ZACH to School

If you're ready to fall even more in love with theatre...

sharpen your pencils and get ready to head “back to school” with ZACH! Theatre fans of all ages are guaranteed to learn something new. While you’ll get to see a special peek of what goes on behind the curtains at ZACH, you’ll also begin to understand the larger impact of the arts on our communities and how to contribute to an arts rich culture here in Austin!

Join us this August and September for a FREE series of virtual Theatre 101 classes.

And, in honor of going ZACH to School, when you support ZACH with a one-time gift of $50 or more between now and August 31st,  you’ll also gain access to a special behind-the-scenes event, featuring: 

  • A guided walkthrough of ZACH’s backstage areas 
  • Family-friendly presentations and Q&A’s with ZACH creative staff
  • Peeks into never-before-seen details of upcoming productions 
  • Special photo opportunities
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Theatre 101

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to get your favorite ZACH productions from script to stage? Join us now through September as we head ZACH to School.

What on earth is a “theatre morning”? Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley answers 20 questions during load-in for Beautiful.  
How many lights are involved in an average ZACH production? Lighting Supervisor Reid Tennis talks about common misconceptions people have about lighting design and more.
 
This week, we’re chatting with Assistant Production Manager Devon Muko about what it’s like to keep everything on track during live performances, including how she handles unexpected issues onstage.

What’s it like to maintain wig and wardrobe for a show? And what exactly is a quick change? Wig and Wardrobe Supervisor, Desiree Townes gives us the full scoop. 

ZACH to School...

is about more than just being behind-the-scenes. ZACH to School is also about understanding how theatre shapes our community and its members far beyond the stage and how, as supporters of the arts, people like you make this long-term, positive impact possible. 

Why should you support ZACH?

True or False: ZACH is a nonprofit theatre.
  • True. Ticket sales cover just 47% of ZACH’s operating budget. The generous support of community members is critical to our success! 
True or False: Students who participate in the arts score higher on their SATs.
  • True. Students who took four years of arts classes in high school scored an average of 92 points higher on their SATs than students who took only one-half year or less (The College Board, 2016).
True or False: The majority of business executives participated in the arts in high school.
  • True. There is a strong correlation between high school arts experiences and long-term career success. 89% of surveyed business executives participated in the arts during their school careers (Unmasking Business Success, 2015).
True or False: ZACH makes free and reduced tickets available to our community to ensure more equitable access to theatre for all.
  • True. ZACH provides over 15,000 free and reduced tickets per year. 
True or False: ZACH provides financial aid for youth to attend camps and classes.
  • True. This year, ZACH will provide over $85,000 in financial aid to support equitable access to arts education. 
True or False: ZACH offers special accessible performances of all Mainstage and Theatre for Families shows.
  • True. In addition to basic ADA compliance for all shows, ZACH offers special performances with American Sign Language interpretation and Sensory Friendly performances with adjustments to lights, sounds, and more. 
True or False: Access to the arts has an overall positive benefit on our community.
  • True. 86% of Americans agree that arts and culture are important to their community’s quality of life and livability, and 79% of the American public believe that the arts are important to their community’s businesses, economy, and local jobs (AEP6, Americans for the Arts, 2024). 
True or False: Watching live theatre increases audience members’ empathy and pro-social behaviors.
  • True (Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, Volume 95, July 2021). 

When you support ZACH, you’re showing your commitment to an accessible, arts-rich community here in Austin for years to come. 

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What does theatre look like to you?

Now’s your time to share your vision with the world! Creative theatre fans of all ages are welcome to join our ZACH to School coloring competition! Download the PDF coloring page, decorate to your heart’s content, and submit to ZACH for a chance at winning a special ZACH to School prize. 

Please, keep that valuable signed original for your scrapbook! Find some good lighting and take a scan or snapshot of your masterpiece and email it to development@zachtheatre.org with the subject line “ZACH to School coloring competition.” Please include the artist’s name and age (if under 18). All submissions are due by August 31st at midnight. 

Download Coloring Page

Fall classes now on sale!

Unlock your child’s potential through the magic of theatre! Our Fall Classes at ZACH are now open for enrollment and begin on September 9. Designed for ages 3.5 and up, our programs are crafted to inspire creativity, boost confidence, and develop life skills through theatre skills.

Join us this fall and let your child explore the world of acting, singing, and dancing while making new friends and creating unforgettable memoreis. Secure your spot today and watch your child shine on stage and beyond!

Enroll now and ignite a lifelong passion for the arts!

Camps and Classes