More than two decades of changing lives through the arts.

Now enrolling for the 2026–2027 school year in Upland and across the Inland Empire.

Discover Upland: Ovation School of Performing Arts
City of Upland

Ovation School for the Performing Arts was founded in 2004 to provide a quality performing arts education that is accessible to children, teens, and adults of all demographics. In doing so, Ovation has become a safe haven in our community.

Ovation has evolved into a place for self-discovery through creativity and facilitating acts of good in the world. A performing arts education alone is not enough. Leading by example, Ovation demonstrates through instruction, production, and real-time experience, just how one can utilize creative gifts with integrity toward a greater purpose. While developing artistry, the ‘life’ education is achieved in an environment that embraces neurodivergence and fosters kindness. Placing value on the human condition, Ovation nurtures the creative inner life and inspires work ethic, community, and belief in possibility through life’s challenges. This way of being creates a butterfly effect, inspiring the sharing of one’s gifts with the world. Embracing this model, Ovation has realized their purpose of changing the world, one life at a time.

As a result, students who go through the program discover more than a gift in the arts. They discover security and confidence in themselves as individuals.

Explore our full program lineup meet the teaching artists behind every class, or see where our students go.

"Everyone has a place at Ovation."

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Discover · Educate · Give Back

Discover

Help every student uncover the unique talent and voice that already lives inside them.

Educate

Provide world-class instruction in singing, dancing, acting and theater production.

Give Back

Use the arts as a vehicle for community service, empathy and lifelong character.

Teach more than the arts.

The goal for Ovation has always been to teach more than classes in the arts. We develop confidence by teaching life skills such as self-discipline, teamwork, and, most importantly, the concept of "paying it forward" by giving back to their community, whether it's singing to seniors at a convalescent home or handing out toys to children at Christmas. In doing this, we change the world one student at a time.

Structure that lets talent bloom.

Ovation composes an environment where creativity is limitless, but true creativity must have proper structure. In the classroom, we allow creativity to blossom while teaching structure in a non-judgmental way. Students learn self-discipline as our staff lead by example. The process is as important as the final product, and both are cultivated to their fullest potential.

Awards & Achievements

2026 Nonprofit of the Year

Upland Chamber of Commerce

California State Senate Certificate of Recognition

Presented by Senator Eloise Gomez Reyes

Experiment. Invent. Break rules. Take risks. Have fun.

Discovery of talent happens during the process of free, uninhibited creativity. When an individual is allowed to take risks without the consequence of judgment, they explore new possibilities. Ovation is about the process; the end result isn't necessarily the goal. Through exploration, discovery, passion, training and performance, the end goal is reached quicker, more effectively, and is far more satisfying.

A stage for every ability.

Ovation Plus is a full performing arts program with singing, acting, and dance classes for adults and teens with Special Needs. Classes meet Wednesday or Thursday evenings from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, and tuition is $160 per month.

Classes meet on weekday evenings at our Upland studio. See the programs page for schedule and enrollment.

Explore Ovation Plus Ask a question

What students find

· A patient, welcoming ensemble of peers and teaching artists
· Weekly training in dance, acting, and voice
· Opportunities to perform in Ovation showcases and community events
· A creative community that continues year after year

Featured on our upcoming events calendar.

The people who make Ovation, Ovation.

Performers of all ages

Every scene, song, and step is guided by a team of directors, teaching artists and staff who have dedicated their careers to developing young performers. Meet the artistic leadership, classroom instructors and administrators who show up for our students week after week.

Meet the team Community partners

A team, not a title.

Directors, choreographers, vocal coaches, private-lesson instructors and volunteers. Full bios on the Staff page.

Historic Downtown Upland

Our studio sits at 60 E. Ninth St. in the heart of Upland's beloved historic district, a charming corner of the Inland Empire that feels every bit as warm as the community we've built inside it.

Walk in any afternoon and you'll hear scales floating from the vocal room, a stomp from the dance floor, and a director quietly cueing the next scene. That's Ovation. Prefer to say hello first? Reach out here.

Call (909) 985-1858

2004

Founded

2026–27

Current season

501(c)(3)

Non-profit status

6 to 99

Ages welcomed

Help Change the World

Ovation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Tuition covers only part of what it takes to run world-class classes, mount full productions, and offer scholarships to families who need them.

Donate today

Volunteer with us.

Backstage, front-of-house, costume shop, set builds, community events. Ovation runs on volunteers who love what we do. Tell us where you'd like to help and we'll be in touch.

Volunteer with Ovation