Send John John to NTI: Theatre Makers Summer Program 2025

"History has its eyes on me'

Hello, my name is John Luis Soto Jr., but you can call me John John Soto. I have created this GoFundMe to seek help with raising funds to finance the next stop on my theatre education with the National Theatre Institute’s Theatre Maker's Summer program. I am honored to have been selected for their acting circuit and I'm excited to deepen my theatre knowledge from such accomplished mentors at the prestigious Eugene O’Neill Center in Waterford, CT. I was originally accepted in 2023 but sadly because of time, my own anxieties and with no financial means; my adventure with NTI had to be delayed. I am incredibly grateful for the understanding of the administration at NTI for allowing me to defer to the summer of 2025! I didn’t wanna throw away my shot.

(Second Moon Of Phobos. Kawalski. West Valley College)

At the National Theatre Institute Theatre Makers summer program, I have been accepted for their acting circuit. My days will be split between acting lessons during the day and rehearsals at night. As a grad student from UCSD named Ludmila said it’s theatre non-stop every day during this program.

(Firt Devised piece, Almost there Nearly. The Forester. West Valley)

NTI (National Theatre Institute) has kindly donated $5,000 in scholarships - many, many thanks to the Miranda Family Fellowship for their generous contribution towards these scholarships.

I am now tasked to raise $6,900 towards the program and an additional $600 to pay for flights and travel. Thus, in total, I am asking for $7,500.

It's not lost on me that this is a big ask - any contributed amount or any publicity that might help raise awareness is appreciated.

(Best Years. Jesse. UCSD)

A little about my theatre journey - I’ve been doing theatre since high school and have dedicated myself to the craft of learning to be a better actor, writer, and theatremaker. I’ve performed in 49 productions from the high school, community theater, community college, and university levels.

(First Show. Guys and Dolls. Society Max. Ann Sobrato High School)

My journey thus far has led me to NTI. Only with your help can I make this next part of my theatre journey come true. These opportunities don’t come around often and, like Alexander Hamilton once said in Hamilton “I am not throwing away my shot”. With your help, I can see what I’m made of.

(Another College Musical, Kevin Webber. UCSD)

Thank you to everyone who has believed in me! Thank you to those who are taking the time to read this. For everyone who donates, who shares, and who even just looks at my GoFundMe for five seconds, just know I promise that I will make you all proud! I promise to not only take all of this seriously but to live my time at NTI to the fullest. My journey has led me to NTI and it's only just the beginning of the rest of my life with Theatre.

(My short film :) For What it's Worth. Ryan. UCSD)