Blazing A Path T A Brighter Future...
Youth & KidScore Playhouse
Youth-KidScore2 Playhouse was designed for a new generation of stage-actors, screenwriters, producers who share a passion for stage plays and want to learn by making their own projects in a hands-on, intensive program. The Playhouse opened its doors in 1999 in the city of Long Beach parks and recreation department. Since that time, we have grown into our own mobile program, with help from people like Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, and a Los Angeles County Arts Grant, Community Partners we have been able to bring our workshops to cities nationwide. We hold one- year and short-term programs throughout the year. During the summer we offer our short-term programs at a number of locations.
The many different programs offered at the youth score playhouse share a philosophy that balances in-class instruction with an intensive exploration of the medium through practical, hands-on work. In each program, participant complete a series of projects of increasing complexity and engage in constructive discussion and critique. The participant applies the experience gained to the next project, and the learning process continues.
The Show Will Go On…
The Lion King
We’re Introducing theatre to new participants. We Explore, Create and Share the arts with this multi-media program.
Show Essentials
17 ROLES+ ENSEMBLE
RATED G ACT 1
YouthScore Play House is a year-round kids/youth performing/creative arts Organization
iMeditate
Yoga & Peace
Peace With 2 Fingers (Private Teen Group Yoga)
Learn effective yogic tools to handle stress, anger, anxiety, depression, and other challenges
facing teens. Practice breathing techniques to calm, energize, and balance thenervous system, practice flowing sequences, challenging poses, partner and group poses, restorative yoga, and deep relaxation. Dive deeper into the history and philosophy of yoga, sanskrit, and meditation. Students will develop compassion and self-confidence, empowering them to be agents of peace in the world. Class is 1 hour and is by appointment only.
Yoga is a discipline that can lead kids and youths on the path toward acalm and balanced mind, as well as help them build a strong and flexible body - tools they can use in their everyday lives. iMeination Yoga, we practice fun-filled yoga poses and breathing exercises to promote: •
Physical Strength and Flexibility
• Concentration, Focus and Attention
• Inner Strength and Body Awareness
• Confidence and Self-esteem
• Relaxation and Self-control
• A Feeling of Well-being and Respect for Others
• Love for One's Self, Inside and Out
In our fun environment, children play yoga by imitating animals and nature, andby using creative expression, games, music, art, and storytelling.
Inclusive Yoga
Special Needz (for kids and youths of varied abilities)
This yoga class is for children of varied abilities and needs. Our experienced and trained teachers will support each child’s unique physical, mental and emotional development through engaging yoga poses and games. We’ll practice breathingexercises that help calm the body and mind, while promoting increased focus andconcentration. Classes encourage social interaction in a safe and welcoming environment that meet children on their own unique level. Each class ends with relaxation time and foot rubs. Class size is limited to 8 children and is 30 minutes long.
The mental health of developmentally disabled homeless kids and youth in Los Angeles County is a significant concern, with many experiencing mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression, exacerbated by the stress of homelessness. A large portion of homeless individuals in LA County report having any mental health condition, with a substantial percentage also reporting anxiety and depression, according to Statista. These challenges highlight the need for specialized support and resources to address the unique needs of this vulnerable population. 84 percent of our participants are homeless or in foster care.
Girls & Teens Power
Girls Power Yoga
Who runs the world? Girls!
Join us where we focus on how to lift each other up, be an important member in the community and love ourselves for who we really are. At this age, girls desperately need a non-competitive outlet to let go of their stress and anxiety and feel great about themselves. We'll practice basic and challenging yoga poses,partner poses and group poses. We'll journal, meditate, play group games and activities for supporting each other, learn and share about ourselves and create ideas
of how we can make the world a better place for all. We'll focus on positive self-image, self-love, and kindness towards ourselves and others. And of course, being strong inside and out. Girl power! For girls only, ages 11 and up. Class is 75minutes. 8-week series begins Summer 2026. Pre-registration is required. This class includes the book, "Um. Like Om", by Evan
Cooper, additional materials and their very own yoga mat.
