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Downstage Arts Empowers Chicago’s Next Generation of Diverse Performing Artists

By Tom Barnas
5/29/2025

In a rapidly changing world, Downstage Arts is a nonprofit organization in Chicago making a powerful difference by providing free, professional-level performing arts training to young people ages 5 to 35. Since launching in January 2020, the program has grown by over 3,900% in student participation, helping to build a more inclusive and diverse future for the arts.

Through vocal training, performance coaching, and teaching artist development, Downstage Arts empowers BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and underrepresented communities with the tools they need to thrive in the performing arts industry. Led by career professionals, all programming is completely tuition-free—training that would otherwise cost over $10,000 per student.

🎓 100% of students in our Teen Cohort Program have been accepted into top college programs across the country!

📍 Based in Chicago

🌟 Focused on equity, empowerment, and access

🎶 Changing lives through the arts

🔗 Learn more or get involved: https://www.downstagearts.org/

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