Why TGI needs your support
DonateThe stated goal of Theatre Gap Initiative is to provide rigorous training and guidance for students of color seeking admission into respected bachelor of fine arts programs. Tuition for the program equates to approximately one third of the total operating budget. Full tuition would essentially exclude the very students we seek to service. As we continuously pursue corporate gifts and grant money, it is imperative that we also have support from the public.
Your investment in this mission is vital to their success. Access to a quality arts education should be a standard that we all aspire towards. Whatever creed, color, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identification, or socioeconomic background a student comes from, following their artistic dreams should be encouraged. Supporting Theatre Gap Initiative will help to fill that gap of accessibility for tremendously talented and ambitious young artists.
TGI Student Stories
The Theatre Gap Initiative (TGI) transforms the lives of aspiring BIPOC art students by enabling them to overcome barriers and achieve their dreams. Explore our TGI student stories to discover the first-hand experiences of individuals our nonprofit college prep program has empowered.
Jadon
Learn more about his story
Jadon Rhyne graduated from Lincolnton High School in Lincolnton, NC, with the dream of pursuing a BFA in musical theatre. Without resources to assist him with auditions, his options were limited to the one program he was accepted to. Joining TGI changed his life and dreams. Through TGI’s support and his own hard work, Jadon’s opportunities skyrocketed to 32 program offers and nearly $2.5 million in scholarships.
Question: How has TGI changed you as a person and an artist?
Jadon: TGI is a program of self discovery where you are trained not just to be a performer, but an actor of truth. Where you learn to “just be” on stage, communicating your passions, struggles, and hope to your audience. I did not know how to do this until the instructors of TGI taught me, and I thank them for that.
Question: What was auditioning like before TGI?
Jadon: Senior year of high school, I remember I only was able to complete one audition fully the entire school year, a school in South Carolina. I did not have the access to submit more audition videos, also known as pre-screens, due to the astronomical costs. Submitting pre-screens for 10 colleges could easily add up to 500 dollars, maybe even more. I just didn’t have the money to afford that. In addition to preparing me for auditions, TGI knocked that stress off of me. Being a non-profit, they receive waivers for these prescreens, allowing me to be able to audition for as many as I could.
Question: How did it feel when program acceptances and scholarships started flooding your inbox?
Jadon: It felt unreal. I was only accepted into one program my senior year, and to have the gift of being able to choose from many is one I am entirely grateful for.
Question: How did you sort through the many offers you received?
Jadon: It definitely was not an easy decision. I had 32 offers, but I was able to cut them down and decide where I would best fit with these factors: dance, cost, location, and vibe of the school. My final selections were Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, Point Park Conservatory of Performing Arts, the Hartt School of Music at Hartford University, Wright State University, and Florida State University.
Question: Where did you decide to attend school in the fall of 2023?
Jadon: I will be attending Florida State University! Go ‘Noles! I wanted to dance every day and have access to nice facilities. In the end, Florida State could provide the most opportunities in a BFA program. And I have never felt more love coming from a program, and I cannot wait to go there!
Question: What is your dream role?
Jadon: My dream role would have to be playing Jerry/Daphne in “Some Like It Hot,” as it is a role of transformation and discovery through journey.
Question: What will your bio in the playbill say ten years from now?
Jadon: My bio would thank those who helped pave the way for me, the staff of TGI, my high school drama and choir director, Mr. Stephens, and of course, my family.
Jayden
Learn more about his story
TGI taught me so much, not just about acting for the camera, but for the stage too. They didn’t just teach technique and business skills; they created a family. It always felt like everyone truly wanted to see me grow and become better. Before TGI, I honestly didn’t want to go to college and it took some convincing. But now, attending the New York Film Academy has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’m having a blast and feel so grateful for the opportunities TGI gave me. They take you to audition in places like New York and St. Louis, where you can be seen by dozens of college programs. I had around 20 callbacks and ultimately got to choose the school that felt right for me. For anyone who wants to take a year to really hone their craft before stepping into the college audition process, this is the right place.
TGI Alum: ‘22-‘23
New York Film Academy
Cody
Learn more about his story
The Theatre Gap Initiative. Changed. My. Life. Entirely. The amount of opportunities that emerge out of this beautiful little program are truly incredible and long lasting. Working alongside an incredibly diverse team of working professionals, I was able to truly learn how to harness my craft. And now, I go to school in New York. I am working everyday to tell stories and be a part of the future of theatre. This is all made possible with TGI. And impossible without it.
