Hello Opening Act community!

Our 2020-21 core program year is coming to a close, and we are so proud of the dedication, resilience, and hard work our students have shown! From performing for a virtual audience of 600+ supporters to writing scholarship-award-winning essays, they have continued to accomplish so much AGAINST THE ODDS! Keep reading for a few fun spotlights from this triumphant year…

YESFEST SPOTLIGHT! 

Our second virtual YESfest was an amazing showcase of Opening Act students’ creativity and brilliance. Over 70 students performed their original pieces with 600+ supporters in our virtual audience! These talented performers SHOWED UP and created truly remarkable theater – relive the magic of the 2-day event HERE! 

MIDDLE SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT!

Congratulations to Opening Act’s second-ever Middle School ensemble for being innovative, resilient, and truly embodying the YES, AND spirit! We are thrilled to announce that Opening Act will be expanding into our second Middle School site this fall!

DISTRICT 79 SPOTLIGHT!

This year’s Opening Act Scholarship Winner was one of our insightful and hardworking District 79 students, Elisa Rodriguez! Her EMPOWERING essay shows not only what she’s gained from Opening Act, but also how she’s carrying it forward: 

“Opening Act has taught me… that it’s okay to be different, creatively and personally, and that difference is what makes everyone stand apart from each other.”

LOOKING AHEAD!

Opening Act’s Summer Arts and Leadership Conservatory will take place in July, and we are thrilled to spend the summer with dedicated Opening Act students as we dive into more elevated and focused classes, including Contemporary Acting, Shakespeare, Arts Based Leadership, and more! We’re so excited to see these young artists take their craft ONWARDS AND UPWARDS!

Stay tuned for updates on our Act 2 College and Career Readiness Program, Opening Act for All, Student Leadership Company, and more fun announcements in the weeks ahead! Thank you, as always, for your incredible dedication to Opening Act! What a year it’s been, and we’ve been honored to have you join us on this journey! 

Stay amazing!
Opening Act