YOUTH PROGRAMMING

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.

SCHOOL – BASED PROGRAMS

TACAW’S school-based programs include field trips and small-group workshops at TACAW, as well as, in-school workshops and performances. 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. Recent programming has included a bilingual music performance by GRAMMY-winning duo 123 Andrés, step dance and body percussion assembly by Molodi, and a local history theater workshop in partnership with Aspen Historical Society. We’re proud to partner with local nonprofits to bring enriching arts education experiences to students. 

“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: education@tacaw.org.

OUT – OF – SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Youth participating in arts and enrichment programs build protective factors including self-regulation, peer belonging, and reduced risk behaviors. TACAW’s out-of-school programs include afterschool classes, summer camps, and youth-led programming: Teen Nights, Arts Influencer program, Art Tank, and the Bailey Shaw Internship Program. These programs provide opportunities for young people to have smaller group learning experiences in the performing arts. Youth-led programs put teens in charge building real event-planning, budgeting, and leadership experience while creating spaces and events their peers are excited to attend. TACAW partners with numerous local nonprofits to bring even more community-led programming to life.

ARTS INFLUENCERS

Arts Influencers are paid high school students who help plan and run youth programming at TACAW’s new YES (Youth Empowerment Space). Arts Influencers help design and coordinate programs, events, workshops, or camps based on peer input. They also oversee TACAW’s student-grant program, the Art Tank, as well as student-ticket program, Youth Arts Pass. It’s a paid, year-long position ($18/hour, 1–5 hours/week) with real experience in event planning, budgeting, marketing, and community leadership.

ART TANK

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.

Applications for the 2026-2027 school year will open October 12, 2026. Check back soon for more information!

This program is generously supported by Bighorn Toyota.

TEEN NIGHTS

Teen Night is a series of free arts and culture events exclusively for ages 13–18. Local teens take over TACAW, on stage and in the audience, for a night all their own. These free events bring together teens from the Roaring Fork Valley for live performances by their peers. Check our calendar for the next Teen Night.

YOUTH ARTS PASS

TACAW’s Youth Arts Pass (YAP) gives 7th-12th graders enrolled in Roaring Fork Valley schools two free tickets to age-appropriate TACAW events from theatrical productions and adventure films to top-touring musical acts. Signing up for TACAW’s Youth Arts Pass is easy and gives students access to amazing arts experiences for free.

Thanks to PNC’S support for making this possible. 

AFTERSCHOOL CLASSES

Afterschool classes offer local youth the opportunity to dive deeper into their artistic interests through small group classes in dance, comedy, theater, and more. Scholarships are available for all classes. New opportunities are added regularly to our calendar.

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+.

Applications open spring of each year.

SUMMER CAMPS

TACAW’s summer camps let Roaring Fork Valley kids explore the performing arts in fun, one-week sessions in acting, filmmaking, songwriting, and movement. Scholarships are available for all camps.