Our Why

Sitting back in a moment of reflection before our next semester begins…

Back To School 2016

Sound & Stage began as an idea between two best friends over coffee, while homeschooling and raising their kids together. They dreamed of a place where kids, teens, and adults could find their “third space”, a safe space where everyone isn’t just welcomed, but truly seen, celebrated, and encouraged to follow their creative passions.

We wanted to create a community where people learn to make space for creativity, sometimes simply for the sake of creating. In a world that often demands productivity and perfection, the arts remind us that joy can be found in the process itself: answering the muse’s call, exploring messiness, and discovering beauty along the way.

For children, that means showing them how to thrive in their creativity and find joy in the

Art in Progress

journey of discovery. For teens, it’s about building a hype team behind them in a stage of life so often filled with self-doubt and anxiety, a space where they can walk through the doors, exhale, and find the courage to be bold. For adults, it’s an invitation to carve out time for themselves, to rediscover old passions, or to take the first scary step into something new. Truly a “third space” for everyone, all ages.

2020

Over the pandemic, the world was reminded that creativity is not a luxury, but a human need. Whether it was strumming a guitar, painting again after years away, or baking endless loaves of sourdough, people felt the innate urge to create. We worked through co-ops and other wonderful places, but there were still obstacles we were desperate to overcome. There was more work that needed to be done.

We wanted to make the arts accessible, to ensure that every performance is affordable for performers, where everyone from the lead actor to the “fabulous tree” is celebrated by their entire extended family in the audience. We wanted to build accessible programs where a student could trial a summer camp, step into a production three weeks before opening, find his passion, and find himself with a lead role at the next casting call! To give new artists a chance and help create advanced programs for the veteran performers ready for more.  At Sound & Stage, these stories are already happening every day.

The Founders Art by Ava K

Four founders believed in this vision and established a nonprofit to help make it possible for anyone, regardless of background or circumstance, to experience the arts. As our doors opened and our mission spread, old friends joined in, dedicated to building a space for creatives in Canyon County. 

Passionate and wildly talented performers and instructors who believed down to their souls in the power of the arts. 

Friends willing to take a wild leap because more than anything they want to help others find that same passion for the arts, and all its healing powers. This is about community, connection, and creating something that can’t be measured in numbers, the wonder, the belonging, the power of creativity itself.

We are honored that they have chosen to join our little team to create opportunities for every voice to be heard, to celebrate creativity, and to carve our own little space in the ever-expanding Treasure Valley. Together, we are committed to making the arts accessible to everyone, and to nurturing a community where creativity flourishes.

We never imagined our mission would grow so quickly, or that we’d be met with such love and support. Today, we are humbled to work alongside our passionate team of performers, educators, and artists whose lives have been shaped by the arts, and who now share that spark with others. Their heart, dedication, and relentless commitment to nurturing every student showcases the very best of what Sound & Stage stands for, and we are grateful for the countless ways they give of themselves to help creativity flourish.

We are also proud to be active participants in the Treasure Valley’s vibrant arts community,

attending shows, concerts, art galleries, and dance recitals, not only as artists ourselves but as fans and advocates of storytelling in all its forms.

We're All In This Together

Over the summer we were joined by an incredible cast of performers to tell a story about being bold enough to choose creativity, to choose your passion, no matter how loudly the world (or Sharpay) is yelling differently. Rehearsals began at 6pm sharp, but our halls were filled with song, laughter, and friendships as early as noon some days. We became that third space, and it was a privilege to witness. 

At Sound & Stage, our mission is simple: to celebrate the performing arts, to create art, to tell stories, and to make sure these opportunities are available to everyone. Because art is for everyone.