Lights Up! Theatre Company

One thing we hear often in the lobby after a Lights Up! Theatre Company performance is, "I can't believe that was a TEEN production! It was so professional!" And it's true—we're proud to be the only theatre company in Santa Barbara putting on professionally-staged musicals and plays with casts composed entirely of local teens.

Lights Up! productions bring together the talents of seasoned theatre folk (direction, choreography, set and costume design, and vocal music training are all led by professionals in their craft), giving actors the opportunity to experience high-quality training in a supportive environment. Young performers not only develop their acting, singing, and dance skills, but also learn theatre etiquette, find mentorship opportunities, and experience the behind-the-scenes magic of costume design, set building, props, hair and makeup, and stage management.

Teenagers are the lifeblood of Lights Up! Theatre Company. As the adults who bear witness to their passion and curiosity, compassion and bravery, and the staggering personal growth they experience between the ages of twelve and eighteen, we can tell you this: belonging is life-changing.

Lights Up!'s commitment to providing a safe, nurturing place of belonging and professional performance training for Santa Barbara teens is stronger than ever.

Nearly 40% of Lights Up!'s annual operating budget relies on contributed income—donations, sponsorships, and grants—from people like you who believe in the power of youth arts. Your donation will help ensure that no teenager is turned away from our programs due to financial hardship, and that Santa Barbara youth continue to benefit from the programs, friendships, and belonging that Lights Up! offers them throughout their teenage years.