DREAM EQUITY

History of The Audacity Performing Arts Project 

Founded in 2012, The Audacity Performing Arts Project began with a focused mission to bring after school theater to Title 1 schools in Silicon Valley. Under the leadership of founder Louis Stone-Collonge, the organization grew steadily, and by 2019 was producing 21 after-school musicals annually, reaching over 600 students and drawing audiences of 4,000+ community members.

The COVID-19 pandemic marked a pivotal moment for Audacity. Rather than scaling back, the organization used this period to strategically reimagine its future. In 2021, Stone-Collonge transitioned to Development Director (and later Artistic Director for Theatrical Productions) as Rosalinda Sanchez, who brought extensive experience from the School of Art and Culture at Mexican Heritage Plaza, was elevated to Audacity’s Executive Director.

Under Rosalinda's leadership, Audacity expanded beyond theater to offer a diverse range of programs at the intersection of arts and technology. New offerings included documentary filmmaking, podcasting, dance (including hip-hop, Folklórico, and ballet), music instruction, and visual arts. This expansion led to remarkable growth, with student participation increasing 700% to serve over 4,000 students annually.

Today, Audacity operates across multiple communities from Silicon Valley to Hollister, partnering with 13+ schools across five districts. The organization maintains a strong commitment to cultural relevance, with 90% of its teaching artists identifying as people of color. 

Through its going and innovative programs, Audacity continues its mission of promoting "Dream Equity" - empowering young people to reclaim their personal narratives through artistic expression while building pathways to higher education.