May Newsletter
May in ACT-ion
This month at ACT, our students are stepping into one of the most active and exciting seasons of the year. From preparing for our End-of-Year Showcase to performing across the community, their growth is on full display. As we begin to close out the season, we’re also proud to spotlight our graduating seniors and celebrate all they’ve accomplished. And as we head toward our 15th Annual Champions for ACT Breakfast Celebration on May 7, we’re reminded that each of these moments is part of a larger story: one of access, opportunity, and the arts as a catalyst for personal growth, connection, and what comes next.
Celebrating 15 Years of Impact at the Champions for ACT Breakfast
This month, ACT hosted our 15th Annual Champions for ACT Breakfast Celebration, bringing together students, families, community leaders, sponsors, and supporters for a beautiful morning in support of ACT’s mission.
The event featured powerful student performances, inspiring remarks, scholarship presentations, a live auction, visual artwork from our talented students, and a special performance from our CEO and President, Alex Harris.
Most importantly, the Breakfast served as a reminder of why ACT’s work matters. Every moment reflected the power of the Arts to create opportunity, and help young people step into their full potential.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us, sponsored the event, donated, volunteered, and continues to believe in the future of our students. Because of your support, ACT is able to continue expanding access to high-quality arts education, mentorship, and life-changing opportunities for young creatives across our community.
A Huge Thank You To Our Sponsors:
BayFirst National Bank, University of South Florida, Raymond James, City of St. Petersburg, DeBartolo Family Foundation, Smith & Associates, Florida Trust, On Point Behavioral Health, Florida Department of Education, Jacarlene Foundation, Duke Energy, Culture Builds Florida, East Bay Insurance, Think Big for Kids, Drybar, Compass Land & Title, LLC, Suncoast Credit Union, Comegys Insurance, Find Your Light, Tampa Bay Lightning, Community Tampa Bay. St. Petersburg Police Department, Joiner Architecture, Kahwa Coffee Roasters, Chick-fil-A, Craig & Jan Sher, Steve Raymund, Margie Green, Debbie & Brent Sembler, Janet & Iqbal Paroo, Stewart Title Co., Deborah DeBerry Long, ARK Invest, WJ Architect/The Burg Bid, ACT Partners
BIG SHOW RECAP: TAMPA & ST. PETE SHINE
St. Pete BIG SHOW
Tampa BIG SHOW
Our St. Pete BIG Show brought together more than 300 people for a day filled with talent, creativity, and community.
From standout student performances to an incredible visual arts gallery, the event was a beautiful celebration of our students’ growth and artistry.
A heartfelt thank you to the Rivera family for providing delicious homemade food.
We are so proud of all our students. They showed up, supported one another, and absolutely shined.
Our Tampa BIG Show at the Victor Christ Community Center was an incredible celebration of student talent, growth, and community.
With a record-breaking crowd of more than 360 attendees, the energy in the room was electric. Our students rose to the occasion with powerful vocals, captivating performances, and confident stage presence that reflected the hard work they have put in throughout the year.
We are so proud of our Tampa Chapter and all that they have accomplished this season.
MEET JAYLA STUBBINS
ACT 2026 CFAB SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your journey as a visual artist?
Jayla’s journey as a visual artist began in middle school. Jayla works across several mediums, including digital art, colored pencils, markers, and paint. Her creativity continues to grow as she explores different ways to bring her ideas to life. As she continued developing her skills, Jayla began to see art as more than a creative outlet. She realized it could also become part of her future.
“When I realized that I could use that artwork to show off and even get a job, that’s what I really wanted to do.”
How has ACT helped you grow?
Jayla joined ACT during her junior year. Through the program, she says she became more confident in creating and sharing her work publicly.
“It helped me grow in making more artworks and then showing them publicly,” Jayla said. “The more I made artworks, the more confident I got to showing the world.”
After receiving attention for her work at the Champions for ACT Breakfast, Jayla felt surprised and encouraged by the response. “When I went to the breakfast event, and then when I started getting people’s attention and they see some of my artwork, I was really shocked.”
At the event, Jayla sold close to 10 pieces of artwork, a major milestone.
What was your favorite part about being in ACT?
“The people, definitely the people,” she said. “The community.”
A favorite memory is participating in holiday tour events where she had the opportunity to do live painting for the public. While the experience was intimidating at first, it became an important part of her growth.
Her plans for the future:
Jayla will be attending Ringling College of Art and Design, where she plans to major in illustration.
What advice would you give to younger ACT students?
“Don’t be afraid to take risks and get out of your comfort zone,” she said, “because it could definitely improve your goals and your future.”
She also encouraged other students to take part in ACT. “People should definitely join,” Jayla shared. “It’s an amazing program, and there’s lots of good people there. I had a great experience with it, and if I could, I would definitely join again.”
What’s Next at ACT
Coming Soon: Aladdin Remixed
Arts Conservatory for Teens presents Aladdin Remixed, a full-length Broadway-style production featuring incredible vocals, dynamic choreography, and powerful acting from some of Tampa Bay’s most talented young performers.
VIP tickets are available. Upgrade your experience with VIP access, which includes early entry, closest row premium seating, an exclusive Q&A meet and greet with the cast, and a special Aladdin Remixed keepsake.
Don’t miss this unforgettable theatrical event celebrating the talent, dedication, and artistry of Tampa Bay’s rising stars.
DATE & TIME: June 26th at 6:30 pm, June 27th at 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm
LOCATION: Shorecrest Preparatory School, 5101 1st St NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33703
Our YCA Auditions Are Coming Up
ACT is now inviting middle and high school students to audition for the Young Creators Alliance.
YCA is designed for young artists who are ready to grow, train, perform, and prepare for their future. Students receive access to high-quality arts education, mentorship, workshops, masterclasses, performance opportunities, career readiness support, and more.
Programs offered:
Dance
Acting and Theater
Music Production
Vocal Performance
Visual Arts
Sound Tech and Lighting
Fashion Design and Modeling
*The program also includes workshops in financial literacy, mental health, career exploration, audition preparation, college readiness, and one-on-one mentorship with professional teaching artists.
Every accepted student receives a full scholarship, with approximately $5,000 worth of program benefits.
DATE & TIME: Saturday, June 6th at 1 pmLOCATION: Thrive DTSP: 136 4th St N Ste 201, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States
For more information contact darnel@artsconservatoryforteens.org
AS ONE SEASON CLOSES, ANOTHER BEGINS
As we close out another meaningful ACT season, we are celebrating the moments, milestones, and community experiences that shaped this year.
From the energy of Just Dance Fall Festival to the powerful storytelling of SIX: Teen Edition, our students continued to grow as performers, artists, and leaders. The Holiday Tour brought music into the community, while MTCA gave our young artists the chance to train, prepare, and take important steps toward their futures.
This season also included meaningful community moments like State of the City and Soul Train, where students shared their talents and connected through the Arts. Our St. Pete and Tampa BIG Shows brought together hundreds of families, supporters, and community members to celebrate student creativity, confidence, and growth.
We also gathered for our 15th Annual Champions for ACT Breakfast, a powerful morning of reflection, celebration, and investment in the future of young creatives.
This summer, the ACT team will be working behind the scenes to prepare for the year ahead, strengthen our programming, expand opportunities for students, and continue building pathways for young creatives across our community.
We are excited for what is ahead and grateful to every student, family, Teaching Artist, partner, donor, and supporter who makes this work possible.