Kelrik Productions originated in Portage, Indiana, as a small neighborhood theater group founded by brother and sister team Erik and Kelley. They continued their love of theater and productions after moving to San Luis Obispo in 1988. Together, they have produced various plays and musicals, mainly children’s fairy tales. Kelley’s life changed direction; her new stage is a San Diego Courtroom where she “performs” as a Public Defender supporting people in another way. You will often see her on opening nights supporting her brother’s dream. Erik has persevered in his endeavor to provide children’s theater (and an occasional adult show) and is elated and grateful to see such continued local interest throughout the years. Kelrik has struggled to remain intact and solvent at times, but Erik’s love for theater and working with others, his parents’ and sister’s belief in him and support, and the support of businesses of the San Luis Obispo Community have kept it alive.

Kelrik is dedicated to providing quality live theater to the communities surrounding San Luis Obispo. Each year, the company will present new works, as well as previously produced plays, that uphold the high standards and artistic vision of Kelrik Productions. Our goal is to challenge, motivate, enlighten, and captivate our audiences; to introduce young people to, and foster their appreciation of, live theater; to stimulate thought; to evoke change, both personally and within society . . . and above all, to entertain. As a company, we aim to promote the growth of actors and audience members through our dedication to the art of theater, the medium in which performers and audience connect.

Under the artistic direction of co-founder Erik Austin, Kelrik Productions was voted “Best Children’s Theater” in Los Angeles by LA Parents Magazine in 2000. Since relocating to the Central Coast in 2004, Kelrik has built a strong local following while maintaining its particular commitment to fostering an appreciation of live theater in younger audiences. Our twin goals are to showcase the talents of an amazing group of gifted local actors and to expand opportunities for local audiences to experience high-quality, live theater.

Mission Statement
To provide young people with high quality, innovative, participatory theatre arts education and training, taught by theatre professionals and teaching artists; to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve; and to help our students develop skills and broaden their horizons, as people and as artists.

Check our our upcoming classes and workshops!

By Joan Crowder   |   SLO County Tribune   |   Entertainment - Ticket

. . . .With pirates, Indians and lost boys in Never Never Land, it’s a simple story that even young children will enjoy. . . visually stunning, with backdrops from a Broadway production, giving it a professional look from the beginning. . . . Read Full article

By Jennifer Ingan   |   Mustang Daily   |   Entertainment

Fly away to Never Never Land and join Peter, Wendy and the Lost Boys on their spectacular adventure of wonder and excitement as they battle the villainous Captain Hook. . . . Read Full article

Children’s theatre doesn’t get much better than the Kelrik productions seen at the SLO Unity Church. . . . Read Full article

By Joan Crowder   |   SLO County Tribune   |   Entertainment - Ticket

"The Wizard of Oz," a Kelrik production at Unity, is a fine family show, bringing all the familiar characters to life with song and dance.
. . .the well-coordinated dance sequences by the Munchkins, who are played by an adorable company of children in colorful, funny costumes and brightly colored wigs. . . .. Read Full article

The more shows I see on the Central Coast, the higher the bar seems to be raised. So it is with the summer Kelrik production of Peter Pan at Cal Poly. Read Full article

By Joan Crowder   |   SLO County Tribune   |   Entertainment - Ticket 05/17/07

"The Little Mermaid" at Unity is a show that even quite young children can enjoy. It's a familiar fantasy fairy tale with all the necessary ingredients: a charming undersea set, creative costumes, pretty mermaids, a cute turtle, a wicked witch, a handsome prince and a happy ending. . . . Read Full article

By Joan Crowder   |   SLO County Tribune   |   Entertainment - Ticket 04/12/07

If you want to laugh out loud and go home with a smile on your face, take the family to see “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” The Kelrik production at Unity Playhouse brings Charles Schulz’s “Peanuts” characters to (bigger than) life. . . . Read Full article

