Theatre 202

Not all DC youth are in the streets causing trouble.

These young people are in the streets singing, dancing, and spreading joy—and raising money to see Hamilton on Broadway.

This summer, 56 students from Arts Haven & Theatre 202 are dedicating their days to world-class training in musical theatre. They’re performing across the city, learning from professional artists, and becoming a shining example of what young people can do when they’re given the opportunity to thrive.

They are the best of our city—and they’re giving DC youth a good name again.

Now, they have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to:

✨ See Hamilton on Broadway

✨ Perform in New York City

✨ Take a master class with a Hamilton cast member

️✨ Celebrate with dinner in Times Square

For many, this will be their first time seeing a Broadway show—and seeing people who look like them take center stage. Hamilton has shown us what’s possible when people of color are the storytellers, the leaders, and the heroes.

The estimated cost is $300 per student, and we’re fundraising to bring that cost down for everyone.

All donations must be received by July 11 to finalize reservations and determine the final cost per participant.

We’re especially asking local businesses—especially those who have profited from gentrifying our neighborhoods—to reinvest in the youth who still live, grow, and create here.

How to help:

✅ Donate any amount—every dollar brings them closer

✅ Share this campaign with your community

✅ Show DC youth that their light deserves to shine

All donations are tax-deductible and receipts are available upon request.

✨ Thank you for believing in our youth.

Thank you for helping us send them to Broadway. ✨

“There’s a million things [we] haven’t done—but just you wait.”

–Hamilton

#DCYouthRise #HamiltonOnBroadway #NotThrowinAwayMyShot #MusicalTheatreMatters #Theatre202 #ArtsHaven #RepresentationMatters #GoFundMeForGood

About Theatre 202:

Theatre 202 co-creates community theatre productions with the brilliant, underserved, and underestimated youth in Washington, D.C. This company was founded to support our youth in telling their stories, empowering others to do the same, and changing the narrative for the future leaders of Washington, D.C. We believe that all youth have extraordinary value and deserve to be meaningful contributors to society.

Our Mission:

This summer, we are launching our inaugural youth employment program, aimed at working with underserved teenagers and young adults in D.C. Our goal is to create an original production, "Imagining Justice," which will provide a platform for young people to express their thoughts, hopes, and dreams for a just society. The performance will include original choreography, music, and spoken word, showcasing the diverse talents and perspectives of our participants.

How Your Support Will Help:

Total Needed: $20,000

$10,000 - Staff Stipends:

These funds will ensure that our dedicated staff, including director, choreographer, and mentors, are fairly compensated for their work and can fully dedicate themselves to guiding and inspiring our youth participants.

$5,000 - Space Rental:

These funds will offset rental expenses for our performance venue and rehearsal rooms.

$2,000 - Show Production:

This will cover the costs of costumes, set design, props, and technical support necessary to bring "Imagining Justice" to life.

$3,000 - Broadway Dreams Weeklong Intensive:

We have an incredible opportunity to send some of our youth participants to a weeklong intensive in New York City with Broadway Dreams. This experience will provide them with professional training and exposure to the highest levels of musical theatre! They have already received tuition scholarships but we are tasked with raising the money to cover hotel and food expenses.

Why We Need Your Help:

We recently concluded a citywide tour of our acclaimed production "Beautiful Hair," sponsored by the DC Office of Gun Violence Prevention. This project was a tremendous success, but we have exhausted our funds.

Our youth are eager and excited about the possibilities ahead with "Imagining Justice," especially as they don't have other safe, affordable ways of occupying themselves over the summertime.

Gun violence is the leading cause of death among young people in our country and is especially prevalent in D.C. during the summer months. By providing a constructive and creative outlet, we aim to keep our young people safe, engaged, and inspired.

Impact of Your Donation:

Your contribution will directly support our mission to create a safe, productive, and creative space for young people during the critical summer months. The "Imagining Justice" project is more than just a production; it is an opportunity for youth to develop essential life skills, build self-confidence, and envision a better future for themselves and their community.

Join Us in Making a Difference:

Every donation, big or small, will make a significant impact on the lives of the young people we serve. Together, we can help them imagine and work towards a more just and equitable world.

Thank you for your support!

