About NTPA

Our Mission

North Texas Performing Arts is dedicated to developing the character of youth through performing arts education and family entertainment.

Our educational philosophy is based on a leadership model we call the Ten Characters. We promote the life skills of Teamwork, Leadership, Responsibility, Respect, Self-Confidence, Integrity, Discipline, Gratitude, Positive Attitude, and, above all, to Love One Another to guide our youth on a path to be become better citizens within their communities and we employ the power of literature, music, dance and drama to introduce young people to life’s lessons and experiences within the safety of our walls, before they experience it in the real world.

NTPA is comprised of five youth theatre troupes in Dallas, Fairview, Frisco, Plano, and Southlake, and offers specialty troupes including NTPA Academy offering an innovative academic learning environment for grades 6-12, with an enhanced focus on the fine arts; NTPA Studios, film production program; NTPA Starcatchers, therapeutic arts troupe for individuals with disabilities; NTPA Deaf Theatre; and NTPA Repertory Theatre, its adult theatre company. Each of these theatre troupes has its own Board of Directors providing advise counsel and support.

Oversight and leadership of North Texas Performing Arts is provided by a diverse 24-member volunteer Governing Board of Directors made up of doctors, lawyers, educational and other professionals. NTPA’s 100+ Board Members across its family of theatres volunteer thousands of hours in support of the performing arts and youth arts education. Since 2015 the organization’s operations have been managed by Chief Executive Officer Darrell Rodenbaugh who serves NTPA full-time on a pro-bono basis.

North Texas Performing Arts is the largest youth-dedicated theatre troupe in the country. NTPA provides a safe space for those from all walks of life and with all levels of ability to experience the magic of the theater, both onstage as performers and engaged as audience members and volunteers.

Each year, NTPA “Develops the Characters” of over 11,000 young people in over 200 major productions and over 1,400 performances on over a dozen stages across North Texas each year.

STUDENT SAFETY AND SECURITY:

North Texas Performing Arts is committed to providing a safe, secure and accepting environment in all of its programs and facilities, and works tirelessly to provide a “safe space” for its students inside its walls.  NTPA Directors undergo ongoing safety and security training.  Adult volunteers and adult actors working with children are required to undergo mandatory criminal background checks at least every two years, maintain a volunteer screening database, and are issued photo identification cards to enable them to work in NTPA facilities. The NTPA Director Code of Conduct outlines a strict expectation for interactions with minors. The NTPA Student Code of Conduct outlines strict guidelines against bullying, harassment and other abuse and a Three Strike disciplinary policy.  NTPA acts as a Mandatory Reporter to law enforcement when there is suspected abuse of a minor.

NTPA promotes reporting through its “See Something – Say Something” program.  Any student or patron who believes that he or she has observed or has experienced improper or inappropriate or prohibited behaviors or witnesses conduct in violation of NTPA policies can report these immediately to an instructor, Director, Managing Director or report via confidential phonemail at 469-498-2003, via email at BESAFE@ntpa.org or confidentially online at BESAFE.  A parent/guardian who has a complaint alleging prohibited conduct may also request a conference with a member of the NTPA Management Team or report via the BeSafe communication process.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

North Texas Performing Arts is committed to acknowledging diversity and promoting equity and inclusion in all programs. The NTPA Governing Board of Directors, Management Boards, and NTPA Staff strive to create performing art spaces that are positive, safe and inclusive regardless of one’s race, creed, gender, religion, orientation, communication differences or abilities. We encourage our families and patrons to exhibit our “Ten Characters” taught at NTPA including integrity, leadership, respect, and more importantly, to love one another.

Historical Moments

Theatre Builds Character

At NTPA, we believe that theatre changes lives. We strive to teach all of our students not only how to act, sing or dance, but also how to be better human beings. Students who participate in our programs will be taught the Ten Characters of North Texas Performing Arts.

1. Teamwork: Be a team player. Everyone has an important role to play, and every role, large and small is critical to the team’s success.
2. Leadership: Be a role model for others on and off the stage.
3. Responsibility: Be accountable for your actions, for delivering on your commitments, and be willing to admit it when things go badly.
4. Respect: Show respect for others and their gifts. Respect for teachers, parents, and one another, and celebrate our differences.
5. Self-Confidence: Believe in yourself and your abilities, and communicate like a winner. Know you have a gift to share.
6. Integrity: Be honest, trustworthy and demonstrate strong moral principles.
7. Discipline: Stay focused on what you are trying to accomplish, and show obedience to those trying to instruct and guide.
8. Gratitude: Give thanks and appreciation through words, actions and thought for the many gifts we have been given.
9. Positive Attitude: Be positive about a wonderful future, and pass along your bright outlook.
10. Love One Another: Show kindness and patience, and be inclusive and accepting of others and build lasting relationships.

Community Involvement

Because all the world truly is a stage, it makes it that much more important that the world’s players influence the community around them. NTPA maintains a giant footprint in the community and a strong reputation for giving back.

These are just some of the ways we’re making a difference in our community.

• Giving full-ride scholarships to talented and less privileged children
• Providing complimentary tickets to charitable organizations, teacher groups, and school fundraising events
• Offering free programming at local community centers
• Participating in more than 20 local events and festivals annually, promoting the creative arts

Awards

Financials

North Texas Performing Arts is dedicated to transparency and accountability. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, NTPA is externally audited. Financial documents from recent years are available for download including Form 990s and full audited financial statements.