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Our Impact
93%
of students report that Opening Act programs motivated them to attend school.
96%
of students report that Opening Act helped them to understand how others think & feel.
98%
of students say Opening Act taught them skills they will use in a future career.
100%
of students feel more confident in themselves after participating in Opening Act
100%
of students say Opening Act inspired them to work hard & made them feel safe.
“I feel like this experience is not just to teach you as an actor. It’s also teaching how to be human because you’re learning to interact with people. You’re learning to be yourself. You’re not really taught that in other places. Opening Act ...helped me know what I want to do in my future."
Jessie Jaquez
Opening Act Student
"Opening Act has been a positive outlet for my teen. They have been anxious and at times found it difficult to find their voice in stressful situations. Through their work in OA across all three years of middle school my child has developed confidence, and self determination to try new things, stretch their coping skills to new limits, and be a force for change in their school community."
Christine Duenas
Opening Act Parent
"Opening Act fosters a sense of community, encourages healthy self-esteem, and promotes positive thinking and interactions. In a relaxed, fun environment, students learn to think on their feet while supporting one another. It also offers them a much-needed break from the stresses of daily life, allowing them to smile, unwind, and have fun—something they don’t always get the chance to do."
Janice Dahlman
ESOL Teacher
The Importance of Theater Education
New York City prides itself as the theater capital of the country, yet only 38% of NYC high schools offer theater education. This leaves thousands of students without access to a critical resource — especially those from marginalized communities and under-resourced backgrounds. Opening Act believes all students deserve to reap the benefits of arts education, specifically theater. After all:
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Theater builds essential skills: No other art form fosters collaboration, strengthens communication, and inspires creativity as effectively.
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Theater strengthens social-emotional learning: The creation and performance process develops self-confidence, empathy, and social connection.
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Theater prepares students for success: Research shows it improves academic performance, enhances college and career readiness, and increases civic engagement.
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Opening Act is working to change this reality by bringing high-quality theater education directly into NYC public schools that lack access to the arts. Through partnerships with schools and communities, we create spaces where young people can discover their voices, develop leadership skills, and experience the transformative power of collaboration and creativity. By centering students from marginalized and under-resourced communities, we are closing the opportunity gap — one stage, one story, and one student at a time.