AUGUST NEWSLETTER

OPENING DOORS TO WHAT IS POSSIBLE

In this issue, we’re wrapping up an incredible summer and looking ahead to a new school year! We’re celebrating the people and opportunities that help ACT students grow and discover what’s possible. Meet Ana and learn how she is expanding ACT’s reach through meaningful community partnerships as well as hear from student Jocelyn Ivey about her journey.

Planting the Seeds for a Successful School Year

As summer comes to a close, young people across our community are preparing to return to school, take on new responsibilities, and navigate both the opportunities and challenges of a new year.

At ACT, we know the Arts can provide far more than a creative outlet during this important time.

They can give a young person a place where they are accepted as themselves, encouraged to express who they are, and given the freedom to discover strengths they may not yet recognize within themselves.

Our Teaching Artists and mentors do more than teach students how to sing, dance, act, or create. They build trusted relationships, encourage students to believe in themselves, and help them imagine new possibilities for their education, careers, and futures.

Through our holistic, research-based curriculum, students receive high-quality arts education alongside mentorship, leadership development, career preparation, workforce training, and essential life skills. They also gain access to education that supports their mental, emotional, and financial well-being.

Dr. Bruce Jones, a respected external evaluator who has worked with ACT for several years, has seen the impact of this approach firsthand. Dr. Jones serves as Senior Vice President for Research at Howard University, has held two endowed chair professorships, and brings more than 30 years of experience in higher education and the nonprofit sector.

His evaluation of ACT’s programming found significant increases in students’ attitudes toward learning. He also observed that students were more likely to attend school, arrive ready to participate, communicate and collaborate with others, and develop a stronger sense of community. These outcomes are all important factors that can contribute to a greater likelihood of graduation and long-term success.

As Dr. Jones explained:

“The Arts change that.”

When students are actively engaged in ACT’s programs, they are not simply present. They are learning how to contribute to something larger than themselves.

At the heart of ACT’s curriculum is an asset-based approach. Rather than viewing young people through the lens of what they may lack, our Teaching Artists recognize the strengths, talents, ideas, and potential each student already brings with them.

As Dr. Jones shared:

“An asset-based teacher walks into the classroom with the belief that the students bring strengths to the table. The teaching comes from a positive, strengths-based framework.”

This belief is central to everything we do. Our students are not problems to be fixed or collections of deficits to be overcome. They are already whole, capable young people. Our role is to recognize their strengths, nurture their potential, and give them the tools, relationships, and opportunities they need to grow.

And none of it happens alone.

This work is made possible by the Teaching Artists, mentors, families, community partners, donors, and supporters who believe every young person deserves the opportunity to discover what they are capable of.

Help Us Reach More Students

Your support helps more young people access ACT’s research-based, holistic curriculum, trusted mentors, high-quality arts education, and life-changing opportunities.

Staff Spotlight

How Ana Moss Is Expanding our Reach and Empowering our students

ACT’s Program & Community Partners Coordinator

Since joining ACT in January 2023, Ana Moss has made a meaningful impact across our organization.

She has strengthened the community relationships, programs, and opportunities available to ACT students while also bringing genuine care, positivity, and a fun energy to both our students and staff.

Having experienced firsthand how deeply the Arts can shape a young person’s life, Ana was immediately drawn to the heart behind ACT’s mission and the opportunity to create those same transformative experiences for the next generation.

Her work reflects a commitment not only to helping students grow as artists, but also to ensuring they feel supported, valued, and e

Hear From Ana

What does your role involve?

“One of my favorite things about my role is that no two days look the same! I have the opportunity to build relationships within and beyond the arts community that create meaningful opportunities for our students, coordinate programs, events, oversee our internship program, support productions, collaborate with a very awesome team, and even reconnect with my own artistry.

Whether I’m stepping in for a Teaching Artist or choreographing for an event or production, working with our students has helped me rediscover the joy of dance.”

How do your experiences shape your work?

“The Arts gave me confidence, lifelong friendships, and mentors who believed in me before I fully believed in myself. Because of that, I know how important it is for young people to learn from adults that encourage them and create spaces where they feel seen and valued.

I try to approach every part of my job with kindness, authenticity, and a willingness to meet people where they’re at. Whether I’m mentoring an intern, connecting with a community partner, or cheering on a student backstage, I want people to know that I see them and they’re extraordinary.”

What has been your favorite part of being a part of ACT and helping advance its mission?

“Without question, it’s getting to encourage our students to grow into themselves. There is no greater feeling than watching a student realize they’re capable of something they didn’t think they could do.”

What do you hope to continue building?

“I hope to continue creating partnerships that open doors for our students, whether that’s through internships, college collaborations, masterclasses, performances, or connections with industry professionals. I want every student who walks into ACT’s programs to feel certain that there are people invested in their future here.

I’m also excited to continue finding creative ways to connect ACT with our greater community so even more young people can experience the self esteem, joy, and sense of belonging that the arts provide.

I just want to say thank you for welcoming me into the ACT community and allowing me to be a part of such significant work.

I joined the team at a relatively young stage in my career, and I’m eternally grateful for the mentorship and trust that I’ve received from our leadership team, particularly Darnel Butler and Alex Harris.

I am proud to be part of a team that eats their words and inspires growth, creativity, and connection in ALL spaces.

Now let’s continue building meaningful opportunities and lasting impact together!!”

Help Us Bring ACT to More Communities

Community partnerships help ACT create meaningful opportunities, expand access to the Arts, and reach more young people where they are.

