CITIZEN ARTIST & OPENING NIGHT
The arts, for
everyBODY.
We believe access to the arts should never depend on circumstance. Through Citizen Artist and Opening Night, Stapleton brings dance and theatre to young people where they are, then opens a door to keep them growing.
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY THE CALIFORNIA ARTS COUNCIL
A statewide investment in access to the arts.
In 2026, Stapleton was awarded an Arts and Youth grant from the California Arts Council to expand Citizen Artist. The award arrived during the Council's 50th anniversary year and a historic wave of state investment in arts and culture.
IN YOUR CLASSROOM
Step One
Citizen Artist
Our school-based outreach brings California Arts Standards–aligned dance and theatre classes directly into public-school classrooms across Marin. Led by Stapleton faculty, each hands-on session is designed for the age group in the room, sparking self-expression, confidence, and, for many students, their very first experience of the performing arts.
AT OUR STUDIO
Step Two
Opening Night
Students lit up by Citizen Artist are invited to take the next step. Opening Night is an ongoing free trial week for ages 3–10: students take up to two age-appropriate dance and theatre classes at our studio, meet our faculty, and discover what it feels like to train in a supportive, creative space. It's also the heart of our scholarship program for Dance and Theatre students.
A pathway that doesn't stop at cost.
KEEP THEM GROWING
Through the Opening Night Scholarship and our free-access programs, students with passion can keep training regardless of financial circumstances. Every gift opens the door a little wider.
"This support means we can extend excellence in dance and theatre training to students who might not otherwise have that opportunity, making the performing arts accessible to everyBODY."
WILHELMINA FRANKFURT | EXECUTIVE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
WORKING TOGETHER
Our outreach partners.