Boys PowerTeens (13 and up)
Using yoga postures to build inner and outer strength and flexibility are the main focus of this class. Also included are partner and group poses and playful yoga games. Experience emotional balance through the physical and mental benefits ofyoga by practicing breathing exercises, flowing sequences, balancing poses and deep relaxation while building a healthy relationship with your body. Positive self-awareness and esteem are encouraged. Class is 1 hour.
MEET DANITA MRS. DEE STRAUSS
2002 NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY WITH BRUCE WILLIS
Danita Strauss, our Founder and Executive Director, is a former at-risk 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. Danita developed engaging activities and events 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 performance program. In 2002 Mrs. Dee and her husband became National Spoke Family after adopting their son. Photo of Mrs Dee and Actor Bruce Willis 2002 National Adoption Day
Youth Arts & Theater Camps
Youth Arts Academy
Youth-KidScore2 is proud to present our Kids and Youth Acting Camp which is a theater, creative, and performing arts academy and community-oriented program designed to encourage children, youth and young adult ages 5- 18 to grow. Through our interactive arts programs the children-youth are motivated in skits, plays, and improv. Youth-KidScore2 incorporates diverse programs. Would you like to travel to outer space, perform in a circus, or command your own pirate ship? Well, you can go anywhere, do anything, and be anybody when you put on a play with us. The only limit is your imagination!
Youth Film Acting Camp
Introductory acting
This course emphasizes the basic elements of the craft of acting for film using fundamental acting technique and scene study as starting points.
Advanced Acting Camp
Starting where they left off in the introductory acting for film program. Students are cast in and explore the process of performing in a more in-depth production.
Stage & Musical Theatre
Musical theatre camp
From the classics of the “Golden Age” like Oliver twist, sound of music and the Wizard of Oz to the animated shows and movies like Dr Suess, The Cat in the Hat to Charlie Brown Christmas, there is a long and varied history of musical theatre on stage and screen. YouthScore playhouse provides a unique environment where students in our camps can hone their craft and learn to read.
COMMUNITY JUSTICE, YOUTH WELLNESS & SAFETY INITIATIVE
Building Safe Creative Futures Through Justice, Healing, Leadership, and Opportunity
Building Justice. Healing Communities. Creating Safer Futures.
Youth&Kidscore2 World respectfully requests grant funding, sponsorships, partnerships, and in-kind support to expand community-based justice, violence prevention, mental health, housing stability, family support, youth leadership, and gender justice initiatives throughout Los Angeles County.
Our work is grounded in one clear belief: public safety becomes stronger when communities invest in prevention, healing, accountability, and opportunity.
We provide trauma-informed services that address the root causes of violence, court involvement, family instability, homelessness, mental health challenges, and community harm.
Youth&Kidscore2 World seeks support to establish a comprehensive Community Justice and Family Wellness Initiative serving youth, young adults, women, girls, survivors of violence, justice-involved individuals, and families at risk of entering the criminal legal system.
Our Funding Priorities
Building Justice in the Court System
We seek to develop community-centered alternatives to incarceration, diversion opportunities, restorative practices, and court-connected support services that reduce recidivism while promoting accountability and healing.
Investing in Communities
We work directly in underserved neighborhoods to strengthen community safety, leadership development, economic mobility, family stability, and civic engagement.
Housing Justice
We support families experiencing housing instability through resource navigation, referrals, case management, advocacy, and partnerships that promote long-term housing security.
Reducing Harm and Violence
We implement evidence-informed violence prevention strategies that address trauma, conflict, retaliation, gang involvement, domestic violence, and community violence.
Women, Girls, and Gender Justice
We advance safety, healing, leadership, and opportunity for women and girls impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence, trafficking, stalking, and other forms of gender-based violence.