By Joan Crowder   |   SLO County Tribune   |   Entertainment - Ticket 03/8/07

"Alice in Wonderland," at Unity, is a delightful experience for families with young children. It’s bright and bold with costumes that rival Disney. . . . Read Full article

By Kristen Marschall   |   SLO County Tribune   |   Entertainment - Ticket 11/16/06

If Erik Austin looks like a natural in "Little Shop of Horrors," it's because he's been practicing for 14 years. Well, not exactly. But Austin has ended up being a part of the show three times: first at San Luis Obispo High School, then at Excalibur Theatre in Los Angeles, and now at Unity of San Luis Obis. . . . Read Full article

By Joan Crowder   |   SLO County Tribune   |   Entertainment - Ticket 06/08/06

Offering an alternative to popping a Disney movie into the DVD player, Kelrik productions and Unity Community Theatre present a live production of "Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp". . . The show features six adult main roles and a 13-member ensemble cast ranging from age 6 to 32. Original songs andaudience interaction give it an upbeat mood. . . . . Read Full article

You are cordially invited to join the circle of Sponsors of Kelrik Productions, an exciting new presence in the local performing arts community. Under the artistic direction of co-founder Erik Austin, Kelrik Productions was voted “Best Children’s Theater” in Los Angeles by LA Parents Magazine in 2000. Since relocating to the Central Coast in 2004, Kelrik has built up a strong local following while maintaining its particular commitment to fostering an appreciation of live theater in younger audiences. Our twin goals are to showcase the talents of an amazing group of gifted local actors and to expand opportunities for local audiences to experience high-quality, live theater. Our 2007 season -- five productions to date -- demonstrates Kelrik’s commitment to quality, family-friendly, community-based theater.

It is exceedingly difficult to maintain the high quality of our work while keeping ticket prices affordable. We have found we cannot do so through ticket sales alone: donor contributions cover 40% of the cost of these transformative theatrical experiences. Kelrik currently enjoys the support of over twenty businesses, ranging from small local retailers to large employers in our area, and of nearly forty individuals. Corporate and Individual support ensures the continuation of our productions. Every dollar raised goes directly toward production costs, helping pay for the stunning sets, evocative lighting design and sumptuous costumes audiences have come to expect of our productions; for artistic rights to the shows we produce; for printing costs and publicity; and for the rental of our rehearsal space and performance venues.

This year, Kelrik is planning its most ambitious productions to date: Annie, Charlotte’s Web, Disney’s High School Musical (Spanos), Pinocchio and The Wizard of Oz (Spanos). The cost of this undertaking is considerable, causing us to turn to the local business community for support. Your generous contribution will enable us not only to produce these shows, but to continue to fulfill our artistic, strategic and community goals: to create extraordinary productions and programs that challenge, entertain and stimulate our audiences, and to develop an appreciation of live theater in local youth. By supporting us, you can help us entertain you!

Please consider becoming a Contributing Sponsor for Kelrik. In-kind and monetary donations of any size are gratefully accepted. Your generosity will help ensure Kelrik’s ability to contribute to the local arts community for years to come. We truly appreciate your support!

Please support Kelrik Productions by contributing what you can. Sponsors will be listed in ALL SEASON OF DREAMS Programs Annie, Charlotte’s Web, Disney’s High School Musical, Pinocchio and The Wizard of Oz. (or kept anonymous, upon donor request).

This is an opportunity to expose your business to 10,000 potential customers while supporting quality family cultural activities in our area.

In exchange for your sponsorship, your company will receive the following:

Donations
Kelrik produces significant theatre experiences, created especially for young people and presented with a creative ensemble of the highest professional quality. To ensure that all children will have exposure to the arts, Kelrik is committed to maintaining affordable ticket prices.

The challenge is formidable: balancing income with costs while maintaining an affordable, high quality, professional and educational theatre experience. Donations of all sizes are welcome and appreciated. And, if you work for a company that has a matching gifts program, you can double or triple the value of your gift.