Theatre Action Project awarded a grant

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A group that uses creative arts to develop young people is getting a big boost to propel it forward.

Impact Austin awarded the Theatre Action Project $103,400 to fund its project for students between the ages of 14 and 20 who have been released from the juvenile detention system. The project is called New Stages Youth Theatre Ensemble.

Impact Austin is a group of women who donates $1,000 annually to the organization to be able to donate money to nonprofits every June.

The New Stages Youth Ensemble, which starts in September, will create plays about the teens' and young adults' experiences.

"The program will offer critical services to youth who have been released from our residential facility as they develop their skills in self-expression, learn to work as a productive member of an ensemble, and learn to use their experiences and imaginations to positively affect their community,” said Ena Brant, who is a casework manager with the Gardner Betts Juvenile Detention Center.

They will tour their shows and perform for more than 2,000 Austin youths at schools and churches annually. 

A social worker will be a part of the program, and students of the New Stage Youth Ensemble will receive compensation for their creative work.

TAP uses creative arts to show social and and emotional development of young people.

Interactive performances, afterschool residencies and community-based programs inspire youth people to be creative artists, critical thinkers and confident leaders in their community.

A check presentation will take place on Monday at the Theatre Action Project office.