Dear Community,

ACT UP Drama Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) whose mission is to create theatre for education, healing, social justice, and advocacy – in ways that are trauma responsive and accessible for all. The ACT UP family recently started a fundraising campaign to purchase a new facility. 

Here’s our story. 

In the fall of 2019, just before the global pandemic, ACT UP secured a space. We painted, renovated, and created a beautiful home to house the many outstanding programs and projects offered to the communities we serve. Our grand opening was held on March 1, 2020, and then COVID-19 happened. We took a collective deep breath, and then we did what artists do. We found creative ways to keep the programs and the dream alive. We worked outside under a tent, had sessions in parks and on ZOOM, and physically distanced ourselves – while building community and remaining social. We thought we’d done enough to survive. Nothing had prepared us for what would happen next. 

The building we’d been leasing was sold, and the new owner gave us only 30 days to vacate. As you can imagine, this was a crushing blow for the ACT UP family, including our students and community partners. 

But our story is far from over. 

After weeks of packing up and placing our equipment, stages, props, and furnishings into storage facilities, we still managed to find ways to keep lifting the truth, despite our heavy hearts. ACT UP curated beautifully creative partnerships with schools, community programs, churches, and organizations. These collaborations remain fruitful, and we’ll continue to nurture them.

However, not having our own home brings about severe limitations. Like most applied theatre practitioners, we are in this work to dismantle injustice, disrupt the status quo, and create space for liberatory practices. We are truth-seekers, truth-bearers, and truth-tellers. Without having a home, the most significant burden are the restrictions placed on truth. We must work to create a community where truth is not just tolerated but celebrated. 

So, after much deliberation and with the support and encouragement of friends across the country, we’ve decided that this dream will NOT be deferred! 

ACT UP will have a space that we can call home. 

Our home will be a space of joy and belonging.

A space where those who’ve been marginalized are consciously centered. 

A space where truth, liberation, and justice are practiced and become the norm. 

A place where a beautiful difference is noticed the moment you walk through the doors. 

With your financial support, ACT UP will make this homeplace a reality. We will continue offering the many programs that lead toward personal growth and societal change. Meeting our fundraising goal of $100,000.00 will truly take a village. We ask that as you consider your gift, think about its incredible impact. Your donation will be used to affect societal change, build community, and make a beautiful difference in the lives of youth.  Every contribution, no matter its size, will be accepted and celebrated, with heartfelt gratitude. 

Thank you in advance, for becoming a pARTner with ACT UP! 

In Truth,

Rosalyn Smith-Stover M.A., M.ED., RYT-200, RCYT

Founder/Executive Director

“Artists are the Gatekeepers of Truth.”                                                              

                                    -Paul Robeson