The mission of the Oregon Conservatory of Performing Arts is to empower and nurture youth of every cultural heritage, ability, and level of interest through education and performance in the theatre arts.

Students will be treated with the respect, professionalism, and courtesy needed to bolster confidence for enhancing life skills through an educational and culturally relevant theatrical experience.

We believe that all young people should have the opportunity to experience the theatre arts -- that a complete education involves knowledge of the arts and participation in them. We teach the process of theatre, helping kids develop self-esteem and communication skills through creativity and teamwork.

The Oregon Conservatory of Performing Arts was founded in the fall of 1997, and classes began the following year. The concept was to build a program for local youth to develop and expand their skills in acting, voice, dance, and other aspects of the theatre that would complement, and in most cases go beyond, what was available in the public schools.

At first only Saturday classes were offered. Later the Magic of Theatre summer camp was instituted, offering classes and the opportunity for youth of all abilities to perform in a professional venue -- the Craterian Ginger Rogers Theater in Medford. In the summer of 2003, 60 kids participated in the camp and performed The Wizard of Oz at the Craterian to a sold-out house. In 2005, due to popular demand, we expanded our summer offerings to five camps, including Schoolhouse Rock and Fame.

In 2006, we were pleased to offer four different summer camps: Romeo and Juliet, Treasure of the Caribbean, The Ruby Princess Runs Away, and the world premiere 20th Century Broadway.

In 2007, we had five camps, two of which were specifically for teens.

We are proud to offer the youth of the Rogue Valley the opportunity to discover the Magic of Theatre while developing their personal self-esteem, gaining confidence, learning about teamwork, and tapping their creativity.