A solo performer stands in a spotlight on a dark stage during a dramatic moment.

Children's Improv Theater · Ages 9–12

Where Every Child
Discovers Their
Inner Performer

Improv theater for ages 9–12 that builds real confidence, genuine creativity, and the courage to shine — in class and beyond.

Enroll My Child See How It Works

No experience needed  ·  Small group sessions  ·  Real performance at season's end

The Story Behind the Stage

Most kids hold
back.
We give them a
reason not to.

Somewhere between eight and twelve, something happens. Kids who were fearless become hesitant — afraid to say the wrong thing, look silly, take up too much space.

Presto was built for exactly that moment. Improv theater isn't about being funny. It's about learning to listen, respond, and trust yourself — skills that transfer from the stage to every classroom, every conversation, every moment that matters.

Every session is a workshop in confidence. Every performance is proof they were right to try.

8+

Years of programs

500+

Kids found their voice

100%

Live performances

Two joyful kids performing in a homemade theater setup with costumes and curtains, having a fun time indoors.

What We Build

Four things every
Presto kid learns

Yes, And.

The first rule of improv — and of confidence.

In every Presto session, kids learn the foundational improv principle: accept what's offered and build on it. On stage, this means scenes catch fire. Off stage, it means your child learns to meet the world with openness instead of fear.

Fail Gloriously.

Where mistakes become the best moments.

We train kids to treat mistakes as material — not as evidence against themselves. When a scene goes sideways, the class learns to use it. This rewires how tweens respond to failure everywhere: in school, in sports, in friendships.

Share the Stage.

Deep listening. Real connection.

Improv only works when everyone listens. Presto builds genuine ensemble skills — how to support a scene partner, how to make someone else look brilliant. Kids leave not just more confident in themselves, but more present with the people around them.

Take the Stage.

Season-end performance. The real thing.

Every Presto session builds toward a live performance in front of a real audience — family, friends, the community. Not a recital. Not a showcase. An actual improv show, created entirely by your child. This is the moment everything clicks.

Dramatic image of a performer on stage under a focused spotlight in a dark ambiance.
I used to be scared of everything. Now I walk into a room and I know I can handle whatever happens.
Maya, age 12 Presto graduate, Season 4

Every child who walks through our door already has what it takes.
We just give them the stage to prove it.

Claim a Spot for Your Child

The People Behind the Curtain

Coaches who've
been there.

Every Presto instructor is a working performer and a dedicated educator. They don't just teach improv — they live it. More importantly, they know exactly what it takes to help a tween find their stage.

Jamie Okafor

Founder & Lead Director

Trained at Second City and iO Theater, Jamie has spent 12 years bringing improv to kids who'd never consider themselves "performers." She started Presto after watching a shy 10-year-old take a bow to a standing ovation — and seeing his whole world change in that moment.

Marcus Chen

Curriculum Director

Former middle school teacher turned improv coach, Marcus designed the Presto curriculum to meet tweens exactly where they are — honoring the awkwardness, the self-consciousness, the energy. He's also the one who makes every rehearsal feel like a party.

Sofia Reyes

Performance Coach

Sofia brings her background in physical theater and movement to Presto, adding layers to what improv can be. Under her coaching, kids don't just find their voice — they find their presence. Every student she's worked with has performed with more courage than they thought possible.

A group of children in an enthusiastic creative class, full of energy and expression.

Every kid. Every stage.

Ready for Curtain Up?

Give your child
their stage.

Sessions fill quickly — groups are kept small intentionally, so every kid gets real attention, real coaching, and real stage time. If you're ready to watch your 9–12-year-old become someone who walks into a room differently, this is the program.

No payment today. We'll reach out to confirm your session and answer any questions.

Common Questions

What age range is Presto for?

Presto serves tweens ages 9 through 12. This is a deliberately focused age window — we designed every exercise, game, and session arc for the specific emotional landscape of this stage of childhood.

Does my child need any experience in theater or performing?

Zero experience needed — and honestly, kids with no theater background often surprise themselves most. Presto is built for every kid, not just the ones who already raise their hand.

How long is the program?

Programs run in 8-week sessions. Sessions meet once weekly for 90 minutes, culminating in a live improv performance for family and friends at the end of the term.

What if my child is shy or anxious?

This is exactly who Presto is built for. We never force a child to perform before they're ready. The ensemble approach means kids find courage together — not alone on a stage.

Is there a performance at the end?

Yes — every session closes with a real, live improv show. It's not a scripted recital; it's the actual art form. Kids perform scenes they've created themselves, in front of an audience, with their coaches in their corner.