ACT St Pete

Thanks so much to Love IV Lawrence for providing Mental Health First Aid training to our team today! This course was so helpful in our mission to equip our teaching artists with professional development and also our continuing focus on holistic student development!

“Alex Harris is a singer and songwriter, but he’s also a humanitarian at heart. His journey as an artist is marked by his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the world.” - Holly Hargett

Read more about Dr. Alex’s story and his mission for ACT in a recent article by Paradise News.

Full article at paradisenewsfl.com !

Due to our growth and our continued mission for building stronger youth and stronger communities, we are hiring a Creative Futures Coordinator! We're seeking a candidate with extensive experience in the arts and working with youth, as well as a passion for making a difference!

This weeks is Craig Sher. He and his wife, Jan Sher, are on ACT’s philanthropic advisory council and have been long time supporters of ACT.

We are so grateful for Jan and Craig’s continued dedication towards ACT’s mission! ACT wouldn’t be what it is today without the generous support of our philanthropic council.

If you would also like to make a difference in the lives of youth and teens or if you would like to learn more about ACT, please visit our website at artsconservatoryforteens.org.

This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to be a champion of change with ACT1000: Fueling Change, One Pledge at a Time Campaign.

Our goal is to enlist the support of 1,000 members of our community to elevate our impact this holiday season.

At Arts Conservatory for Teens, we believe in the power of education, empowerment, and enrichment to transform the lives of young students. Our mission is simple, yet profound: to foster healthy, productive, and responsible citizens among our youth and teens.

With your support, we can provide local youth with world-class training, mentorship, and a support system that can shape their futures opening doors for high school graduation, college placement, and a brighter future.

If our mission resonates with you, we invite you to give a gift of $75 dollars or whatever is feasible for you, by visiting: https://artsconservatoryforteens.networkforgood.com/projects/210072-giving-tuesday. Any amount can make a difference.

Introducing our 2023 ACT Holiday Tour!

For the past 12 years, ACT students and alum have gained local notoriety for their amazing performances at holiday events for our community partners.

Performance options include some of the most popular holiday classics with both solo and group performances in singing, dancing, and reciting poetry and spoken word.

If you have questions, or would like to book ACT for your holiday event, you can reach our Director of Curriculum and Programs, Darnel Butler, at [email protected].

Thanks so much for your support of arts education! Happy Holidays!

Introducing . Every week we will be highlighting a Champion for ACT, whether it's a student, teaching artist, alum, board member, donor or volunteer.

Today we are highlighting Andrew Pink, who is currently a legislative aid for Senator Darryl Rouson. Andrew is a former ACT student and a long-time advocate and supporter of our organization. We are so grateful for his continued support.

If you would like to learn more about how to get involved and become a Champion for ACT, please visit our website at artsconsrvatoryforteens.org.

Stay tuned to meet more ACT community members who are making a difference in our community!

Did you know that ACT offers both tutoring and mentorship for our students?

In an effort to ensure that no students are left to the margins of society, ACT is committed to providing academic tutoring and mentorship before and after school.

Due to the obstacles that underprivileged youth and teens face in their daily lives, such as limited opportunities and support, their postsecondary trajectories are often hindered. Mentoring has shown up as a proven solution to help alleviate these barriers- which is why ACT is committed to providing these opportunities in the context of out of school activities such as theatre, music, dance etc.

Our mentors come from diverse backgrounds and are carefully selected and trained to work with our students no matter what challenges they may be facing. We truly believe in the potential of every student and we believe we can help youth and teens unlock that potential through our innovative learning approach.

Pictured here is Alex Harris, CEO of ACT, and Valerie Fulbright, ACT Board President. We are so thankful for Valerie’s dedication and all the work she does behind the scenes help ACT make a deeper and broader impact in our community.

Valerie is just one of the many people who allow for us to continue to elevate and expand the work we are so passionate about doing in our community.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can become involved, you can contact us at [email protected] to learn more. We look forward to connecting with you!

And make sure to follow along to meet more of ACT’s amazing community members!

Did you know that ACT has expanded its locations and is now serving 10 locations within Hillsborough and Pinellas County?

