Our Story
WEST Performing Arts was founded in 2007 by Terri Steinmann with one guiding belief: every young person deserves a creative space where they are truly seen, accepted exactly as they are, and invited to grow through the joy of story and theatre. We are not a “star factory” or triple-threat studio. We are a literature-rich, fantasy-infused haven that prioritizes process over product, imagination over perfection, and human connection over polished performance.
A note from Terri
“As a lifelong educator and artist, I started WEST because I saw too many brilliant, creative kids feel unseen in traditional settings. Here, every voice matters. Every story counts. Together, we rise.”
Our Mission
WEST ignites bold imagination, resilient creativity, and deep human connection through hands-on arts adventures in literature, performance, and original works. We meet every young person—ages 4–26—exactly where they are, cultivating joyful process, holistic growth, and community unity.
We nurture “whole humans” who build confidence, empathy, and seeds for positive world change — proving that the arts of being human thrive when we dream, collaborate, and create together. Best over perfect. Always.
The WEST difference
We Meet You Where You Are
Every child is welcomed exactly as they are — no audition pressure, no “type” casting. Our educators are trained to adapt to learning styles, sensory needs, and energy levels. Neurodivergent and neurodiverse students often find their greatest confidence and success here, because we celebrate unique minds as a cornerstone of our strength.
Rooted in Literature, Fantasy & Original Creation
Our programs live in the worlds of books — from Hogwarts to Middle-earth, mythic quests to original tales born in the room. We adapt classics, invent new stories, and let imagination lead. Theatre becomes the bridge between page and heart.
Process Over Product — Planting Seeds for Change
The final performance is a celebration, not the goal. The real magic happens in rehearsal: building trust, taking risks, listening deeply, laughing together. We know every shared story plants seeds for empathy, resilience, and future world-changers.
Montessori-Complementary & Community-First
Our approach echoes Montessori principles — child-led discovery, hands-on play, respect for individual pace — while weaving in ensemble collaboration. We host community classes and partner with many alternative, and public schools and independent learning centers, bringing creative residencies that honor each learner’s journey.
Our Core Values
Bold Imagination
We ignite fearless creativity, sparking ideas that challenge convention
Real & Resilient
We grow trust through steady effort and honest connection
Creator’s Courage
We fuel co-creators to risk big, shaping stumbles into strengths.
Playful Discovery
We spark adventure in play, growing every creator’s joyful strength.
Together, We Thrive
Together, We Thrive: We co-create as an ensemble, amplifying every voice as one.
Best Over Perfect
Celebrating creative chaos, we strive for excellence through shared effort, not flawless results
Commitment to Equitable Access: Arts Open to All
WEST Performing Arts believes that the arts flourish as humanity’s common ground.
We are steadfastly committed to fairness and accessibility, ensuring that all who wish to engage in the arts have a meaningful opportunity. Our professional community embodies California’s vibrant diversity—students, staff, artists, partners, and collaborators united in purpose.
We deliver exceptional training tailored to diverse needs, with neurodiverse learners as a cornerstone of our strength. Special Initiatives through Arts Evolved amplifies socially, economically culturally disadvantaged and other historically marginalized students are seen an d heard. In addition, emerging artists aged 18-24, fostering skills through artistry and technical theatre incubation projects and mentorship. With decades of leadership, we eliminate financial, physical, and cultural barriers via ADA-compliant facilities and targeted initiatives. Our educators, versed in varied learning styles, meet participants where they are, guiding a disciplined process that builds confidence and capability for all, regardless of background.
We pledge to those who join us a genuine chance to grow in a creative, inclusive, safe space driven by effort and merit. Together, we forge a community where the arts unite, empower, and endure for every individual who steps forward.