Why We Succeed
One of Y&KS2 mission’s is to end isolation, prejudice, and violence in the lives of young people, and it remains at the core of our work. Serving as a community hub and safe haven. Y&KS2 provides access to the arts for all, through classes, residencies, workshops and civic events regardless of income. Y&KS2 professional development programs enriches teaching artists and educators with quality arts integration training, curricula, and practice. Classes and civic events draw entire communities from throughout the Central Area and bring the arts to under-resourced and underserved communities at little or no cost.
Meet our founder
Danita Strauss
Danita Strauss: Founder & Executive Director
Danita Strauss, our Founder and Executive Director, is a former at-risk kids and youth who knows firsthand the challenges faced by young people today. Committed to making a positive impact, she began her journey with the City of Long Beach as a Gang Intervention/Prevention Program leader, where her passion for helping children blossomed.
Recognizing that long after-school hours could lead to negative influences, Danita developed engaging activities to keep youth occupied. She organized “Unity N Diversity” concerts featuring hip-hop artists and connected kids with actors, athletes, and writers they admired. Events like “Rap the Vote,” “Feed the Homeless Banquets,” and “Secret Santa” helped foster a strong sense of community.
Through her dedication, Danita established a progressive performing arts program that offers kids and youth opportunities in animation, app development, coding, and music. Her Peer2Peer Program empowers participants to rise above negativity.
Youth&KidScore2 has received generous support from various companies and individuals, including Nickelodeon’s Kel Mitchell and the late Congresswoman Juanita Millender McDonald. Celebrities like Tisha Campbell-Martin, Warren G, and Pink have also contributed their time, making Youth&KidScore2 a successful creative and performing arts program.
KXNG Crooked
Dominick Antron Wickliffe (WORDSMITH)
Dominick Antron Wickliffe (WORDSMITH), better known by his stage name Kxng Crooked, (stylised as KXNG Crooked and pronounced "King Crooked"; formerly Crooked I) is an American rapper from Long Beach, California. He formed the hip hop supergroupSlaughterhouse with fellow rappers Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz and Royce da 5'9"
YKS2 VIDEOGAME TEAM
Experienced Instructors
Our after-school program is led by experienced instructors who are passionate about teaching and have years of experience working with children. They are experts in their field and bring a wealth of knowledge to our program.
STEM Curriculum
We believe in the importance of STEM education and have developed a comprehensive curriculum that includes hands-on projects and experiments. Our program helps children develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Healthy Snacks
We believe that healthy eating is key to a child's well-being. That's why we provide healthy snacks, such as fruits and vegetables, to all participants. We also accommodate for any dietary restrictions.
Youth&KidScore2 Playhouse
Youth&KidScore2 Playhouse is a year-round organization focused on performing and creative arts for kids and youth. We present a full season of professional-quality productions featuring an all-student casts. We recruit students on a non-competitive basis and prioritize a nurturing, process-oriented rehearsal environment. Now in our 24th year, we reach hundreds of students weekly through our innovative “Youth&KidScore2 Mobile Production in the Schools” program.
Kids-Youth acting camps
Introductory Acting
Musical Theater Camp
Introductory Acting
This course teaches the essentials of acting for stage and film, with students following a shared curriculum. Key elements include:
• In-class shoots to learn the technical side of film acting.
• Scene work to practice core acting techniques.
• Non-traditional classes to help break personal barriers and create authentic characters.
• Video camera practice to prepare for film and TV shoots.
• Performing in a filmed scene, which is edited and screened for an audience.
• Extra time for productions, scheduled as needed.
Intermediate Acting
Musical Theater Camp
Introductory Acting
Building on the introductory acting program, students take part in a more detailed production. They may shoot the final project on location or in a closed set at the academy. Classes introduce acting techniques for the camera but mainly focus on rehearsing and preparing for the final project.
• 26-week production workshops with short scenes shot during class.
• Final project filmed and screened for cast, crew, family, and guests.
Musical Theater Camp
Musical Theater Camp
Musical Theater Camp
From classics like Oliver Twist, The Sound of Music, and The Wizard of Oz to animated favorites like Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat and A Charlie Brown Christmas, musical theatre has a rich history on stage and screen. YouthScore Playhouse offers a space where students can develop their craft and improve their reading skills. Some workshops are led by professional actors.
In this camp, students learn key skills for musical theatre, including:
• Dance, voice, acting, and performance.
• Script and song interpretation for auditions, stage, and film.
• Professional presentation in performance situations.
Students are treated as unique parts of the ensemble, regardless of their singing and movement levels, and will explore essential skills and ethics for a career in acting.
After School Program
Safe and Fun Environment
Safe and Fun Environment
Safe and Fun Environment
Our after-school program offers a safe and enjoyable environment for your child to learn and grow. Our experienced instructors will motivate your child in various activities, including acting, dance, animation, greenscreen effect and educational games.
Homework Help
Safe and Fun Environment
Safe and Fun Environment
We offer one hour of homework help and encourage the parent to support both Youth&KidScore2 and their child to succeed.
Healthy Snacks
Safe and Fun Environment
We believe that healthy snacks play a crucial role in a child’s development. That’s why we offer nutritious snacks during our after-school program. Our snacks are both delicious and kid-approved!
STEM Activities
Our after-school program features a range of STEM activities designed to spark your child’s curiosity and creativity. From robotics to coding, we offer hands-on learning experiences that are both educational and enjoyable.
Arts and Crafts
Sports and Games
We believe creativity is vital for a child’s development. That’s why our after-school program includes various arts and crafts activities. Your child will have the chance to express themselves through painting, drawing, and other creative pursuits.
Sports and Games
Sports and Games
Physical activity is essential for a child’s health and well-being. That’s why our after-school program includes a variety of sports and games. Your child will stay active and have fun playing basketball, soccer, tag, and more.
Techmosphere
Coder Dojo
YouthScore S.O.A.R. Code Club YouthScore@coderdojo.com CoderDojo is a global movement of free, volunteer-led, community-based programming clubs for young people. At a Dojo, young people, between 7 and 17, learn how to code, develop websites, apps, programs, games and explore technology in an informal and creative environment.
3D Animation
3D animation is more popular than ever, with the industry of animated videos, computer games, and interactive media rapidly growing and evolving. At YouthScore Film Academy’s hands-on 3D Animation Camps, students get to write, animate, direct, and edit their own computer-animated short films.
Music Video
Music Videos are one of the most accessible and hands-on ways that individuals can begin a career in directing that is free of the many constraints of standard narrative filmmaking.
Green Screen DIgital TV Production Studio
With a digital camera, a green backdrop, and a simple green-screen app or movie editing software, any student can incorporate this technology into their creative work.Green screen projects are certainly sensible for media arts classrooms, but there are some great applications for core subject areas, as well—especially for those teachers who are fans of project-based learning.
iMeditate&Yoga
Music Business Basics
For young children, yoga is more than just a physical activity. A regular yoga practice can help children develop skills that will help them through adolescence and later in life.
Music Business Basics
Music Business Basics
Music Industry Basics: Participants who are interested in becoming an artist or executive will learn the etiquette of the music industry. Professional mentors teach youth about music promotion, publishing, and studio work. Students are then taught marketing, business administration and economics from successful business owners within the community itself.