Business Details
42 Years
experience
Your Performing Arts Education Starts Here
Since 1984, SPACE has been a cornerstone of youth performing arts education in Ukiah, California. Our mission centers on empowering young individuals through comprehensive training in dance, theater, music, and cultural education, fostering creativity, responsibility, and compassion. With a focus on inclusivity, we serve children from infancy through 18 years old, offering year-round programs that blend technical skill development with emotional and social growth. Our facility at 508 W. Perkins St. houses a state-of-the-art theater and classrooms, supporting both educational and community engagement initiatives. Over four decades, we've cultivated partnerships with regional arts organizations and trained alumni who now excel in professional performing arts and education.Our teaching philosophy emphasizes 'Time In' over punitive measures, prioritizing emotional connection and individualized support. Recognized for our impact on local youth, we provide scholarship opportunities and multilingual resources to ensure accessibility. Our programs have been lauded by educators, parents, and industry professionals for their transformative effect on participants' confidence and artistic abilities. Through public performances, community collaborations, and educational outreach, we continue to strengthen Ukiah's cultural landscape while nurturing the next generation of artists and leaders.
Services
Dance Classes
Theater Workshops
Music Education
Cultural Programs
Performance Opportunities
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience in youth performing arts education
- Our faculty includes professional artists with national/international performance backgrounds
- We provide multilingual program access and financial assistance options
- Our 'Time In' philosophy prioritizes emotional development alongside artistic training
- We maintain a 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio for personalized instruction
What people say
Life-changing experience
Inclusive community
Professional instructors
Cultural awareness
Emotional support
Services
Dance Classes
Our dance program offers instruction in multiple styles including contemporary, street dance, and hip hop. Students develop technical proficiency while exploring creative expression through movement. Classes emphasize both individual growth and collaborative performance skills.
Theater Workshops
Theater workshops focus on acting, improvisation, and musical theater performance. Participants learn stagecraft, character development, and ensemble collaboration in a supportive environment that builds confidence and communication skills.
Music Education
Music education includes vocal training, instrumental instruction, and music theory. Our curriculum integrates cultural context with technical training, preparing students for both solo and ensemble performance opportunities.
Cultural Programs
Cultural programs explore global traditions through arts education. Students engage with diverse artistic practices while learning about historical and social contexts that shape different cultural expressions.
Performance Opportunities
Regular performance opportunities include mainstage productions and community outreach events. These experiences allow students to apply technical skills in professional settings while developing stage presence and audience engagement abilities.
People
Laurel Near
Executive Director
Founder with 40+ years experience in youth arts education. Developed SPACE's unique teaching philosophy emphasizing emotional development alongside artistic training.
Aisha Walls
Master Teacher
Award-winning choreographer directing original productions. Brings professional Broadway experience to youth training programs while maintaining local community connections.
Anbal Fragoso Castilleja
Community Liaison
Cultural ambassador promoting inclusivity. Develops Spanish-language program access and community partnerships that reflect SPACE's commitment to diversity and representation.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We offer programs for infants through 18-year-olds with age-appropriate curriculum in all performing arts disciplines.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, we provide financial assistance and scholarship opportunities to ensure accessibility for all interested students.
What performance opportunities exist?
Students participate in multiple annual productions including original works, community collaborations, and cultural showcases at our professional theater venue.
Do you offer bilingual programs?
Yes, we provide Spanish-language class materials, schedules, and staff communication to support diverse families.
What teaching methods do you use?
Our 'Time In' philosophy focuses on emotional connection and positive reinforcement rather than punitive measures for behavioral challenges.
How are instructors qualified?
Our faculty includes professional artists with Broadway, regional theater, and international performance experience alongside child development expertise.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Abigail Comstock
Jan 10, 2021
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They offer so many different styles dance and theater classes for all ages from birth through adulthood.
Megan Bradford
Jul 31, 2020
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This was my first visit to SPACE. I am a teacher of students with special needs. The staff did an excellent job of making it a good experience for us.
Courtney Hamilton
Jan 28, 2020
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Space has been a really good addition to our routine. My Daughter loves the street dance class, and next semester is trying a contemporary dance class as well. The performances are really well put
Together and the kids are all so excited to be a part of something so amazing. The costumes were great and the teachers are super with the kids. Lila loves her dance classes! We had attended classes when she was younger and then ventured off to ballet, gymnastics, etc, but so glad we came back. Definitely a great place to bring your kid for an extracurricular activity! Boy or girl!
Together and the kids are all so excited to be a part of something so amazing. The costumes were great and the teachers are super with the kids. Lila loves her dance classes! We had attended classes when she was younger and then ventured off to ballet, gymnastics, etc, but so glad we came back. Definitely a great place to bring your kid for an extracurricular activity! Boy or girl!
Nia Foster
Jan 24, 2020
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My daughter takes a dance class at SPACE and she absolutely loves it. I really appreciate how patient her teacher is, I have yet to see him get or sound frustrated, and my daughter's class is all 3 to 5 year olds.
David Post
Jul 09, 2019
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Its hard to quantify how wonderful this place is. Its so rare to have talent, love, selflessness, and professionalism all in one school for the arts for children. And its all here!
