Enriching the lives of children through the exploration of the arts
Welcome To BAAY!
Founded in 2006, Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts education organization that offers quality instruction in theatre, choir, dance, music, and visual arts for students in pre-k through high school. The mission of BAAY is to enrich children’s lives through the exploration of the arts.
BAAY serves over 1500 children annually at our downtown campus and in the schools throughout Whatcom County. Through our programs, we create community, and teach children confidence, character, and creativity.
Thank you for voting for BAAY as the Gold winner of Best Childcare / After-School Program in Best of the Northwest 2022 and Best Summer Camp in Cascades Best 2024!
Upcoming Performances
Ferdinand and the French Fry Factory — November 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, and 23 at 11:00 AM
Finding Nemo — November 14-16 and 21-23
Esme’s Adventures in Another World — December 5-7, 12-14, and 19-21
See more information about upcoming shows on our Tickets page.
At BAAY, we believe in accessible arts education for all. Every student who auditions for a production will receive a part (see our casting policy in the FAQ here), and we offer financial aid upon request (see here). You can join in this work – give a gift today and help a local child access the arts!
Major funding is provided by
Current Programs
Pre-K and Kinder
Grades 1-2
Grades 3-5
Grades 6-8
Grades 9-12
Homeschool
BAAY Campus
At our downtown campus, we provide children with a safe and supportive community in which to learn acting, vocal performance, costuming, theatre tech, dance, and theatre devising. Through these classes, we foster respect, cooperation, decision-making, team-building, self-discipline, and self-confidence in young people.
BAAY offers performing arts classes to children in pre-k through high school at our campus in downtown Bellingham. Almost all of those programs culminate in performances, including plays, dance performances, and full musicals like Matilda, Oliver, Little Shop of Horrors, Our Town, Shrek, and many others. Approximately 5500 children and adults attend productions at our theatre each year to enjoy the arts and celebrate the students’ work. Since 2006, we have staged over 200 musicals and plays.
Thank you Sponsors!
BAAY is grateful to be supported, in part, by a grant from the Washington State Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.
BAAY is deeply thankful for support from our monthly Encore donors, from local businesses, and from generous individuals in our community. Please visit our Thank You Supporters page where we recognize those who help keep the lights on and keep us serving children.