North Coast Repertory Theatre

In November 2022, ProtoStar made a $5,000 grant to the North Coast Repertory Theatre to benefit the scholarship program at its Theatre School.

Background

North Coast Repertory Theatre (“NCRT”) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in California.  It is located in Solana Beach, North County, California, approximately 45 minutes from downtown San Diego.  Its stated mission is:

to educate the public in an appreciation of the theatre arts through stage productions of consistent quality, to be recognized as the premier professional regional live theatre in San Diego North Coastal County, to provide educational services for audiences of all ages, focusing on the youth of the community and to provide an opportunity for actors and theatre professionals to develop their artistic skills through participation in the Theatre’s productions.

Established in 1982, it has developed into one of the leading theatrical performing arts centers in North County.  It has become known for the diversity and high artistic quality of its productions – from classics to world premieres of contemporary works.  Its Mainstage has 194 seats.

Theatre School

NCRT also provides education in theatrical arts for students ages 4-19 through its Theatre School.  The Theatre School offers after school and weekend programs during the school year and half-day and full-day programs during the summer holidays.  Programs explore all aspects of theatre, including acting, improvisation, script writing, and storytelling.

Scholarship Program and Its Social Impact

The Theatre School’s scholarship program provides free or reduced rates for students from families in need of financial aid.  The program would allow underserved students from various socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds to enroll in a variety of classes, workshops, camps, and/or student productions.  To date, the Theatre School has given out over $88,000 in scholarships.  According to the demographics information assembled by the Theatre School:

Students range from ages 4-19, approximately 25% between ages 4-8, approximately 25% between ages 8-12, and approximately 50% between 12-19.  80% are female, 20% are male.  10% are African American, 20% are Asian American, 40% are Hispanic, and 30% are white.  70% of families who sought scholarships made less than $150,000 thousand household income per year.  30% made more $200,000 per year and had multiple children.

Importantly, NCRT has indicated that the average amount of the scholarship is approximately $200 per child.  Accordingly, at the $5,000 level, about 25 students would be served.

The Theatre School has received a lot of positive feedback from the kids’ parents and families.  Here are a few samples:

The Theatre School has been a great learning environment for our student.  His self-confidence, public speaking, and enjoyment of great literature have all been enhanced by the classes and performances he has done with NCRT.

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Our kids have participated in classes, camps and productions and they love every opportunity to be a part of the Theatre School because of the way the programs encourage individuality and creativity while also leaving them with a better understanding of what it’s like to perform with others.  The time they have invested in its programs has enabled them to uncover their unique talents in a very loving and supportive way.

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The Theater School staff knows how to motivate and inspire kids. Students work hard, learn a ton, and it feels like play. In this way the Theater School fosters a love of the performing arts and is an integral part of our community’s arts education network.