Opening Act, Inc.

Organizational Background

Committed to closing the arts education access gap in NYC, Opening Act centers the voices of students of color through free, high-quality theater programming.

Opening Act puts young artists and leaders center stage, using inclusive theater education at under-resourced public schools to set students up for success, by developing confidence, fostering community, teaching collaboration, and inspiring creativity.

Since inception in 2000, we have grown to reach over 7,000 young people at over 50 under-resourced schools throughout New York City. This includes our partnership with District 79, the city’s alternative school district, and expansion into middle school. After graduation, Opening Act alumni join our Act 2 program, which sets them up for academic, professional, and artistic success.