Education at tacaw
EDUCATION
At TACAW, we are committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment where all students can discover and nurture their creativity through engaging arts programs. We believe the arts are for everyone, and we strive to ensure that every child, regardless of background or experience, has the opportunity to participate, express themselves, and grow through the arts. We partner with schools, teaching artists, and local nonprofits to create meaningful learning opportunities that allow students to connect with peers and mentors, explore their creativity, learn from one another, and often teach us in the process.
Our education programs include:
- Field trips and in-school workshops for grades K-12
- Youth Arts Pass: free tickets to 7th through 12th graders
- Arts Influencers: student ambassador positions for high school juniors and seniors
- Art Tank: grants for student-led performance projects
- Bailey Shaw Internship program: for young adults
- Summer camps: ages 6-16
2026 SUMMER PROGRAMMING
Explore creative possibilities at TACAW with summer camps for ages 6–16 in filmmaking, dance, songwriting, and theater, with bilingual instruction offered. Scholarships are available for all youth programs.
Professional summer internship opportunities are available for young adults, ages 16+.
THE YOUTH ARTS PASS
TACAW’s Youth Arts Pass (YAP) provides 7th through 12th graders enrolled in schools in the Roaring Fork Valley access to TACAW’s age-appropriate events.
ARTS INFLUENCER PROGRAM
As a TACAW Arts Influencer, juniors and seniors in the Roaring Fork District have the unique opportunity to shape arts programming that impacts their community, gain behind-the-scenes access to event development, and help create events for their peers. This role offers hands-on experience in event development, community engagement, and content creation, all while giving students a voice in the future of TACAW. Participants are paid a monthly stipend, or, can earn volunteer hours toward community service requirements.
The application opens yearly in August. Students are expected to serve a one year term, August-May.
ART TANK GRANTS
The Art Tank is an innovative, student-run grant that awards up to $5,000 to high school students leading creative, student-run initiatives in theater, music, dance, and other performing arts. Created and judged by a panel of student peers (TACAW’S Arts Influencers), this grant empowers young artists to express their voice and bring bold ideas to life. Successful proposals demonstrate a clear plan for using funds, meet a meaningful need for young creatives, and reflect strong motivation. The grant supports original work that enriches and energizes the youth performing arts community.
Grant award decisions will be reviewed and distributed on a rolling basis, with a final application deadline of May 8, 2026.
This program is generously supported by Bighorn Toyota.
BAILEY SHAW INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The Bailey Shaw Internship Program honors the life and legacy of Bailey Shaw, a beloved TACAW team member and a talented emerging artist. As a TACAW intern and then employee, Bailey contributed to the production of many successful shows and performances, bringing her passion and positivity to our team. She continues to inspire future interns and all TACAW team members.
Internship positions are designed for teens and young adults passionate about the arts. Interns gain hands-on experience, meet industry professionals, develop valuable life skills, and become part of a supportive arts community. This is a paid internship opportunity for young adults 16+.
Summer 2026 applications are due April 21, 2026.
FIELD TRIPS AND IN-SCHOOL PROGRAMMING
The stage is a classroom! We partner with local schools and educators to provide high-impact arts programming that enriches core curricula and inspires creativity. From bilingual musical theater and body percussion to performances that build social-emotional skills, these field trips and workshops introduce students to the performing arts in exciting and accessible ways.
From teachers:
“I loved the SEL [social-emotional learning] focus of the show as well. It is also just a wonderful opportunity for my students to experience live theatre – something that many of them have not yet seen!”
“Our students loved this interactive program because the performers were fun, engaging, and knew how to talk to middle school students. Our students interacted the entire time by following directions and moving their bodies!“
To learn more about upcoming workshop or field trip opportunities, reach out to our education team: [email protected]
Summer Camps
TACAW’s summer camp lineup gives Roaring Fork Valley youth meaningful exposure to the performing arts and will foster self-discovery through brain empowerment and intergenerational dialogues. The performing arts and expression are powerful tools for building a resilient and well-rounded community, and TACAW remains committed to the continued development of the next generation of artists and audiences.
Scholarships are available for each of our camps.
“This camp was an amazing bilingual opportunity my child to try out theater while practicing his Spanish. He made new friends, learned about making costumes, rehearsing and performing on stage and in the streets while having fun. It was a great week!” – Parent, Teatro de Calle 2024
Teaching Artist Opportunities
TACAW collaborates with teaching artists and performers from across Colorado to bring engaging, high-quality arts education experiences to students and families in the Roaring Fork Valley. Have an idea for a workshop, performance, or program? We’d love to hear from you!
STAY IN THE LOOP!