Arts Garage raises nearly $15,000 for youth theatre camp

Arts Garage marked its 15th anniversary in Delray Beach by raising nearly $15,000 for PLACES! Summer Theatre Camp, a youth arts program for ages 8-15. The campaign continues through June with a $20,000 goal to expand scholarships and access to arts education.

Why it matters: - The fundraiser directly supports scholarships and program resources for local children ages 8-15. - PLACES! Summer Theatre Camp is designed to build confidence, creativity, collaboration and performance skills. - Arts Garage is trying to widen access to arts education for South Florida youth as it closes out a 15-year milestone.

What happened: - Arts Garage raised nearly $15,000 during its 15th Anniversary Party, 70s Jukebox: A Fundraiser for PLACES! Summer Theatre Camp. - The event took place May 29 in Delray Beach. - The celebration drew supporters, artists, donors, volunteers and community members for live music and an interactive concert. - Attendees voted throughout the evening to help shape the show’s setlist in real time. - Tom Porter’s Great Tribute Bands sponsored the event.

The details: - Proceeds will support scholarships, program resources and expanded access to arts education through PLACES!. - PLACES! is Arts Garage’s immersive summer theatre camp for aspiring performers ages 8-15. - The camp is built around a supportive and inclusive environment. - Arts Garage also hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony as part of its anniversary season. - Palm Beach County Vice Mayor Marci Woodward presented a proclamation recognizing Arts Garage’s 15 years of contributions to arts, culture and community engagement in Delray Beach and Palm Beach County. - The anniversary fundraising campaign continues through June with a goal of raising $20,000. - This summer’s PLACES! program includes four weeklong sessions led by theatre professionals. - Week 1 runs July 6-10 and focuses on Technical Theatre & Playwriting. - Week 2 runs July 13-17 and focuses on Improvisation. - Week 3 runs July 20-24 and focuses on Musical Theatre. - Week 4 runs July 27-31 and focuses on Acting. - Community members can learn more or support the camp through this event page.

Between the lines: - The fundraiser mixed nostalgia, live performance and audience participation to make giving feel like part of the entertainment. - The nearly $15,000 haul puts Arts Garage more than halfway to its $20,000 fundraising goal. - The anniversary recognition underscores Arts Garage’s role as both a performance venue and a youth arts pipeline. - Marjorie Waldo, Arts Garage president and CEO, said the event helps more young people discover their voices and experience the transformative power of the arts.

What’s next: - Arts Garage will keep raising money through June to reach its $20,000 campaign goal. - PLACES! Summer Theatre Camp will begin in July with four consecutive weeklong sessions. - Supporters can continue to contribute or explore upcoming sessions on the Arts Garage PLACES! page.