet the director
Every student who auditions will be cast in the production.
For more information, contact Anna Barker, the YesTheater Program Manager, at abarker@yestokids.org
YES Theater Board Member theater@yestokids.org
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White Hill Fall Play
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Jen Boynton & Nic Moore
Performances: Dec 5-7Workshops Sept 2 & 4
Auditions Sept 9 & 11Rehearsals Tues & Thurs
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Hidden Valley
Annie, Jr
Kim Danforth
Performances: Jan 9-11, 2026Hidden Valley Theater Registration Opens Sept 14
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Manor
Mary Poppins, Jr.
Suraya Keating
Performances: Jan 16-18, 2026Manor Theater Registration Opens Sept 21
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Wade Thomas
Frozen, Jr
Seana Nicol
Performances: Mar 13-15, 2026Wade Thomas Theater Registration Opens Oct 26
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Brookside
Matilda the Musical, Jr
Devin Parker Sullivan
Performances: Mar 20-22, 2026Brookside Theater Registration Opens Nov 2
2025/26 Season Schedule
White Hill fall play rehearsals are Tuesday/Thursday beginning September 2, 2025; tech week is December 1-4, 2025 and performances are December 5-7, 2025. Rehearsals end at 5:30.
Hidden Valley rehearsals are Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday beginning October 7, 2025; tech week is January 5-8, 2026 and performances are January 9-11, 2026. Rehearsals end at 5:00 T/Th and 3:45 W. *Tech week will take place the week immediately following Winter Break with performances that first weekend. There will be a mandatory tech rehearsal on Monday, January 5. Please reach out to Anna Barker at abarker@yestokids.org to communicate any concerns with this schedule BEFORE registering your student.
Manor rehearsals are Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday beginning October 14, 2025; tech week is January 12-15, 2026 and performances are January 16-18, 2026. Rehearsals end at 5:30 T/Th and 4:00 W.
Wade Thomas rehearsals are Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday beginning December 9, 2025; tech week is March 9-12, 2026 and performances are March 13-15, 2026. Rehearsals end at 5:30 T/Th and 4:00 W.
Brookside rehearsals begin January 6, 2026 (days TBD); tech week is March 16-19, 2026 and performances are March 20-22, 2026.
White Hill spring musical rehearsals are Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday beginning January 13, 2026; tech week is March 23-26, 2026 and performances are March 27-29, 2026. Rehearsals end at 6:00 T/Th and 5:00 W.
This year’s YES Theater schedule looks a little different—thank you for your patience.
The YES Theater program follows a rotating annual calendar among the elementary schools. Each year, the school whose production season concludes last will begin first the following year, and so on.
This year has presented unique challenges beyond our control. The Playhouse, which has been home to YES Theater for over forty years, is now under new management. As a result, our long-standing rental preferences could not be prioritized, and we now share scheduling considerations alongside many other theater and dance organizations.
In addition, school breaks—including winter, mid-winter, and spring—must be factored into planning. Unfortunately, this means Hidden Valley’s tech week and performance weekend fall immediately after winter break this year. While we explored every possible alternative, no other dates were available.
Looking ahead, we are working diligently to establish a more consistent schedule for next year. Our goal is to return to the format we have followed in the past: two tech weeks in late January, followed by three weeks in March.
We deeply appreciate your patience, flexibility, and continued support as we navigate these changes.
Kid Tech
The YES Foundation's Theater Program allows students to join the technical crew through the Kid Tech program, where they learn and operate lighting, sound, and stage management under adult supervision. Enrollment is via a lottery system due to high interest and limited spots. Selected students are notified by email and must fully register, while non-selected students are waitlisted.
Kid Tech activities include after-school classes, a Saturday workshop, a Playhouse tour, technical rehearsals, and weekend performances. Commitment is crucial, with illness being the only excusable absence.
Students interested in both Kid Tech and the cast should enter the Kid Tech lottery and attend Cast Workshops. If selected for Kid Tech, only register for that program; if they choose to join the cast, register accordingly.