Tell These Students: "I've Got Your Back!"

At Opening Act, there’s a powerful moment that happens in every workshop. Students and Teaching Artists turn to one another and say:“I’ve got your back.”

It’s not just part of the curriculum — it’s a promise. A commitment to show up for one another, take creative risks, and move forward together.

Now, Opening Act is calling on our wider community to live that same spirit.

This fall, we launched the “I’ve Got Your Back” Campaign, a community-wide effort to raise $35,000 by September 30 to help us rebuild, reimagine, and continue empowering New York City’s young people through theater education.

Meeting the Moment

This year, Opening Act faced one of the most challenging moments in our history. Due to unexpected and significant losses in government and foundation funding, we made the difficult decision to strategically pause our school partnerships for the remainder of the calendar year.

While our School-Based Programs are on hold, our mission is not. We remain deeply committed to our students — and to ensuring that Opening Act continues to thrive for years to come.

The “I’ve Got Your Back” Campaign is our way of turning this challenge into an opportunity: an opportunity to strengthen our foundation, stabilize operations, and co-create a sustainable, student-centered program model for the future.

Continuing Our Impact

Even in the face of change, the impact of Opening Act continues to be felt across New York City. This year alone, we:

• Strengthened the collaborative and creative capacity of more than 1,200 students across NYC

• Helped students develop essential life skills like self-management, positive identity, and academic self-efficacy

• Contributed to the city’s cultural strength by connecting young people to theater as a tool for self-expression, cultural storytelling, and community building

And this fall, our work expands with the launch of the Opening Act Youth Company, a new citywide ensemble that will bring high school students together to create an original play tackling the social justice issues that matter most to them.

Looking Ahead

The “I’ve Got Your Back” Campaign is more than a fundraising goal — it’s a collective act of solidarity. It’s our community saying to New York City’s young people, we see you, we believe in you, and we’ve got your back.

As we head into Opening Act’s 25th Anniversary year, we’re reflecting on the thousands of students, alumni, teaching artists, and supporters who have made this work possible — and looking forward to the next 25 years of creativity, empowerment, and impact.

At Opening Act, we teach our students to face every challenge with a spirit of “Yes, And…” and the knowledge that they are never alone. This moment is no different. Together, we’re building what comes next — and ensuring that the stage stays open for every young person ready to tell their story.

To learn more about the campaign or make a gift of support, visit openingact.org/donate.