Angola Performing Arts Academy

- 45 S Public Square, Angola, IN 46703

The Angola Performing Arts Academy (APAA) is a vital non-profit organization committed to fostering the creative talents of young people throughout Angola, Steuben County, and the surrounding communities of Northeast Indiana. Recognizing the profound impact of the arts on personal development, APAA is driven by a mission to provide diverse, high-quality arts programming to youth, specifically striving to overcome socio-economic limitations that might prevent participation.

Founded on the principle of fun, hands-on, and creative learning, APAA aims to help children and young adults expand their minds, cultivate a lifelong love for the arts, and develop essential life skills such as leadership, confidence, and community belonging. The Academy focuses on providing both intensive training and engaging performance experiences. Through its programming, the APAA is actively working to foster leadership, creativity, and economic development in the area, creating a lasting legacy for the future of arts in Steuben County, Indiana.

The organization is governed by a 100% volunteer board and has successfully engaged a significant number of students in its classes, lessons, and theatre productions. As a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit, the Angola Performing Arts Academy operates with a balanced budget supported by donors, grants—including from the Indiana Arts Commission and the Steuben County Community Foundation—and income from its programs. This model ensures the sustainability and accessibility of arts education for local Indiana youth.

The Angola Performing Arts Academy maintains a visible and easily accessible presence in the heart of Angola, Indiana, serving as a landmark for local arts engagement.

The main office and one-on-one lesson facilities are located at:

45 S Public Square, Angola, IN 46703, USA

This central location on the Public Square makes the Academy a convenient destination for families living in or traveling to the Steuben County seat. For those driving, the location’s accessibility is prioritized:

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: The facility includes a wheelchair accessible entrance to ensure ease of access for all students, families, and visitors.
• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: Dedicated parking that is wheelchair accessible is available, providing convenience for individuals with mobility needs.

Furthermore, by partnering with other local institutions like Trine University and the Angola Parks and Recreation Department, the APAA is able to extend its geographical reach and utilize high-quality facilities across the community for larger-scale programs like its summer camps and public performances.

The Angola Performing Arts Academy offers a focused yet diverse set of programs aimed primarily at the youth demographic, though supporting opportunities for adults are also being developed.

Core services and programs typically include:

• Youth Theater Arts Camp: An immersive, multi-week summer experience typically held on the Trine University Campus, designed for children aged 10-15. This comprehensive camp explores acting, singing, dancing, stage production, and visual arts, culminating in a live performance at the T. Furth Center.
• Private Music Lessons: One-on-one sessions offering personalized instruction in a variety of instruments at the main Public Square office, including guitar, ukulele, bass, and piano.
• Group Music Programs: Efforts are underway or have been previously offered to include group-based instruction such as rock band programs and a youth choir.
• Visual Arts Integration: The Youth Theater Camp incorporates hands-on learning in visual arts like textiles, stamp-making, mask-making, pottery, and painting, providing a holistic arts experience.
• Community Partnerships: Collaborative initiatives such as the "Arts in the Parks" program, in partnership with Angola Parks and Recreation, which brings various arts-focused workshops and performances to community spaces.
• Workshops: Specialized workshops in areas like stage makeup, theatre, choral music, and poetry, often featuring contracted arts professionals and guest artists.

The Angola Performing Arts Academy distinguishes itself through several unique features that benefit its participants and the broader community in Northeast Indiana:

• Non-Profit Mission: The core focus is on enriching youth through the arts, rather than profit, ensuring programs remain community-focused and as accessible as possible.
• Strategic Partnerships: Strong working relationships with Trine University and the City of Angola Parks Department allow for the use of high-caliber facilities like the T. Furth Center for performance and broader community engagement.
• High-Quality Instruction: Programs are led by contracted arts professionals, including experienced instructors and guest Broadway actors, guaranteeing a high standard of arts education.
• Holistic Development: The curriculum is designed to do more than just teach performance skills; it actively fosters creativity, confidence, teamwork, and independence, benefiting students in all areas of life.
• Focus on Local Economy and Development: APAA's mission explicitly links its arts programming to fostering community, youth, and economic development in Steuben County.
• Proven Community Engagement: The organization reports successful engagement with students across multiple Indiana counties and attracts hundreds of audience members annually to its performances.
• Transparency and Reputation: The Academy maintains a physical location for rehearsal and lessons, operates with a volunteer board, and has achieved a Candid Platinum Rating, demonstrating commitment and transparency.

For parents, students, volunteers, and donors in Indiana who wish to connect with the Angola Performing Arts Academy, please use the following contact details:

Address: 45 S Public Square, Angola, IN 46703, USA

Phone: (260) 668-9453

For families in Angola and the wider Steuben County region of Indiana, the Angola Performing Arts Academy is an exceptional choice for youth arts education. What makes it stand out is its non-profit dedication to removing barriers to high-quality arts access. By operating with a dual focus on artistic rigor and community inclusion, the APAA provides an opportunity for local youth to receive training from accomplished professionals and even perform in top-tier venues like the T. Furth Center for the Arts at Trine University.

Choosing APAA means investing in a program that views arts education as a fundamental catalyst for success. The hands-on, multi-disciplinary approach—combining performance with visual arts—ensures students receive a well-rounded creative experience. Furthermore, supporting the APAA contributes directly to the cultural vitality and youth development goals of Northeast Indiana, making it a choice that benefits the individual student and the community as a whole.

Angola Performing Arts Academy

45 S Public Square, Angola, IN 46703, USA