Why This Work Matters
Communities throughout Los Angeles County continue to experience significant challenges related to violence, trauma, poverty, homelessness, mental health disparities, family instability, and overreliance on punitive responses within the justice system.
Many youth and families become involved with courts, probation systems, child welfare agencies, or law enforcement because of unmet social, emotional, economic, and mental health needs.
Youth&Kidscore2 World creates pathways that help individuals avoid deeper involvement in the criminal legal system while strengthening community wellness, family stability, and public safety.
Community Justice and Diversion Initiative
Youth&Kidscore2 World proposes a Community Justice and Diversion Initiative designed to provide alternatives to traditional punitive responses.
Services include:
- Restorative justice practices
- Community accountability circles
- Youth diversion programming
- Family intervention services
- Peer mentorship
- Court support navigation
- Probation support services
- Reentry assistance
- Conflict resolution training
- Community service opportunities
- Case management
This initiative addresses underlying needs such as trauma, housing instability, unemployment, educational barriers, and behavioral health concerns.
Mental Health and Healing Initiative
Mental health challenges often contribute to justice system involvement, school disengagement, family conflict, and community instability.
Youth&Kidscore2 World seeks funding to provide:
- Trauma-informed care coordination
- Behavioral health screenings
- Peer support services
- Mental health workshops
- Stress reduction and wellness education
- Family support groups
- Crisis intervention referrals
- Community healing circles
- Youth resilience development
Special emphasis will be placed on reducing disparities impacting Black, Latino, and underserved communities.
Violence Prevention and Community Safety Initiative
Youth&Kidscore2 World uses prevention-focused strategies that address the root causes of violence before crises occur.
Services include:
- Violence interruption partnerships
- Youth outreach
- Gang prevention services
- Community mediation
- Conflict intervention
- School safety support
- Crisis response coordination
- Trauma recovery support
- Youth leadership development
- Community safety planning
This initiative seeks to reduce violence while promoting healing, accountability, and positive community engagement.
Women, Girls, and Gender Justice Initiative
Youth&Kidscore2 World is dedicated to advancing safety and healing for survivors of:
- Domestic violence
- Dating violence
- Sexual assault
- Human trafficking
- Stalking
- Intimate partner violence
- Family violence
Services include:
- Safety planning referrals
- Survivor advocacy
- Peer support groups
- Leadership development
- Family stabilization services
- Resource navigation
- Community education
- Prevention programming
- Empowerment initiatives for girls and young women
Our goal is to ensure survivors have access to support systems, opportunities, and pathways toward long-term success.
Ways to Support
Youth&Kidscore2 World welcomes support from foundations, corporations, public agencies, churches, schools, community organizations, businesses, and individual donors.
Grant Funding Can Support:
- Community justice programming
- Violence prevention services
- Mental health and healing support
- Housing stability services
- Youth leadership development
- Family wellness programming
- Gender justice initiatives
- Case management
- Outreach and engagement
- Staff and program operations
In-Kind Support Can Include:
- Office space
- Community meeting space
- Training space
- Computers and laptops
- Printers and office equipment
- Furniture
- Internet and phone services
- Transportation support
- Food and refreshments
- Legal services
- Accounting services
- Mental health service partnerships
- Volunteer mentors
- Professional trainers
- Housing referral partnerships
Partner With Us
Your support can help Youth&Kidscore2 World build a stronger, safer, and healthier Los Angeles County.
Together, we can reduce harm, support survivors, strengthen families, prevent justice system involvement, and create pathways to opportunity.
Creative Media Labs for Youth
Youth Digital Media Studio
Youth Digital Media Studio
Youth Digital Media Studio
Mobile Digital Media Production Studio
The Digital Media Production Program is a limited-access, cutting-edge program designed to prepare participants for the rapidly changing world of digital media. With the proliferation of digital video cameras and desktop editing software, digital video production has burst through the confines of television studios and Hollywood conventions, allowing small teams of people to create visual material that is distributed across a host of media, from traditional Television broadcasting to the emerging power of podcasting.