We now offer a myriad of class offerings at Academy Prep, Cristo Rey, The Dream Center, Enoch Davis Rec Center, John Hopkins Middle School, Largo Middle School, Oak Grove Middle School, Roberts Rec Center, Seminole Middle School, and the Warehouse District.

If you are interested in registering for classes at any of these locations you can go to our website at ArtsConservatoryforTeens.org to learn more and enroll!

One of the key benefits of arts education is its crucial role in fostering cultural awareness and a more connected community.

By providing students with opportunities to explore diverse artistic expressions and traditions, we enable them to develop a more profound understanding and appreciation of various people groups, and the world. This exposure not only broadens their knowledge but also promotes appreciation, understanding, and respect for cultural diversity.

It also encourages students to challenge preconceived notions, break stereotypes, and embrace differences. It allows them to step into the shoes of others and see the world from different perspectives, creating more informed, well-rounded, and compassionate individuals.

Arts education also provides a platform for students to express their own cultural identities and heritage. It encourages them to share their stories, traditions, and experiences through various art forms, amplifying their voices and allowing them to explore and understand their own identities.

Why does ACT offer entrepreneurship classes and education for our students?

The world economy is ever-changing and people have more ability than ever to take up entrepreneurial opportunities and shape their own career paths and lives. Recent entrepreneur stats show that the number of entrepreneurs has been steadily climbing for 19 years and now 16.5 percent of all US adults are currently new entrepreneurs (GEM, 2022).

ACT offers this focus in order to empower students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this dynamic landscape. Entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business, but rather about equipping students with the mindset and tools to navigate this ever-changing economy and create a prosperous life they love.

A few benefits of taking entrepreneurship classes even if it isn’t your trajectory:

Promotes creativity and innovation:
Entrepreneurship education encourages students to think creatively and cultivate innovative ideas. It teaches them how to identify problems and develop solutions, fostering a mindset of problem-solving and critical thinking.

Develops essential business skills:
Entrepreneurship classes equip students with the practical skills required to start and manage a business as well as be a more well-rounded employee. These skills include financial management, marketing strategies, project management, negotiation, and communication skills.

Fosters self-confidence and resilience:
Entrepreneurship education instills a sense of self-confidence in students as they learn to take risks, overcome challenges, and develop an entrepreneurial mindset. They gain the courage to pursue their ideas and bounce back from failures, promoting resiliency and adaptability.

Dr. Alex Harris spoke at the Pinellas County Legislative Delegation today to thank our legislators for their support for youth in our communities and also to ask for their assistance in expanding our reach to serve more students. Building stronger youth today means stronger communities tomorrow.

This week we are celebrating international artist day, a time dedicated to honoring and celebrating the work of artists all over the world.

From painters to sculptors, writers to musicians, and everything in between, artists have the power to inspire, move, and challenge us in ways that nothing else can. This day is also a chance to celebrate and embrace your own creative expression.

Here are some ways you can celebrate today:
- Go to an art museum
- Visit an art gallery
- Buy an art piece from a local artist
- Enjoy your own art project or craft
- Attend a new art class
- Go to a concert or performance
- Say thank you to any artists you know
- Make a donation

If you would like to support arts education, visit us online at www.ArtsConservatoryforTeens.org for ways you can get involved and make a difference.

We would love to invite you to join us Ken Walter’s 25th Annual ‘Celebrate Sinatra’ event with a portion of the proceeds support ing ACT!

It will be an amazing night filled with dancing to a full Big Band Orchestra (from 9 pm until midnight), a patriotic salute for Veterans Day, an open bar, passed hors d'oeuvres and desserts, casino gaming tables, a cigar patio, gourmet dinner and more!

📆 Saturday, November 11, 2023 - 8 pm until midnight
📍The Orlo House & Ballroom - Tampa, FL
🎟 General admission starts at $150 per person (through November 7) and dinner is $85 per person

Don’t miss out on this amazing celebration benefiting Arts Conservatory for Teens.

