Where Young Performers Rise Into Something Extraordinary
Rise Above Performing Arts exists to give students more than a place to perform. We create a space where young artists are challenged, encouraged, and trusted with work that is bold, meaningful, and unforgettable.
Through full-scale productions, exceptional mentorship, and a culture that believes deeply in what students are capable of, Rise Above is redefining what youth theater can look like in our community.
Why Families Connect With Rise Above
This is more than a theater program. It is a place where students grow in confidence, artistry, discipline, and belonging.
Students are trusted with ambitious work and supported every step of the way.
From mainstage productions to camps and specialty programs, students gain meaningful stage experience.
Rise Above is built on the belief that young performers can do extraordinary things when given the opportunity.
Performers served annually
Productions, camps, and performance programs
Nonprofit arts organization
Advanced opportunities with real artistic support
More Than a Program. A Standard of Excellence.
Rise Above was created to fill a gap: a place where students could do more, grow more, and be part of theatrical experiences that stretch their talent in all the right ways.
Full Productions With Real Artistic Weight
We believe young performers are capable of more than people often expect. Our productions are designed to challenge, inspire, and elevate every student involved.
Training Through Experience
Students do not just rehearse lines and songs. They learn commitment, collaboration, preparation, resilience, and what it means to rise to a professional standard.
Access, Belonging, and Opportunity
Rise Above exists so more students can experience the power of the performing arts in a welcoming environment that values their voice, talent, and potential.
Built From a Dream—And a Need
Rise Above Performing Arts was formed from a dream and from a clear need in this community: more advanced, recurring opportunities for young performers who were ready for more.
After years of working with elementary-age students, our founding leadership recognized that the options available beyond school were limited. Even when opportunities existed, they often did not provide the kind of consistent, high-level production experience young artists needed to keep growing.
So Rise Above was created as a true community theater environment—one that believes students can produce work of remarkable quality when they are given the opportunity, the support, and the standard to rise into it.
Today, Rise Above serves more than 200 performers annually through theatrical productions, camps, and performance programs—creating a rich, engaging experience for students from a wide range of backgrounds.
The Mission Feels Different When You Can See It
The Numbers Behind the Mission
Every season represents more students served, more opportunities created, and more lives shaped by the performing arts.
Students served annually through productions and programs
Productions, camps, and training opportunities for performers
Mission-driven organization focused on impact over profit
Families, artists, and supporters building something bigger together
The Arts Change Lives
Confidence. Discipline. Collaboration. Creativity. Storytelling. Belonging. The work students do here reaches far beyond the stage.
At Rise Above, we have seen students discover gifts they did not know they had, step into leadership, find their people, and grow into artists with remarkable courage and presence.
More Room for Creativity. More Room to Grow.
As Rise Above continues to grow, so does the opportunity ahead. Our vision is to expand what is possible for students, families, and audiences through stronger facilities, more opportunities, and an even greater artistic impact in the community.
More space for rehearsal, performance, and creative development
More opportunities for students to train, perform, and belong
More ways for donors, families, and partners to help shape what comes next
Help Us Keep Raising the Bar for Young Artists
Whether you attend a show, support the mission, audition, sponsor, or simply share what we do, you are helping create extraordinary opportunities for students in our community.
The Team Behind the Magic
Rise Above is led by artists, educators, and leaders who believe young performers are capable of extraordinary work when given the opportunity, support, and standard to rise into it.
Jacob holds a Doctoral degree in Administration and Management and has helped countless aspiring actors pursue their performance dreams. He brings a relentless dedication and virtuoso skill set to every production while continuing to inspire young performers throughout the community.
Emma brings years of classroom and performance experience to Rise Above, with a background in vocal music education and teaching across Sarasota schools. She is passionate about developing young performers through both vocal training and musical storytelling.
With a Master’s from The Boston Conservatory and a career spanning stage performance and vocal training, Krista brings both professional experience and deep technical expertise. Her students have gone on to top musical theater programs and national performance opportunities.
Toni brings over a decade of choreography and performance experience, having led productions and summer programs across New York. Her background in dance and musical theater brings energy, precision, and storytelling to every production.
Olivia blends classical ballet training with musical theater storytelling, creating choreography rooted in both precision and emotion. Her work emphasizes character, narrative, and expressive performance.
Michelle brings a passion for storytelling that connects and inspires. With years of directing experience, she creates bold, engaging productions while fostering a supportive and creative environment for young performers.
Danielle is an educator and choreographer with a strong background in dance and musical theater. She brings both technical training and creative energy to her work, inspiring students through movement and performance.
Krista combines a background in education, marketing, and leadership to support the mission of Rise Above. She excels at connecting people and building support for programs that help students discover their gifts.
Melissa brings a strong performance background and a deep love for theater. She is passionate about supporting Rise Above and sharing her experience to help the organization continue to grow.
Brian brings a strong background in nonprofit leadership and a lifelong passion for theater. He is committed to helping Rise Above grow and create meaningful opportunities for students to discover their talents.
Tony, Grammy, and Olivier Award-winning producer Tyler Mount brings Broadway-level experience and industry insight to Rise Above. His work spans major productions, global campaigns, and influential digital strategy.
Gregg is an entrepreneur and technology leader with experience building and scaling companies. His work with global organizations brings strategic insight and leadership to Rise Above.
Donnie brings a unique perspective shaped by global humanitarian work and creative entrepreneurship. He is passionate about inspiring others to think creatively and pursue opportunities beyond their limitations.