Act Out Theatre Company receives $50,000 gift to expand services

Sonia Doshi, 14, performs the splits at the end of a musical number during a rehearsal for “James and the Giant Peach” for the Act Out Theatre Company on April 4, 2022. The company will perform inside Hoover Middle School in Lakewood, a venue with 400 seats. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

The Act Out Theatre Company announced last week that the nonprofit received a $50,000 gift from the Genesis Inspiration Foundation that will go towards expanding its performing arts programs.

The Act Out Theatre Company provides tuition-free and low-cost arts programming and youth development opportunities for at-risk and traditionally under-resourced children and families to discover their creative potential.

“We are grateful for this incredible gift,” said Travis Wade, founder and executive director of Act Out Theatre Company in a press release. “For over 12 years, Act Out has been committed to providing kids and families from all backgrounds and all walks of life an opportunity to explore their artistic gifts and passions in a safe, creative and encouraging space. This gift will help us continue serving families throughout Long Beach and the surrounding communities.”

19-year-old Evan Walker stands alone on the stage and sings a song for the for musical “James and the Giant” at Hoover Middle School in Lakewood on April 4, 2022. Walker is part of the Act Out Theatre Company, which is celebrating its ten-year anniversary this year. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)

Genesis Inspiration Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects youth to the arts and improves educational outcomes by providing access to arts programs that engage and inspire children in under-resourced communities. 

Since 2018 the Genesis Inspiration Foundation has donated over $10 million to fund youth arts programming at museums, schools and nonprofit art and cultural organizations nationwide. 

“Genesis Inspiration Foundation is dedicated to empowering young people across the nation to discover the profound impact of the arts within their communities,” said John Guastaferro, executive director of the Genesis Inspiration Foundation in a press release. “We are honored to support Act Out Theatre Company in our joint effort to broaden access to youth arts education, foster creativity, and open doors to a world of possibilities.”

Act Out will be holding auditions for its rendition of “Frankenstein” on May 31 and June 1 for their performances in July.

A check presentation ceremony will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, June 17 at Act Out’s rehearsal space on the campus of the Long Beach Salvation Army, 3090 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach 90807.

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