For more details and to purchase tickets go to CelebrateSinatraCares.org
(purchase tickets before November 7th to get these prices)

At ACT we strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment, understanding how this is essential for student growth and transformation. Our program has enabled countless students to explore their passions and express themselves creatively while being surrounded by a community of like-minded peers.

Visit us online at www.artconservatoryforteens.org to read stories and testimonials of our program's positive impact on youth and teens in our community.

Our competitive program offers expert instruction and classes as well as one-on-one mentorship opportunities with industry professionals, amazing workshops, and multiple performance and internship opportunities.

We’re so proud of the talented and unique individuals that we have in our program and are committed to helping each student grow and flourish in their chosen field. Whether you want to pursue a career in music, dance, theatre, or visual arts, our program will help you get there.

If you're interested in learning more about our Young Creators’ Alliance program and how to apply, please visit our website at ArtsConservatoryforTeens.org

Did you know that kids with access to arts education are: 5x LESS likely to drop out of school; 4x MORE likely to be recognized for academic achievement, and 4x MORE likely to receive a bachelor's degree?

This is why ACT exists. We believe in the power of the arts as a catalyst to make a difference in the lives of local youth.

Arts education has proven to be an important factor in not just the academic success but also the career and life success of kids.

It not only provides a platform for students to find their voice and develop their critical thinking skills, but also cultivates a sense of empathy and compassion for others, which can lead to better social and emotional development.

We kicked off our 11th season with our Teaching Artists' Orientation this week. With a large group of both new and veteran ACT teaching artists, we are excited about all the enthusiasm our team is expressing in working with our youth this season.

Our team received instruction yesterday on trauma-informed care, and ways to be empathetic and build rapport with students, from licensed clinician, Zaneta Ellison, of New Vision Behavioral Health.

The team also received training on our new and improved systems including our syllabus and curriculum planning as well as our new software system that will help track data and attendance.

Our executive team: Dr. Alex Harris -CEO and Co-Founder, Tonya Ruble-Richter - VP/COO, and Darnel Butler - Director of Curriculum and Programs, each took part in the orientation to ensure the team is well-informed on our mission and the “why” behind it. We are passionate about making a difference in the lives of local youth and are thankful for the opportunity we have with each student.

We kicked off our Friday with one of our favorite activities - an Impact Rally at John Hopkins Middle School!Several of ACT's staff and Teaching Artists partnered with Southview Recording Arts to bring the best start to a school day for these middle schoolers!

We had hundreds of students, teachers, and administrators engaged as we led the group with our awesome DJ, some dance activities, and our weekly character principle -- "Commitment"! We loved the look on their faces as they came into the courtyard with the music playing. We can't wait to do it again next month!

Last Night some of our students got the opportunity to attend a private dress rehearsal of "Disneys Descendants The Musical!" They had a wonderful time watching this live production at the Straz Center.

Interested in the art of music production, but don’t know where to begin? Here are a few key milestones when first diving into the world of music production:

1️⃣ Define Your Goals: Determine what type of music production interests you. Do you want to produce electronic music, hip-hop, rock, pop, something else or maybe you want to dabble in all of them? Understanding your musical preferences will guide your learning and equipment choices.

2️⃣ Learn the Basics of Music Theory: While not mandatory, having a basic understanding of music theory (scales, chords, harmony) can be incredibly beneficial for music production. It will help you create melodies, chord progressions, and arrangements.

3️⃣ Choose Your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation): A DAW is the software where you'll create and edit your music. Popular options include Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Pro Tools, and more. Many DAWs offer free trials, so you can experiment with a few before committing to one.

4️⃣ Study Music Production Techniques: Dive into the world of music production by learning about sound design, mixing, and mastering. There are many online courses, YouTube tutorials, and books on these topics.

ACT offers music production classes for both beginners and advanced students!

These classes will help walk and guide you through these key steps and milestones so you can unleash your creativity and start experimenting and fine tuning your own unique style.

If you are ready to start, sign up on our website today!

Needing to schedule a brand photoshoot 📷? Here are 4 tips to plan ahead and make the most of the shoot:

✨Find inspo for the overall vibe and aesthetic you are going for - make sure you send the inspo to your photographer before the shoot

📍Scout out either multiple locations or its even better if you find a place that has multiple backgrounds for a change or scenery. The best locations have lots of natural lighting and not much foot traffic.

