Help Us Expand Looking Glass Studio — So We Can Keep Inspiring the Next Generation of Performers
Looking Glass Studio of Performing Arts has been a beloved home for creativity, expression, and community since 1974. Founded by Ron Cocking and Gloria McMillan, the studio began in a single dance room offering just Acting and Jazz. As the passion of its students grew, so did the studio—eventually filling four rooms in its original strip mall location.
In 1998, Looking Glass reached a milestone when it moved into a converted racquetball gym. This larger space gave us four beautiful dance rooms, a Black Box theatre, a scene shop, a music room, and even a basketball court. For many of us—including myself—it became a second home. I first stepped into Looking Glass in 1993 as a young student, not knowing that this studio would shape my childhood, my friendships, and my future.
But like many long-standing arts programs, Looking Glass faced challenges. The spacious facility came with a location that caused enrollment to drop. In 2018, the founders’ daughter worked hard to downsize the studio so her parents could continue doing what they loved. When her parents retired, she sought someone who would continue the mission—and that journey eventually led to me.
In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, Looking Glass reached a crossroads: close forever or pass the torch. I stepped in because this studio wasn’t just a building—it was a legacy, a community, and a lifeline for kids and families who needed a place to belong.
Since then, the studio has been steadily rebuilding. I have poured everything into restoring Looking Glass, even balancing a full-time job while working tirelessly to grow the programs, strengthen the community, and honor the vision that meant so much to me as a child.
Now, we’ve reached an incredible milestone: we are thriving again. Our classes are full. Our programs are expanding. Families are returning. New students are finding their passion. And we have finally reached the point where I can dedicate myself to the studio full-time.
But we have also reached another limit—our physical space.
Why We Need Your Help
Our current locations are completely maxed out. While this is a wonderful sign of growth, it also means that:
- We are turning away students because classes are full.
- We can’t add new programs that our community is asking for.
- We are unable to host the performances and workshops that once defined the spirit of Looking Glass.
To continue serving our community—and to honor the mission started over 50 years ago—we need to expand.
Our Goal
We are raising funds to secure and build out a larger, permanent home for Looking Glass Studio. A space that reflects the dynamic, inspiring environment I cherished growing up. A space where dancers, actors, and musicians of all ages can learn, perform, and thrive.
This expansion will allow us to:
- Offer more classes and more styles
- Create dedicated rehearsal and performance spaces
- Provide affordable arts opportunities for local families
- Host community events, workshops, and showcases
- Build a safe, welcoming haven where creativity and confidence can grow
How You Can Make a Difference
Your contribution—no matter the size—directly helps us keep the arts alive and accessible in our community. You are not just donating to a building; you are investing in the dreams of children, the passion of young artists, and the legacy of a studio that has shaped generations.
Looking Glass Studio has weathered challenges, celebrated victories, and touched countless lives. With your help, we can ensure that its story continues—brighter, stronger, and more magical than ever.
Thank you for supporting our mission, our history, and our future.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping us take this next step.
— Looking Glass Studio of Performing Arts
You can read more about our history information on our website as well, Our History
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