Green Screen Studio
Youth Digital Media Studio
Youth Digital Media Studio
Green-screen Digital Tv Production Studio:
Each participant is taught to shoot a video, edit and infuse a green screen effect. Green screen technology is the basis of the effects seen in everything from the latest Hollywood blockbusters to the weather forecast. The idea is simple. If you shoot a video with a single colored backdrop (blue or green) With green screen, it's simple to superimpose anything or anyone into any shot. You can transport yourself to the moon, appear in your favorite film, or make a presentation along with all the relevant facts and figures...
Film & Video Camp
Youth Digital Media Studio
Film & Video Camp
Film Camp
Kids and youth film clubs offer everything from screening and discussion groups to hands-on filmmaking and acting. Whether your child wants to be behind the camera, in front of it, or simply analyze movies with peers, local Los Angeles and national organizations provide incredible programs for different age groups
Youth Participants were allowed to film the TDE Christmas 'N' WATTS Concert
Music Video Camp
Film & Video Camp
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.
3D Animation Fun
3D Animation is more popular than ever and the field of 3D animated video, computer, and interactive games has grown remarkably and continues to expand.
Students in the YouthScore Film Academy’s hands-on 3D Animation Camps write, animate, direct and edit their own computer animated short films.
Game Dev Camp
The Youth-KidScore2’s hands-on accelerated Ten-week Video Game Design Camp submerses students into the extremely popular world of Video Game Design. Students will learn what makes games stand out above the rest by playing, deconstructing, analyzing hit games and creating their own Video Games.
Gang Intervention- Prevention
Youth Connections
Gang Awareness Program (G.A.P.) Family Workshop: Outreaching seminars (gangs 101)
- KEY 2 SUCCESS: provides youth opportunity to learn about Etiquette and the positive benefit of Good Manners at: home, school, and in the work place.
- UNITY ‘N’ DIVERSITY: NEWSLETTER Youth Produced. Youth Will Interview, Create Layouts, Take Pictures, Print & Publish Program Taught By Journalist From around the world.
Given the freedom to create their first project, the youth involved came up with an idea for a television show called Hip-Hop Generation. Calling themselves the Generation X Crew, the star chasers developed a format for a teen-oriented variety show including the show concept, compiling the music, choreographing dance segments and doing live celebrity interviews with artists such as Pink, Warren G, and Wu Tangs’ Ghostface and Cappadona to name a few. The yearlong program aired on Media One Cable Co. The youth received hands-on television production experience by working with industry professionals. These seasoned media veterans dedicated their time to teach production tips, tricks and fundamentals through the Youth Score Edutainment Group, Inc. workshops.
The program progressed proudly with the help of such artists as Xzibit, Tisha Campbell, Alex Thomas, Clifton Powell, Ahmad, Goodie Mob, Kurupt, Bad Azz, Kobe Bryant, and others through the year. Their contributions were greatly rewarding for the participants. Their creation was a success! Seeing Hip-Hop Generation unfold on screen made tangible their young dreams and instilled in them a new set of skills and confidence in the future.
SPONSORED BY INTERSCOPE/UNIVERSAL RECORDS
Our Youth Voice at Youth-Kidscore2World.org
Heads Up!
If you have attended any of our events, field trips, or if you have any photos of any of the event or field trips, share your story or photos or videos @:area below
Youth-Champions Program
Coding 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 5 and 18, learn how to code, develop websites, apps, programs, games and explore technology in an informal and creative environment.
Photo Gallery
Guest Director
Danita Strauss, Executive Director of Youth&Kidscore2 was once an at-risk youth herself. She understands the terrible intensity of the situation. She believed it was incumbent upon her to reach back into the community and pull all the youth she could in another, more positive direction.