👚 Plan ahead and pack multiple outfits so you get the most from this shoot. If there are multiple people in the shoot, make sure you coordinate together.

🪶 Bring some accessories and props! They are great for sprucing up a pictures and also making your poses more candid. If you this is a professional business shoot maybe bring a laptop, notebook and anything else you use for work. However, feel free to have fun and think outside of the box!

We are so excited to be kicking off our classes this month at several schools including: Pinellas County Schools, St. Petersburg City Recreation Centers, Academy Prep, Cristo Rey, and the Dream Center of Tampa as well as expanding our services into Ocala and Sarasota!

This marks our 11th season of educating, empowering and enriching the lives of youth and teens in our community. We are so proud of how our team has been able to positively impact our community and we are excited for the season ahead!

We’d love to invite you to join us at Vibes of the Bay this Saturday!

Just by attending and purchasing drinks, you will be contributing to ACT's mission. Additionally, 100% of the proceeds from a live painting auction will also be donated to ACT.

is this Saturday, September 30th. Come enjoy amazing music, food, vendors, live art, and much more!

This one-day event will feature over 20 incredible artists, ignited by Tampa's homegrown musical talent and its vibrant arts scene.

Make sure to secure your FREE entry by RSVPing at vibesofthebay.com.

Or you can purchase a ticket for just $10 at the door.

Hope to see you there!

Last week’s ACT Social was such a wonderful gathering of community members, featuring some breathtaking student performances. Thank you to everyone who came out to learn more about or support ACT’s mission. We are so grateful for everyone who showed up.

Stay tuned for videos of the student performances!

Did you know that our students have a 100% High School graduation rate?

Not only that, but many of our students have gone on to the likes of Berklee College of Music and Otterbein University and have established careers in television, film, the music entertainment industry, and Broadway!

Our main goal at ACT, is to help you find a path after graduation and then prepare you for whatever your dreams might be- whether it involves performing on TV or something completely outside of the realm of arts or academics.

We understand that each student’s path is different and we’re proud to equip you with the tools and mindset necessary to succeed!

Tonight's ACT Social was a great success! We would like to thank our amazing Host Committee with Bob Glaser and Liz de Quesada as well as Tom Hall and Ken Jewett for hosting in their beautiful home. And also a huge thank you to all who participated or came out to support our mission for our local youth! We are excited about the opportunity to continue to raise awareness and serve more students.

Whether you are interested in becoming a TikTok creator or you are interested in the world of cinematography, video production and editing skills are an amazing skill to have!

As the digital landscape continues to evolve and expand, video production and editing skills become increasingly vital - and this will likely not change in the near future.

Learning the basics of shooting, cutting, and post production edits, is a skill that anyone can learn yet likely is a skill that could elevate your career, allow you to make your mark online, and stand out among the crowd.

Enroll in our film production classes to learn not only the basics of editing but also learn:
- The art of storytelling
- Tips for crafting compelling narratives
- Techniques for capturing creative and high-quality sound and shots

Enroll and learn more on our website!

Looking for a way to get more involved with ACT? Here are 3 ways you can volunteer and help support our mission:

1. Host an ACT Social: Use your gifts for bringing people together to help organize a social mixer (virtual or in-person) to introduce a new community to the power of ACT.

2. Support our ‘ACT Amplified’ Social Media ‘FUNraiser’ Activities: Our ‘ACT Amplified’ ambassadors are individuals who help to organize and promote seasonal activities (talent shows, silent auctions, concerts) that raise funds and awareness for ACT.

3. Be a Masterclass Guest Presenter for a Mini-Series: Our Masterclass guest presenters are inspiring individuals who have gained valuable experience either in the professional arts industry or another career discipline. Masterclasses are held both virtually and in-person and are an opportunity for our students to learn from talented professionals around the globe.

Learn more and make a difference at artsconservatoryforteens.org

Our teaching artists working with a group of students in the middle school choir class we offer at Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg, FL today! These students are doing such a great job! We're looking forward to seeing them perform later in the season!