Opening Act

Our Teaching Artists had a blast learning from our partners at from the Learning English and Drama Project (LEAD) about creating theatre with multilingual learners! The concepts and strategies they explored with these expert facilitators will make a huge impact on our diverse student populations when programs start NEXT WEEK! Thanks for a great training session!

WELCOME OPENING ACT’S NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – ALEXANDER SANTIAGO-JIRAU

“Theater builds community, deepens empathy, and helps us imagine and create the world we want to live in,” says Alex. “In an increasingly divided world, Opening Act’s mission to close the arts education gap by centering students’ voices through inclusive theater education is more vital than ever. As it enters its 25th year of impactful programming, I am honored to join this dedicated community of staff, teaching artists, artistic advisors, board members, and supporters in empowering students to shape a more inclusive and equitable future.”

If you’d like to send a WELCOME GIFT to help kick off this new chapter, click the LINK IN BIO to donate! And feel free to SHARE this good news with your networks!

We are thrilled to announce that Alexander Santiago-Jirau has been appointed as Opening Act’s new Executive Director.

Alexander Santiago-Jirau brings his wealth of experience to Opening Act’s work of enriching the lives of New York City youth through theatre education. Before accepting this position, he was Director of Education and Community Engagement at New York Theatre Workshop, where he played a key role in expanding programming and deepening partnerships. His profound understanding of theater’s transformative power is exemplified by his involvement with Theatre of the Oppressed, and his commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable spaces for young people is central to his service as Vice Chair of the NYC Arts in Education Roundtable.

“Theater builds community, deepens empathy, and helps us imagine and create the world we want to live in,” says Alex. “In an increasingly divided world, Opening Act’s mission to close the arts education gap by centering students' voices through inclusive theater education is more vital than ever. As it enters its 25th year of impactful programming, I am honored to join this dedicated community of staff, teaching artists, artistic advisors, board members, and supporters in empowering students to shape a more inclusive and equitable future.”

Feel free to SHARE this good news! And if you’d like to send a WELCOME GIFT to help kick off this new chapter, click the link below:

https://openingact.nationbuilder.com/

The many faces of our student actors...

For three weeks, this group of incredibly talented, passionate, engaged students met together to hone their craft, build community, and develop skills that will set them for success on the stage and off! Programs like this are made possible by the contributions of supporters like YOU, so click on the LINK IN BIO to support!

Some more shots of the JOY, the PASSION, and the FUN these young actors brought to the Summer Arts and Leadership Conservatory Showcase! Photos by the fantastic

Huge thanks to Anthony Ramos for inviting Opening Act students and guests to an advance screening of Twisters Movie this week and hanging out to answer students questions! Everyone left inspired and entertained! Thanks NBCUniversal for setting it up, Brittany Adebumola for facilitating, and Villilo for these photos!

Opening Act turns 24 years old today! Click the link in our bio to send a gift and join the celebration!

OUR BIRTHDAY IS COMING UP! And what better way to celebrate than sending a gift to help us continue changing lives through theatre education? SWIPE THROUGH for gift ideas and click the LINK IN BIO to send your gift. And don't forget to SHARE with your community!
LET'S CELEBRATE!

Huge congrats to our 2024 Scholarship Recipients! Swipe through to read about how Opening Act helped them prepare for their futures beyond the stage! And if you'd like to support students like these, click the LINK IN BIO to donate...

More shots from the 2024 BECAUSE THEATRE GALA

Photo Credit: Charles Chessler and Dan Lane

Just a few of the great performances from the BECAUSE THEATRE GALA last week. It's not too late to support! Click the link in bio to donate to the Because Theatre Fund. More photos to come!
📷 Credit:

Just a few of the smiling faces from the BECAUSE THEATRE GALA last week. We're still smiling, and it's not too late to support! Click the link in bio to donate to the Because Theatre Fund. More photos to come!
📷 Credit:

Got your tickets? It's not too late! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/opening-acts-2024-gala-because-theatre-tickets-881529748207?aff=oddtdtcreator

Are you excited?? Got your tickets for tonight??

There are still a few tickets left to see THIS AMAZING CAST on June 3 @ the Because Theatre Gala. LINK IN BIO!

Celebrating the support from Anthony Ramos and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who are partnering to fully fund Opening Act programming at Bushwick Campus for the next two years! It's supporters like these that make it possible to provide our programs free of charge to NYC youth! To read more, click here: https://www.bkreader.com/featured-news/actor-anthony-ramos-bk-borough-president-revive-bushwick-school-arts-program-8755220

Have you gotten your FREE tickets to this festival of student work? https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yesfest-2024-tickets-868565963177?aff=oddtdtcreator

Get your tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yesfest-2024-tickets-868565963177?aff=oddtdtcreator

Have you applied for the scholarship yet? It can be used for any of your college/career needs and we have separate applications for students and alumni. QUESTIONS? Talk to your Teaching Artist or email [email protected] for more information.

Our annual festival of student work is COMING! YESfest is FREE and will include 17 original student-generated performances in 6 blocks throughout May 16-19. Join us at The Five Angels Theater @ The 52nd Street Project for as many performances as you wish! Click here to RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yesfest-2024-tickets-868565963177?aff=oddtdtcreator

Take a look at Artistic Advisory Board member Marcus Gardley with OA students and alumni at his writing masterclass this last Saturday! Members of the Student Leadership Company and Alumni Writers Group had a fantastic time! To see some of their work and support the organization, come to the BECAUSE THEATRE GALA on June 3, where Marcus Gardley will receive the Opening Act Legacy Award! https://tinyurl.com/3m8yfr66 for tickets and sponsorship opportunities.

JOIN US for Opening Act's Monday, June 3 at Chelsea Factory to celebrate our Students, Alumni, and Teaching Artists. Enjoy drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres, performances and play readings by students and special guests, and a new opportunity to create with our community. TICKETS HERE: https://tinyurl.com/3m8yfr66

Because theatre transforms, inspires, and empowers us all!

SAVE JUNE 3 FOR OPENING ACT! Our annual gala will feature student, alumni, and guest performers, and the presentation of the 2024 Legacy Award to Marcus Gardley Tickets go on next month, so stay tuned. And email [email protected] if you'd like to be a sponsor!