Matt Driscoll, who passed away Sunday, July 21st, 2024 was a true champion for our school and a pivotal force in our journey to a new building. His dedication to our cause was evident in the time he took to visit our school, understand our mission, and report on our progress for the Tacoma News Tribune.
Through his work, Matt highlighted the critical importance of increasing arts education and performance opportunities for Black, BIPOC, and marginalized youth in Tacoma. His articles not only brought attention to our efforts but also inspired the community to rally behind us.
Matt's commitment to social justice and equality shone through in everything he did. His support and advocacy have left an indelible mark on our school and the lives of the young people we serve. We are deeply grateful for his contributions and will honor his legacy by continuing the work he so passionately believed in.
Rest in peace, Matt. You will be dearly missed, but your impact will be felt for generations to come.
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Step into the breathtaking world of Pride Rock with Disney's The Lion King Kids. This award-winning musical brings the beloved animated film to life with stunning visuals, captivating performances, and unforgettable music. You'll be transported to the African savanna where Simba, Nala, and an incredible cast of characters embark on a journey of self-discovery, bravery, and friendship.
The Lion King is renowned for its innovative use of puppetry and masks, which will transform the stage into a vibrant, living landscape teeming with majestic lions, playful meerkats, and powerful elephants. The iconic music by Elton John and Tim Rice, including timeless songs like "Circle of Life," "Hakuna Matata," and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," will have you dancing & singing in the aisles.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of the magic of T.U.P.A.C.’s The Lion King Kids. Secure a spot for your Camper now for an unforgettable fun summer theatrical experience that celebrates the CIRCLE OF LIFE!
Camp Details:
Ages: 6-12
Dates: July 29th - August 24th
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday through Thursday
Lunch: Provided
Tuition Assistance: Available
Get a Sneak Peek: https://youtu.be/qLFj9GWLN2w?feature=shared
253-327-1873
Friday Nights 6:30 - 9:30
A 30 minute dance move tutorial will be held prior to the start of each film.
FREE!!!
7/19: In The Heights
7/26: Kinky Boots
8/2: CHICAGO
8/9: DREAMGIRLS
8/16: West Side Story
8/23: HAMILTON
9/6: Sweet Charity
9/13: RENT
9/20: TBD
August 24th & 25th
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!
Weekly Classes Tuesdays 4pm - 5pm Starting July 2nd, 2024
Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center will offer the first and only children's Flamenco program in South Puget Sound.
Flamenco, a rich blend of Hispanic, Romani, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Afro-Caribbean influences, introduces students to vibrant cultures while developing rhythm, coordination, spatial awareness, and social skills in a fun and engaging way.
Dancer, choreographer and instructor Maristela Calogera will be conducting the classes aimed for children ages 5 to 11 years old. Limited to 10 students.
Join us for Kiki Ballroom Workshops for a fun and expressive experience!
Students can participate in face, performance, and runway categories during the second half of class. Kiki Ballroom is all about self-expression through femininity, focusing on hand performance, floor performance, catwalk, duckwalk, and dips.
This full-body movement class challenges your agility, strength, and floor work. We’ll highlight character, confidence, and storytelling in your movement, all while building your core foundation in Kiki's elements.
These sessions are a part of the Queer Arts Project, a program by Queer Northwest made possible by funding from Tacoma Creates.
Join us at 9 PM on July 25, August 8th/22nd, September 12th/26th, and celebrating with the Out Ball on October 11th. Come unleash your inner diva
Thank you for supporting arts, culture, heritage, and science in Tacoma! A small portion of your Tacoma purchase taxes—1/10 of 1%—helps fund these programs through Tacoma Creates. This initiative supports non-profits that increase cultural access, especially for youth and underserved communities. Last year, $5.6 million funded 1,100+ programs across 65 organizations. Learn more about Tacoma Creates -supported organizations and the events they are producing, at www.tacomacreates.org.
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!
C Davida Ingram's
Seattle Art Fair commission. Dreamscape of dancers outside of the Northwest detention center during the Trump administration's anti-immigrant regime. Featuring Hanna Benn's song "Light Bodies" written by artist C Davida Ingram. Featuring dancers from the Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center
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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