Lifestyle

Generosity & Community Spirit Take Center Stage at Zach Theater

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Tony Maples Photography

 

While the Texas Hill Country has continued to prosper and grow both in population and average household income, there are still many in our community who struggle to keep up with growing taxes and the cost of living. These challenges inevitably trickle down and impact the children of our community as well. Zach Theater, a non-profit organization located in Austin, serves roughly 55,000 children each year in various ways, not the least of which is through their education and outreach program.

Generosity & Community Spirit Take Center Stage at Zach Theater

Photo: Kirk Tuck

Their promise is that no child who wants to participate will be turned away, and they keep this promise. By actively partnering with the community, fundraising takes place that allows children across Austin, Texas, access to Zach Theater and all it has to offer. On Friday, September 21, Zach Theater Friends of Education hosted “The Tortoise and the Hare” to raise money and benefit these youth programs. Over $18,000 was raised that night alone, exceeding the goal of $10,000!

Guest performers that evening, who allegedly had only one day to practice, were J. Quinton Jackson and Vincent J. Hooper. Both with impressive resumes and ties to Broadway’s “Hamilton,” Jackson and Hooper are both previous students and performers of Zach Theater. Neither hesitated to make the journey from New York to Austin to raise money for the cause, and they promised a special surprise if the donation goal was met, the result of which was a solo of one of the songs from the very popular show “Hamilton.”

Generosity & Community Spirit Take Center Stage at Zach Theater

Photo: Kirk Tuck

Prior to that, the audience was in tears watching the young talent of “The Tortoise and the Hare.” With an entirely young adult cast, audience members were able to peek into the successful outcomes of the Zach Theater educational program.  Better yet, “The Tortoise and the Hare” will run for several months, providing many schools across the city opportunities for field trips. Evening performances will also continue to take place for this family-friendly, sing-along-worthy show. Get your tickets here and don’t forget to check out the Friends of Zach Theater and all of the wonderful classes and camps available!