Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: The Ensemble Theatre
Legal Name (if Different): The Ensemble Theatre
Also Known As: The Ensemble Theatre
Mailing Address: 3535 Main St.
City: Houston
State: TX
Postal Code: 77002
Main Phone: 7138074317
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://ensemblehouston.com/education/young-performers
Employer ID Number: 74-1941943
Organization Tax Status: 501C3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 2/24/2026
Requested Amount: 8,900

Project Title: THE ENSEMBLE THEATRE’S YOUNG PERFORMERS PROGRAM
Project Description:

Founded in 1976, The Ensemble Theatre was built on a simple belief: stories matter, and communities deserve to see themselves reflected on stage. For nearly fifty years, we have produced professional theatre that centers excellence, access, and cultural truth. The Young Performers Program (YPP), established in 1985, carries that mission forward through the next generation.

YPP serves youth ages 6–17 through structured training in acting, voice, movement, and technical theatre. Each seasonal session—Spring Break, two Summer sessions, and Winter Break—culminates in a fully staged production inside our professional theatre. Students rehearse with rigor, work alongside experienced teaching artists, and perform for public audiences.

While The Ensemble Theatre has historic roots in amplifying African American voices, YPP welcomes and serves young people from across Houston’s diverse communities. There is no audition barrier. What we provide instead is expectation, discipline, mentorship, and a safe space to grow.

Many families come to us because arts education has disappeared from their child’s school or because private instruction is financially out of reach. Demand for tuition assistance continues to rise. No young person should be excluded from creative opportunity because of cost.

In 2027, we anticipate serving approximately 300 youth in our YPP program and expanding scholarship access to ensure participation reflects Houston’s communities.

Support from the Hermanowski Family Foundation will directly fund teaching artist compensation, production materials, and need-based tuition assistance.

When a young person stands on our stage, they are not simply performing. They are discovering confidence, collaboration, and the power of their own voice. That is the lasting impact of the Young Performers Program.

Total Project Budget: 92,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Texas Commission on the Arts ($10,000 pending), Houston Arts Alliance ($10,000 pending), Powell Family Foundation ($50,000 committed)

Project Duration: March 2027, Summer 2027, December 2027 (10 weeks total)
Geographical Area Served: Harris County TX (Houston)
Age Group To Be Served: 6-17

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Steven
Contact Last Name: Scott
Contact Title: Director, Youth, Education & Outreach
Contact Phone: 7138074317
Contact Email: sscott@ensemblehouston.com