TGI Alum: ‘23-‘24
Five Towns College
Isabel
Learn more about her story
I struggled with allowing myself to dream. My journey in TGI began with the goal in mind that I would get a BA in Theater Arts and double major with Neuroscience— I was not confident enough to pursue my dream in acting. As time went on, and I furthered my training in dance, singing, and acting, I began to find a new sense of confidence. Despite not having any formal vocal, dance, or acting training, TGI gave me the tools to step into every audition room confident and driven. By the end of the seven months, I was confident enough to attend a BFA acting program at one of the top Universities in the country. TGI allowed me to dream.
TGI Alum: ‘23-‘24
New York University
Brandi
Learn more about her story
Theatre Gap Initiative has taught me about who I am as a person and an artist. Before Theatre Gap Initiative, I was holding myself back, but this program fostered an environment to push myself and stand in my truth as an actor. If it weren’t for TGI, I wouldn’t have gotten to experience as many things as I did. Moreover, TGI is more than just a gap year program; it’s family, and I will forever be grateful for the wonderful people TGI has brought into my life and all the lessons I’ve learned this past year.
TGI Alum: ‘24-‘25
Point Park University
Anastasia
Learn more about her story
TGI Alum: ‘21-‘22
Oklahoma University
TGI made the biggest difference in my college audition experience. I tried to apply to schools the year before I attended TGI. That go around I got no acceptances and waitlisted at one school. After attending TGI I got into 17 schools! TGI also helped me gain a confidence that not only helped me confidently apply for BFA programs but that I took into my first year of college, which helped me stand out next to my peers in school. I couldn’t recommend this program enough. I love watching as it grows, evolves, and improves to serve its students with every passing year. If you are thinking about applying to this program just do it. You won’t regret it!
Riley
Learn more about her story
Through the Theatre Gap Initiative, I discovered clarity about who I am as an artist and the impact I hope to make. Before joining the program, I received 4 callbacks, but with TGI’s guidance, focused training, and hard work, I went on to earn 55 callbacks, 32 acceptances, and will be attending Boston Conservatory- a top ten school- to pursue my BFA in Musical Theatre.
TGI Alum: ‘24-‘25
Boston Conservatory
Liam
Learn more about his story
The Theatre Gap Initiative was a major step in my journey to becoming the artist I am and the artist I want to be. They gave me the tools I needed to get where I am today and I am forever grateful for that. With their help I got into several top BFA programs and landed on the one that was right for me. I can truly say I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for TGI.
TGI Alum: ‘24-‘25
SUNY Purchase
Riley
Learn more about her story
The Theatre Gap Initiative was a major step in my journey to becoming the artist I am and the artist I want to be. They gave me the tools I needed to get where I am today and I am forever grateful for that. With their help I got into several top BFA programs and landed on the one that was right for me. I can truly say I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for TGI.
TGI Alum: ‘24-‘25
SUNY Purchase
Liam
Learn more about his story
The Theatre Gap Initiative was a major step in my journey to becoming the artist I am and the artist I want to be. They gave me the tools I needed to get where I am today and I am forever grateful for that. With their help I got into several top BFA programs and landed on the one that was right for me. I can truly say I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for TGI.
TGI Alum: ‘24-‘25
SUNY Purchase
Meet Jadon Rhyne
Jadon Rhyne graduated from Lincolnton High School in Lincolnton, NC, with the dream of pursuing a BFA in musical theatre. Without resources to assist him with auditions, his options were limited to the one program he was accepted to. Joining TGI changed his life and dreams. Through TGI’s support and his own hard work, Jadon’s opportunities skyrocketed to 32 program offers and nearly $2.5 million in scholarships.
Question: How has TGI changed you as a person and an artist?
Jadon: TGI is a program of self discovery where you are trained not just to be a performer, but an actor of truth. Where you learn to “just be” on stage, communicating your passions, struggles, and hope to your audience. I did not know how to do this until the instructors of TGI taught me, and I thank them for that.
Question: What was auditioning like before TGI?