Theatre 202

Social justice theatre with, by, and for young changemakers in our nation's capital

SUPPORT OUR CURRENT PRODUCTION AND SUPPORT OUR DREAMS: "ONCE UPON A RHYME"

Dear Friends, Supporters, and Advocates of the Arts,

We stand at an exciting crossroads as we prepare to share our inaugural Theatre 202 youth community theatre production, Once Upon a Rhyme. This production is a labor of love, a cultural celebration, and a tribute to the power of the arts. Yet, to make this musical journey a reality and to continue empowering the youth of Washington, D.C., we are in desperate need of your financial support.

Our Funding Needs:

As we aim to create a magical and memorable experience, we face significant financial barriers. Your donations will be instrumental in:

1. Supporting Our Exceptional Cast and Crew: We are committed to compensating our talented actors and production team fairly for their dedication and hard work, offering a beacon of hope and opportunity to those who need and deserve it most.

2. Renting Lights and Sound Equipment: To bring Once Upon a Rhyme to life, we need to rent state-of-the-art lights and sound equipment. These essential elements are critical to the success of our production and the overall impact of our work.

3. Creating a Set Worthy of Our Historic Auditorium: Our 110-year-old Cardozo High School Auditorium is not only a cultural treasure but also a symbol of Black history and excellence in Washington, D.C. We aim to build a set that honors this legacy and inspires positive change.

The Broader Impact:

In addition to our artistic pursuits, we are committed to making a difference in our community:

1. Gun Violence Prevention: We understand the urgency of addressing the issue of gun violence in our community. By supporting our production, you are contributing to efforts to engage our youth in positive activities that steer them away from violence and provide them with a sense of belonging and purpose.

2. Revitalizing the Arts: The COVID-19 pandemic has left many feeling isolated and disconnected. We believe that the arts can be a powerful tool for healing and reintegration into our community. Your support helps us bring the arts back to life and provides a lifeline for young people who have faced isolation during these challenging times.

About Once Upon a Rhyme:

Once Upon a Rhyme, created by Ronve’ O’Daniel, Jevares Myrick, and J Kyle Manzay and licensed through Uproar Theatrics, is a hip-hop coming-of-age musical. Featuring jaw-dropping dance breaks and an infectious score that seamlessly fuses hip-hop, soul, R&B, gospel, and classic Broadway, this production is not just a performance; it's a tribute to the cultural force that is hip-hop and a celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary!

The Plot:

Prince Harper is at the center of this captivating story. He's a nerdy, charming, and exceptionally talented ballet dancer with the potential to become the next hip-hop icon. However, in pursuit of a coveted record deal, Prince creates a gangster rapper alter-ego, losing himself in the process and spiraling out of control. The central question looms: Will his new persona lead to his downfall, or will Prince discover that his authentic self is more than enough?

A Production Like No Other:

Once Upon a Rhyme stands as a unique production, breaking barriers in the world of theatre. About half of our cast members are currently still in high school, while the other half consists of out-of-school youth who are underemployed and not in school or training. This extraordinary mix of talent and backgrounds makes our production a true reflection of the diversity and potential of our community.

How You Can Support:

1. Make a Donation: Every dollar counts! Your financial support, no matter the amount, directly contributes to the success of our production and our broader community initiatives. Secure, tax-deductible donations are accepted here on GoFundMe or through our website at www.theatre202.org.

2. Spread the Word: Help us amplify our message by sharing our fundraising campaign with your friends, family, and colleagues. Encourage them to join us in supporting the arts, youth empowerment, and community revitalization.

3. Attend the Show: Purchase tickets and attend our performances from November 16 to 18, 2023, at 7:00 pm. Your presence in the audience not only supports us financially but also provides inspiration to our talented cast and crew and strengthens our community bonds. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.our.show/theatre202!

4. Volunteer: Consider lending your time and expertise to help with behind-the-scenes magic, from set design to ushering. Your skills are invaluable in bringing our production and community efforts to life.

Together, We Can Make a Change:

Once Upon a Rhyme is not just a musical; it's a beacon of hope, an artistic celebration, and a symbol of Black excellence and history. Your support can make the difference between despair and hope, isolation and connection, and gun violence and community unity.

Visit our website: https://www.theatre202.org to make a contribution or learn more about how you can help fund our dreams and contribute to our broader community initiatives. Thank you for believing in us, our mission, and the power of the arts to honor Black excellence, heal, inspire, and change lives!

#OnceUponARhyme #SupportCommunity #ArtistsForChange #BlackExcellence #CardozoHistory #DCTheatre