Summer 2024
Outdoor Series
Experience the captivating fusion of dance and music in T.U.P.A.C.'s Suite Sweet Stevie, set to Stevie Wonder's iconic album, "Songs in The Key of Life." Featuring seasoned and emerging BIPOC dance artists and choreographers, this mesmerizing ballet takes you on an emotional journey through powerful movements and expressive storytelling. Whether you're a ballet enthusiast or simply seeking soul-touching entertainment, Suite Sweet Stevie is a must-see celebration of creativity and the profound emotional impact of dance. Reserve your seats today to experience the magic!
Summer 2024
Outdoor Series
Black Pioneer, Nettie Asburry's life told through ballet. Featuring International Artists to the music of Aaron Copeland and Jessie Montgomery.
NETTIE a ballet about Nettie Craig Asberry born in 1865 an early Black resident of Tacoma who was known for her work in fighting racism and in helping to open doors for women. Nettie earned her Doctorate of Music from the Kansas Conservatory of Music in Leavenworth, Kansas, she was the first Black woman to earn a doctorate degree. A founding member of the Tacoma NAACP, a music teacher, and in later years a volunteer social worker in the Hilltop community, she was a Tacoma icon and died in 1968.
September 2018, 8 year old Nya Zae I started participating in ballet classes at Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center, fondly known as T.U.P.A.C. Nya was quick to embrace the rigors of formal ballet instruction. We encourage our students to expand their ballet instruction by attending Summer Intensive Programs at larger established ballet schools. After a Summer studying with PNB (Pacific Northwest Ballet) Nya was invited to their year-round Student Division where she continues to study. Nya has the opportunity to attend the Summer Program with Boston Ballet, that is, if we are able to raise the funds to cover her transportation, lodging and tuition. Please help our most deserving former student get to Boston this summer!
https://www.bostonballet.org/education/summer-dance-program/
Are you ready to unleash your passion for making a difference? If you have experience in Marketing, Communications, Business, or related fields, along with a heart for serving others, we have the perfect opportunity for you to contribute to our cause as a volunteer.
As a volunteer with us, you'll have the chance to utilize your expertise in marketing, ideally gained from nonprofit or social work settings, to drive meaningful change in our community. Your excellent customer service skills and innate empathy will play a crucial role in connecting with and empowering the individuals we serve.
These volunteer positions aren’t just about giving your time—it's about making a tangible impact. By joining our team, you'll play a pivotal role in advancing our mission and touching and elevating the lives of children, teens and young adults in Tacoma, particularly the Hilltop community.
But that's not all. Volunteering with us means being part of a dynamic, collaborative environment where you'll have the opportunity to meet new people, expand your network, and contribute to our growth journey. If you're passionate about the arts, eager to make a difference, and ready to invest your time in building a brighter future for our community, we invite you to apply today.
We have several part-time opportunities that promise to be both rewarding and fulfilling. Don't miss out—seize the chance to be part of something truly special by applying now.
How would you like to help?
Administration (data entry, answer phones,mailings, donor organization, social media,marketing, updating donor files,etc.)
Production (prop building, costumes, set/lighting/audio design, stagehand, etc.)
Perhaps something we haven't listed here - let us know how YOU will elevate our organization!
Are you passionate about enriching and elevating Black and BIPOC
communities through the performing arts? If so, consider joining our dynamic classical ballet school in Hilltop Tacoma as our Executive Assistant. Dive into a mix of exciting projects in dance, theatre, and mixed media education and performance. Are you passionate about enriching and elevating Black Lives?
In our fast-paced, creative environment, you'll experience a tight-knit collaborative atmosphere, fostering inclusivity and nurturing creativity.
We're on the hunt for a part-time crackerjack assistant with a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion with the ability to interact effectively with people of different cultures and socio-economic experiences, must be free from prejudice and aggressions.
If you're an energetic hard worker with excellent manners, communication and organizational skills, have a knack for making things happen, possess a good sense of humor then you're our ideal candidate.
Exceptional digital and leadership skills are a must as you communicate with our donors and sponsors as we are currently engaged in a Capital Fundraising Campaign. Sharing your enthusiastic can-do attitude as you organize and set up community events and meetings are vital to our fundraising efforts. You will also coordinate our volunteers, set their schedules and supervise their activities.
Ability to prioritize responsibilities, work independently when needed, and set/adhere to deadlines are paramount to being successful in this position. Interest in T.U.P.A.C.’s mission and programming are a must.
This is a 20hr/week part-time hybrid position during normal Monday – Friday operating hours 10AM-4PM. Select nights/ weekends for special events and opening nights. (must be available for all Special Event dates, 3-4 per session)
College background and some performing arts or non-profit experience, including internships, required. This is an incredible growth opportunity with a starting salary between $25 and $33 per hour.
• Inclusive work environment
Tacoma Housing Authority is working with Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center (TUPAC) to lease the performing arts space, and we will prioritize BIPOC businesses to rent the other spaces. These spaces will likely be places where the community can watch performances like they have never seen before, shop, eat, and interact with business owners and neighbors contributing to the fabric of the community.
