Committed to advancing arts equity in NYC and beyond, for more than twenty years, Opening Act has actively centered the voices of students of color through free, high-quality theater programming. We strive to remain a consistent and positive force in our students’ lives, regardless of fluctuating school budgets and priorities.

Since inception, we have grown to reach over 7,000 young people. Today, our free, year-long, after school theater program serves 55 schools throughout New York City, including our partnership with District 79, the city’s alternative school district, where we work with young people who are pursuing a high school equivalency diploma in a formal educational environment because their education was disrupted by a life event.

Opening Act’s theater programs provide students attending New York City’s most under-served public schools the opportunity to gain confidence, pride, and the knowledge that they can succeed at anything in life.