
The JumpStart Theatre program creates sustainable theatre arts programs in underserved middle schools where there were none.
Participant schools are chosen based on a rigorous application process and receive materials, budget, and training support to produce their first full-scale musical production. The support continues for three straight years until the program becomes sustainable.- Implemented and sustainable in underserved middle schools nationwide
- Engages as many students as possible in all aspects of theatre
- Instills the 21st-century skills of collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking
Upcoming JumpStart Theatre Events



The impact of JumpStart
is an inspiration
Meet Za’Khyra
At the start of the year, Za’Khyra Whitfield was a quiet, conscientious young lady who came to Gamble Montessori and didn’t have a lot of friends.
In the first weeks of school, she had started meeting with our school psychologist. Za’Khyra had reported symptoms of depression. Our psychologist learned that one of the things Za’Khyra did to calm herself was sing a favorite Disney song. She had a beautiful voice, and we all encouraged her to try out for the musical. She got the role of Erzulie, the goddess of love, in our production of Once On This Island, Jr. She had a show-stopping solo. She was so proud of herself.
Help start a theatre program in an underserved school through the JumpStart Theatre program
JumpStart Theatre happens with help from you!
JumpStart Theatre is made possible in part by support from:
Eleanora C.U. Alms Trust, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee
Thank you to our donors for their generous support of the Educational Theatre Foundation.
JumpStart Theatre News

Teacher Bootcamp Launches JumpStart Theatre in Detroit
Starting a school theatre program isn’t easy in the best of circumstances.

JumpStart Theatre 2020-21 Program Highlights
Every recent story from the JumpStart Theatre world begins: “This wasn’t an