We hope to complete the project in late 2024. Housing Hilltop - Tacoma Housing Authority
The project is supported by $3 million in federal funds secured by Congressman Derek Kilmer and Senator Maria Cantwell. The federal funds will help build the commercial space on the property, with approximately $1 million available to help BIPOC businesses complete the necessary tenant improvements that turn a “shell” into a real useable space. Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center must raise an additional $6 million to complete interiors prior to moving into this new facility. The first installment of $2 million is due in early 2024.
Your donation to the Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center, T.U.P.A.C. has immense impact on the Tacoma Community. A registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit charitable organization, T.U.P.A.C. relies on the financial support of individuals, corporations, and foundations to achieve its mission to make dance accessible and a meaningful experience for all.
INDIVIDUAL GIVING
Through your charitable donation, you can help support our training programs, performances, scholarships, community outreach, arts education, and community theatre productions. Individual philanthropy is critical to the development and sustained success of T.U.P.A.C.’s programming.
PERSONALIZE A SEAT IN THE KABBY MITCHELL III THEATER WITH A PLAQUE
Support our Capital Campaign with the purchase of a Named Seat Tribute in our new home located at 1101 S. 11th St. Etch your legacy or memorialize a loved one with a commemorative brass seat plaque, and become a part of our rich cultural arts community for generations to come.
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP
Businesses large and small can align their brand with the impactful mission of Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center and enrich lives through the performing arts. Through partnerships with T.U.P.A.C. companies receive a myriad of benefits including marketing opportunities, in-person and online audiences, invitations to special events, and the opportunity to collaborate on special initiatives tied to your brand's strategic business goals.
For More Information, Email: office@tacomaupac.org
LEGACY GIVING
You can leave a legacy of support and guidance for young artists of color by including Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center in your estate planning. Planned giving allows your gift to live on through Charitable Trusts, Retirement Plans, Will Bequests and Life Insurance Policies.
For More Information, Email:
This 10,000 SF dance studio project is located at 1101 S. 11th St. in the Historic Hilltop Community of Tacoma, Washington. The new build features a state of the art performing arts theater, 3 dance studios, dressing rooms with showers, gallery and work areas. T.U.P.A.C.’s new studio interior spaces and interior design by award winning architectural firm, Mithun also incorporates sprung floors, comfortable theater seats and significant commercial acoustic soundproofing between the dance studios. www.mithun.com/?s=performing+arts+centers
No goods or services are provided for donations and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowable under the law.
Our state-of-the-art facilities will be equipped with the latest technology and resources to support our students' learning and development. We will have spacious dance studios with sprung floors, ballet barres, and mirrors, a 125 seat theater space, as well as a costume and prop room, a gallery featuring local BIPOC artists and a comfortable waiting area for parents.
At Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center, we believe that ballet is for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or ability. We strive to create a welcoming and supportive community where students can make lifelong friendships and feel a sense of belonging.
Guest Artists, Ashton Edwards & Jonathan Batista - two of the most amazing, exciting and generous dancers we have ever known!
Bringing High Quality Performing Arts Productions to Hilltop!
BRINGING WORLD-CLASS BIPOC CENTERED ARTS EDUCATION AND PERFORMANCES TO THE HILLTOP COMMUNITY
T.U.P.A.C. Where dance legends are trained!
Men's Chicago Step Workshop
T.U.P.A.C. Where dance legends are trained!
For Us By Us
T.U.P.A.C. where dance legends are trained!
A Tree Grows in Hilltop
T.U.P.A.C.'s 2021 The Urban Nutcracker Sugar Plum Fairy, Ingrid Silva. Ingrid Silva (ingridsilvaballet.com)
T.U.P.A.C.'s 2021 The Urban Nutcracker, The Cavalier, Dylan Santos
T.U.P.A.C.'s 2021 The Urban Nutcracker, The Snow Queen, Sarah-Gabrielle Ryan
Northwest Sinfonietta and Mikhail Calliste from Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center perform inside The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection at Tacoma Art Museum with a behind-the-scenes introduction by Dr. T. André Feagin. Visit nwsinfonietta.org/listen for more
Northwest Sinfonietta and T.U.P.A.C. dancers Ivy and Nya perform from inside The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection at Tacoma Art Museum, with a behind-the-scenes introduction by Dr. T. André Feagin. Visit nwsinfonietta.org/listen for more information and videos from this series.
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Kabby Mitchell III will always be our touchstone. TUPAC would not exist without Kabby's vision and we shall forever be grateful for how he shaped our lives and shared with us his discipline, grace, fortitude, truth, constant quest for excellence and laughter.
We shall always honor his memory by keeping his passion for not only educating marginalized communities with high quality classical ballet technique, but also setting an example for guiding students in being respected world citizens.
Thank you, Mr. Mitchell - we stand on your shoulders, and will always strive to relay your high standards to our students.
T.U.P.A.C. is an anti-racist school. We will not discriminate and will take "affirmative action" measures to ensure against discrimination in school enrollment, class placement, performance casting, employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of enrollment of students and/or employee or job applicants on the bases of race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation or sex.
Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center
1105 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma, WA 98405
office@tacomaupac.org | (253) 327-1873
A 501(c)3 non-profit corporation EIN#: 82-0972418
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