The Asante Children’s Theatre of Indianapolis, IN (ACT) is a youth development organization committed to enriching the lives of young people so they become empowered citizens of the world.
For those interested in artistic, personal and professional growth, Asante provides creative arts training, transformative performances, effective leadership development, and inspiring opportunities to unlock your potential and connect with a global community of artists and arts professionals so you can successfully move to the next level of your career.
ACT was created in 1990 with a dual purpose:
1. Respond to the fact that fewer and fewer school-age youth are introduced to and involved in the arts on a regular basis
2. Celebrate the unique traditions of African and African American performing arts.
Instructors and mentors use acting, dancing, singing, and storytelling to develop meaningful life skills helping youth prepare for their role in college, work and society. Our overarching goal is to sponsor a “Culture of Excellence” that encourages our participants to be the best they can be at all times. The achievement of producing accomplished entertainers and quality productions results in empowered youth, well-rounded citizens, enriched family lives, strengthened family bonds and a more vibrant community.
This is the story of ACT
Our Story
The Asante Children’s Theatre (ACT) has created extraordinary theatre experiences that educate, challenge and inspire young artists. In 1990, it was created by Deborah Asante to provide a safe place of self-discovery and empowerment. We celebrate the unique traditions of African and African American performing arts. In 2003, a volunteer Board of Directors was established and a 501(c)3 status was granted.
ACT is now a place where youth and adults work side by side learning and building confidence in acting, singing, dancing, storytelling, writing, teamwork, obedience, respect of authority and how to quickly resolve conflict. Our artists perform at various community events and theatres around the State of Indiana.
We offer 4 programs:
- Prep4Life (ages 6 – 18)
- ACT Academy (ages 12 – 18)
- ACT4Adults (ages 18 and above)
- Intergenerational Kwanzaa Choir
Our Operating Principles
When you are a part of Asante, you are a part of a global family of artists and arts professionals that continually seek to grow and help uncover the best that is already within you. No matter what age, race, or background, we come together through the power of the African and African-American performing arts tradition to tell stories that uplift the human spirit and speak to themes that help us all be better for ourselves, our family, our community, and the world.
- To rescue at-risk youth and provide a safe place for them to develop into productive citizens
- To develop a strong work ethic and sense of self-sufficiency in our youth
- To enlighten, educate and empower youth and families through the provision of accessible and affordable family entertainment
- To preserve the traditions of African and African-American performing arts
- To build leadership and develop a clear understanding of character development both on and off stage
- To encourage thinking, creativity, inquiry and self-confidence
- To improve the communication and life skills of all youth participants
- To encourage goal setting, creative problem solving, task completion and honoring commitments
- To advocate the appreciation of art
- To ensure our youth participants stay in school and graduate on time
- To enlist the humanitarian themes of African traditions and promote self-respect and a sense of responsibility to self, family and community.
- To develop an appreciation of all cultures by inspiring pride in our African heritage
- To provide a safe haven for youth to explore diverse cultural experiences and new ideas
- To expose youth to educational and diverse cultural experiences
- To foster a culture of volunteerism and philanthropy
Administrative Staff
Keesha Dixon
Some of my highlights
My Favorite Production
My Highest Accomplishment
My Role at Asante
Seriously, I plan, direct, and coordinate the day to day operations of the organization with the help of staff. I focus on fund raising, financial management, marketing, human resources, community outreach and board recruitment.
Off Topic Favorite Things to Do
Brandy Tillman
Some of my highlights
Ennis Adams Jr. ^
Some of my highlights
Bobbi Davis
Some of my highlights
Cuong Tran
Some of my highlights
Program Staff
Deborah Asante
Some of my highlights
My Favorite Production
My Highest Accomplishment
My Role at Asante
Off Topic Favorite Things to Do
Kimberly Dickerson
Some of my highlights
Mark Duerson
Some of my highlights
Austin Day^
Some of my highlights
LeToryia Gowdy^
Some of my highlights
My Favorite Production
My Highest Accomplishment
My Role at Asante
Off Topic Favorite Things to Do
Makeda Lands^
Some of my highlights
Joshua Humphrey
Some of my highlights
Joshua Short^
Some of my highlights
Cheryl McNary
Some of my highlights
Felecia Hedrick
Some of my highlights
^ – denotes ACT Alumnus
Here’s The Good Stuff.
Check out a few highlights from previous shows.
Gallery
Gallery
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