Jadon: Senior year of high school, I remember I only was able to complete one audition fully the entire school year, a school in South Carolina. I did not have the access to submit more audition videos, also known as pre-screens, due to the astronomical costs. Submitting pre-screens for 10 colleges could easily add up to 500 dollars, maybe even more. I just didn’t have the money to afford that. In addition to preparing me for auditions, TGI knocked that stress off of me. Being a non-profit, they receive waivers for these prescreens, allowing me to be able to audition for as many as I could.
Question: How did it feel when program acceptances and scholarships started flooding your inbox?
Jadon: It felt unreal. I was only accepted into one program my senior year, and to have the gift of being able to choose from many is one I am entirely grateful for.
Question: How did you sort through the many offers you received?
Jadon: It definitely was not an easy decision. I had 32 offers, but I was able to cut them down and decide where I would best fit with these factors: dance, cost, location, and vibe of the school. My final selections were Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, Point Park Conservatory of Performing Arts, the Hartt School of Music at Hartford University, Wright State University, and Florida State University.
Question: Where did you decide to attend school in the fall of 2023?
Jadon: I will be attending Florida State University! Go ‘Noles! I wanted to dance every day and have access to nice facilities. In the end, Florida State could provide the most opportunities in a BFA program. And I have never felt more love coming from a program, and I cannot wait to go there!
Question: What is your dream role?
Jadon: My dream role would have to be playing Jerry/Daphne in “Some Like It Hot,” as it is a role of transformation and discovery through journey.
Question: What will your bio in the playbill say ten years from now?
Jadon: My bio would thank those who helped pave the way for me, the staff of TGI, my high school drama and choir director, Mr. Stephens, and of course, my family.
Tommie Wofford
Confrere ’23
Hometown: Lake Wales, Florida
“TGI changed my life by helping me achieve my goal of getting into University of the Arts, and surrounding me with a community of peers to navigate the journey alongside of. “
Question: How did you become interested in theatre?
Tommie: I became interested in theatre after doing a teen production at my local community theatre in 2019.
Question: What is the first production you ever saw? How old were you?
Tommie: My first production I ever saw was “Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at six years old. The cast album remains one of my favorites and Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of my inspirations thanks to that night.
Question: What’s your dream role and why?
Tommie: Jonathan Larson in “Tick Tick Boom” is my current dream role. I love the autobiographical feel of Tick Tick Boom and I think playing an ungrounded musical theatre writer would come easy to me.
Question: How did you discover TGI?
Tommie: My mom found TGI and thought it would be a good fit for me. I decided to participate because I knew I could benefit from the training and mentorship of all the instructors.
Question: What are your plans post-TGI?
Tommie: I am attending University of the Arts in Philadelphia for a BFA in directing, playwriting, and production. UArts was my dream school from early in the process, I am very excited to be attending there!
Question: What would you say to donors who have supported TGI?
Tommie: I would say thank you to all the donors, and ask them to continue to support TGI for years to come. TGI changed my life by helping me achieve my goal of getting into University of the Arts, and surrounding me with a community of peers to navigate the journey alongside of. Theatre Gap Initiative continues to be a source of support and opportunity. I am thrilled to see the program help other students succeed.
Indya Tanner
Confrere ’23
Hometown: Biloxi, Mississippi
“I had only seen shows with white lead characters and just assumed that I couldn’t play a big role – until that day!”
Question: How did you become interested in musical theatre?
Indya: I became interested in musical theatre after I saw a production of “Once on This Island” in middle school. Before that, I had only seen shows with white lead characters and just assumed that I couldn’t play a big role- until that day!
Question: What’s your favorite or most memorable experience with TGI?
Indya: My most memorable experience from TGI was during rehearsals for the showcase. We were all stressed out and struggling to listen to each other while singing our finale number. Out of nowhere Mrs. Charlene stops us and starts plucking out the beginning of “I Will Survive” on the piano. It instantly turned into a giant karaoke party and we were all dancing around singing to each other. It was a moment of REAL happiness between all of us that I still think about whenever I remember TGI. The next time we sang the finale song…it was perfect.
Question: How did TGI change your life or aspirations?
Indya: TGI gave me the confidence I needed to not only audition but SUCCEED in a BFA program. I was always intimidated by the amount of people my age who already had training in voice and dance and could afford to attend workshops and college prep camps. I was never able to get that level of training, so I often relied on experience from community theatre. After attending TGI, I not only received formal dance and voice training, but I also was able to better my mental health and mindset through weekly therapy and got professional experience through local theatres. It was an experience that made me a better performer, student, and human.