Inspiration Beyond the Classroom

Where Exposure Becomes Possibility

Last month, several ACT students had the incredible opportunity to attend the Post Malone and Jelly Roll concert at Raymond James Stadium at no cost through ACT.

This was a chance for our students to experience a major live production up close and see just how many people, skills, and creative roles are needed to bring a stadium show to life.

From the lighting, sound, staging, and video production to the musicianship, crowd engagement, and teamwork happening behind the scenes, our students were able to see the entertainment industry from a new perspective.

Experiences like this help young people discover possibilities beyond performing onstage. They introduce students to the many careers available throughout the Arts and entertainment world while giving them the opportunity to learn, feel inspired, and dream bigger.

At ACT, we believe learning should extend beyond the classroom and rehearsal room. When students are exposed to new environments, professional artists, and large-scale creative experiences, they begin to see more possibilities for themselves and their futures.

We are grateful for opportunities like this and for the supporters who help us continue creating meaningful experiences for our students.

Help More Students See What’s Possible

Your support helps ACT give students access to professional performances and experiences that encourage them to dream bigger.

Student Voice:

Meet Jocelyn: YCA Dance Major


Growing Through Every Opportunity

Jocelyn is a rising high school senior, a dual-enrolled college student, and a dance major in ACT’s Young Creators Alliance.

Since joining YCA during her sophomore year, she has grown from receiving one-on-one dance training to performing and choreographing for ACT productions.

Her journey reflects so much growth and also what can happen when a person is given meaningful opportunities, and a community that lifts them up.

Building Confidence Through the Arts

Jocelyn credits her early experiences with ACT with helping her strengthen both her technique and her confidence.

“My first year, I had opportunities to work one-on-one with a dance professional. This helped me refine my technique and built my confidence, which lead me to having the courage to audition for A Very Broadway Christmas, which I ended up booking, becoming my first professional show at the beginning of this past school year.”

That confidence has continued to open new doors. After choreographing a dance for Aladdin Remixed, Jocelyn was invited to choreograph for ACT’s upcoming production of Hadestown: Teen Edition.

Learning Onstage and Beyond

Through YCA, Jocelyn has performed several times. Each experience has helped her learn how to adapt, collaborate, and connect with other performers. She has also developed skills that extend beyond the stage.

“It helped me to be more accepting and receptive to change. This has applied to real day-to-day situations because plans can change really quickly, and I have become much more accepting of the change since starting with ACT.”

Balancing Ambitious Goals

As she prepares for her senior year, Jocelyn is dual enrolled at HCC and USF. She is only a few credits away from earning her associate degree in dance and is also exploring a possible minor or major in ASL interpreting.

This summer alone, she has balanced college courses, four theater productions, USF Dance Week, the Tampa City Ballet summer intensive, private acro teaching, and additional dance programs and workshops.

“All of these things have taught me to have better time management, and they make me stay on top of things. This will be beneficial in my future because time management is such an important factor, not just in the Arts but everywhere, so that will come in handy.”

Looking Toward the Future

Jocelyn plans to audition for college dance programs and pursue additional professional performance opportunities. Her ultimate goal is to perform on a cruise ship.

She will begin her senior year as both a performer and choreographer in Hadestown: Teen Edition, while continuing to prepare for college, complete her associate degree, and pursue new productions.

Fund Student Scholarships and Help More Students See What’s Possible

Your support helps provide scholarships that give young people access to professional training, mentorship, performances, and experiences that build the confidence to pursue their goals.

Our Impact in Action

Last season, ACT’s programs reached young people across Pinellas and Hillsborough counties through consistent arts education, mentorship, and holistic education.

1,500+ Students Served Each Week

Young people participated in arts education, mentorship, performances, and personal-development opportunities designed to help them grow both creatively and personally.

28 Program Locations

ACT brought programming directly into schools and community spaces throughout Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, making high-quality arts education more accessible to students and families.

30 Teaching Artists Across 9+ Disciplines

Our Teaching Artists shared their expertise while building trusted relationships with students and encouraging them to recognize their strengths, develop new skills, and pursue their goals.

A 100% High School Graduation Goal

Everything we provide—from arts education and mentorship to holistic education and professional development—is designed to help students thrive not just in their chosen path but in all parts of life.

As we prepare to welcome students back in September, we are excited for another year of learning, creativity, connection, and possibility.

An ACT student’s experience extends far beyond a weekly class. Throughout the year, students may receive:

• Arts education and training

• Support from passionate mentors and Teaching Artists

• Some of our students receive transportation to programs, activities, and special opportunities

• Master classes with industry professionals

• Costumes, rehearsals, and production resources

• Performance opportunities

• College tours and campus exposure trips

• Financial literacy education

• Mental health and wellness programming

• Leadership and workforce-development experiences

• And more

Providing this level of support requires more than opening the doors to a classroom. It takes committed Teaching Artists, reliable transportation, safe spaces, production resources, professional experiences, and a community of supporters who believe in what young people can become.

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Every class, rehearsal, mentorship session, college visit, costume, and performance opportunity is made possible by people who believe in the potential of young people.

As ACT prepares to begin the 2026–2027 school year, we invite you to help ensure that more students have access to the training, resources, relationships, and experiences they need to thrive.

Your gift can help provide transportation to ACT programs and activities, give students access to high-quality arts education, support costumes, rehearsals, and productions, fund master classes with industry professionals, make college tours and campus visits possible, and expand mentorship, wellness, and career-readiness programming.

Whether you support one part of a student’s journey or help make the entire experience possible, your contribution can open a door, spark a dream, and ignite a future.

Will You Help Us Reach More Students This Year?