
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
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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 – 14)
- ACT Academy (ages 12 – 18)
- ACT4Adults (ages 18 and above)
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
Amber Daniel^
Admin. Assistant to the Executive DirectorSome of my highlights
Ennis Adams Jr. ^
Media and Communications Specialist
Some of my highlights
Camike Jones
Sankofa Paradigm Program Coordinator
Some of my highlights
Program Staff
Deborah Asante
Actress, Writer, Director and award-winning Storyteller. Deborah has dedicated her life to teaching and sharing the value of culture and heritage through the performing arts.Some of my highlights
My Favorite Production
Star Midnight has been in my heart for years to write and produce. I’ll never forget when I heard someone in the audience commented negatively about one of our performers skin color. They didn’t see the beauty I saw in being black. Star Midnight breaks down barriers that have plagued our community and culture for centuries. I am grateful that we were able to accomplish such an important issue for other young people to see and know it’s alright to be different.
My Highest Accomplishment
When I became a mother to Terrance Asante-Doyle I knew that was my highest accomplishment. I am so proud of the man my son has grown into and his two beautiful daughters. Family is very important and if it were not for the support of my family, ACT would not have been possible. I am proud to keep the quality of ACT’s projects at a high standard and producing Star Midnight.My Role at Asante
I am challenged everyday to pour excellence into our youth. It is my job to find creative ways to excite, empower, grow and cultivate world class artists.Off Topic Favorite Things to Do
Trains and traveling. I love to get on a train and travel across the country, exploring new site and gaining new experiences. It’s important for artists to step away and get refreshed to create. In my pass time I like to see the world.Terrance Asante-Doyle^
Assistant to the Artistic Director
Some of my highlights
Mark Duerson
Music Director
Some of my highlights
Makeda Lands^
Prep4Life Teaching Artist Admin Lead
Some of my highlights
AshLee Baskin^
Prep4Life Teaching Artist Artistic Lead
Some of my highlights
Felecia Hedrick
Academy Costumer
Some of my highlights
^ – denotes ACT Alumnus
Here’s The Good Stuff.
Check out a few highlights from previous shows.
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Stay in touch for more information on tickets, auditions, programs, support and job opportunities.
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