Why Your Education Contribution Matters
Summer at Rubicon is all about encouraging young talent. For more than 20 years, Rubicon Theatre Company has offered extraordinary training and performance programs for aspiring artists from age 5 to age 25 — programs that we are told have been life-changing for many of those involved.
Past students share with us that through Rubicon’s intensive, hands-on programs, they discovered newfound vocal, physical and emotional skills, learning how to express themselves clearly and with confidence. They discovered how to collaborate as part of a team. They came to understand the value of discipline and focus. In creating a character, they gained empathy for others and insight into other cultures and ideas.
Some of the students who have come through Rubicon’s education programs are now working professionally on Broadway, in National Tours, and in Rubicon mainstage productions. Others have succeeded as bankers, flight instructors, inventors, sales reps, doctors, lawyers, construction workers, educators and writers. Whatever path they choose, students who have participated in Rubicon’s summer programs tell us over and over again that their experiences here changed them and enriched their lives.
L to R: 6-year Rubicon summer tech student JORDAN BROWN in 2007; Jordan pictured this year as a crew member (Advance/Video Swing) on the National Tour of Dear Evan Hansen (pictured with his parents SHELLY AND STEVE BRAUN and brother TROY BRAUN – also a participant of many years in Rubicon’s summer acting programs, now studying pre-med at Pepperdine.)
“The friendships formed during my summers at Rubicon are deeply important to me,” writes one student.
“I learned so many important life lessons! The kids I got to know and the connections that I made will last forever. I don’t know how I would have gotten through college during the pandemic without being able to call on my Rubicon friends for help and advice.”
We are excited to announce that a record number of students have signed up for this summer!
We have just completed auditions for our 2023 summer shows: 101 Dalmatians, Henry V, The Addams Family and Pippin and are excited to announce that all performances will be back home on the Rubicon stage this year. We are also bringing back Kids for Kids in August, a benefit concert produced by the students that will feature the music of Burt Bacharach and include the presentation of our second Rising Star Award to JESSE GRAHAM. (Tickets go on sale to the public June 10 at www.rubicontheatre.org.) The programs will be helmed by new Education Director JOSEPH FUQUA (Yale School of Drama MFA, Founder of Fearless Shakespeare and Rubicon’s first Company Member.). He will be assisted by SERYOZHA LA PORTE, a professional actor who grew up in Rubicon’s youth programs. Other beloved returning instructors include PATTI STRICKLAND, LOUIS LOTORTO, CAROLANNE MARANO, and MIRIAM ARICHEA.
Coming out of the pandemic, young people in our community crave the kind of live interaction that these programs can offer. Traditionally, 60% to 70% of the young people in our programs are on full or partial scholarships. Our goal is to say “yes” to any student who wants to participate, regardless of their ability to pay.
To support a greater number of students, and to manage increased personnel and insurance costs, we need YOUR help. We must raise an additional $48,000 by July 15. We have raised $12,000 so far, with $36,000 to go! Please give generously.
L to R: ANNA DEMARIA as Claire de Loone in the 2017 Rubicon summer youth production of On the Town (pictured with GABRIEL LEMUS, a theatre major at OCU); Anna in her professional debut as Ella with fellow cast members in the World Premiere of Dark of the Moon at Rubicon.
Please give generously and help make memorable, life-changing experiences for young people in our region.
To contribute, call (805) 667-2912, ext. 246 to charge by phone.
You may also make a secure gift online:
Thank you for your consideration!
Rubicon Students Then and Now
We are so proud of the remarkable young people who grew up in our education programs. See what these amazing adults are doing now!