The Producers Inc. History
Established in 1982, The Producers was developed as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to support the financial investments needed for the Youth Performing Arts School (YPAS) which opened in 1978 at Manual High School in Louisville, KY. The school board gave a budget of $45,097 in 1978 to run YPAS for the 100 students that were enrolled.
Today the school has not been given an increase of that initial $45,097, so it is critical that we raise the funds needed to make it the vibrant environment needed for students to thrive. We support around 900 students, which includes students at Manual who participate in YPAS programing with 435 of those students actually being YPAS majors.
The funds we raise are to provide substantial programmatic and material support for classroom learning, trips, guest artists, equipment, productions and scholarship opportunities to YPAS Seniors who want to pursue the arts after high school through traditional and non-traditional paths. We have also made significant investments in the building at YPAS such as replacing all the seats ($68,000) in the theatre as well as the shell in the theatre ($210,000) because the school did not have the funds to make that investment.
YPAS offers students the opportunity to major and receive four years of intensive study in one of the nine areas: Band, Dance, Design & Production, Musical Theater, Orchestra, Piano, Guitar, Theater, and Vocal. The Producers is committed to supporting students on their journey to understand that art is an expression of what it means to be human and allows us to understand ourselves and others on a deeper level. The Producers believe the arts is a powerful tool to invest in people to foster inclusion, empathy, compassion and connection with the community at large.
Because of wonderful people like you, we are able to help support the amazing programs, students, teachers and staff of YPAS. There are many opportunities to volunteer such as serving as a department parent rep, lending your expertise, serving as a board member, donating supplies, as well as making monetary donations. We have a place for you!