SUMMER STOCK AUSTIN

Summer Stock Austin is the only program of its kind, leading the way in providing equitable access to theater and media arts education for talented students who may not have the means to pursue their passions. Though this training amounts to $2500 per student, they receive this transformative experience at no cost, thanks to our commitment to scholarships for all. With your support, we can level the playing field and provide life-changing opportunities to deserving students who otherwise may not have access to the arts.

Summer Stock Austin (SSA) is a program for high school and college students, offering hands-on education, training, performance, and mentorship opportunities—at no cost to participants. Combining a professional level summer stock-style program with intensive skills-based education, it is the only program of its kind in the country.

In a crowded field full of pay-to-play programs, SSA levels the playing field for participation with a tuition-free experience for a diverse group of high school students who demonstrate excellence in performance and dedication to their craft. College students also participate in the program, either as mentors or apprentices, and receive stipends based on experience and leadership potential. The program’s designers and directors are professional artists, paid for their work. All ages work together to produce multiple professional-level musicals and an original movie musical in a fast-paced, highly collaborative learning environment.

Students learn how to produce and market shows for paying audiences, mastering time management, marketing, fundraising, administrative skills, professionalism, efficiency, adaptability, problem-solving, and leadership—in a supportive environment that celebrates the individual and values inclusion and belonging. SSA provides a stepping-stone to help both high school and college students succeed in their educations and their careers, in theatre or any other demanding field. It encourages them to become mentors themselves and to advocate for the arts in their current and future communities.

OUR MISSION:

Our Mission is to transform our community through accessible arts education and outstanding artistic experiences.

Impact Arts cultivates the next generation of artists and creators. Fostering empathy, creativity, and critical thinking, our theatre and film programs propel young artists to the next level in their careers. Uniquely empowering area youth by producing professional quality productions, we aim to be a leader in inclusive educational programs that use the arts to unite people and create a lasting impact.

WE DO THIS BY...

• REMOVING BARRIERS TO ACCESS
• TRAINING YOUNG ARTISTS AND TECHNICIANS
• INSPIRING DIVERSE AUDIENCES
• PROVIDING EARLY PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
• EMPOWERING UNDER-HEARD VOICES
• PROMOTING THE HEALTH OF THEATRE AND ENTERTAINMENT

IMPACT STORY:

Jordan Williams, who played Usnavi in the 2022 SSA production of "In the Heights," faced a difficult time during the pandemic. He left the state to live with family and had lost his passion for his craft, feeling discouraged about finding a career in the arts.

That's where Impact Arts stepped in. This non-profit organization, which Jordan was a part of as a Heller Awards lead performer nominee, TAP Camp student, Summer Stock participant, and College Audition Program member, believed in him and his talent. They found him an agent and helped him secure a job in an upcoming film, reigniting his passion and giving him the confidence to pursue his dreams once again.

Twenty years ago, when our programs first launched, we could only dream of the impact they would have. They began as part of larger nonprofit organizations, which eventually they outgrew. The pandemic taught us that the programs were stronger when united under one umbrella, and so Impact Arts was born.

Rebuilding these programs in a new way was no easy feat, but we persevered and are proud of where we are today. Stories like Jordan's are a testament to the power and importance of our work. They give us the strength and inspiration to pursue our future goals of stability and expansion.

Jordan is just one of the many thousands of students whose lives have been forever changed through our programs. And there are millions more students out there who still need our support.

We are driven by the hope that we can make a difference in their lives too. We ask you to join us in supporting the next generation of artists and creators with a donation today.