Our mission
The mission of WEST Performing Arts is to provide youth and families a creative outlet and training ground that cultivates the imaginative process.
What we do
We provide educational experiences in literature, performing, expressive and creative arts through classes and productions. We give young artists and audiences the invaluable knowledge that their imaginations have had a positive and profound impact on their world.
All of our classes, training programs and productions are process-driven, believing that the creative journey is what matters. Using integrated art forms as our tools, we build confidence, communication and community.
We believe in the power of education and the importance of literacy.
Our Core Values
Creativity & Innovation
We celebrate and inspire creativity, encouraging out-of-the box thinking and new perspectives.
Integrity
We act in the best interest of our students and creative team members, demonstrating integrity, honesty, grit and resiliency.
Empowerment & Leadership
We empower our students and artists to boldly take risks, realizing that active learning acknowledges “failure” as a keystone to success.
Fun
We strive to maintain a playful, dynamic and harmonious atmosphere where students feel safe to explore and share their unique perspective in the creative process.
Collaboration & Mentorship
We value the exchange of ideas and expertise with our creative team, students and program partners. Leading and learning by example, we develop opportunity to share our knowledge with next generation artists, educators and leaders.
Excellence
We embody excellence in all we do. The creative process can be messy and chaotic. We strive to give our best over expecting perfection. Everyone giving their absolute best is our definition of excellence.
Commitment to fair practices, equitable opportunity and equality for humanity
As humanities torchbearers, a deep respect and commitment to honoring diversity and prioritizing inclusion are at core of our art practice.
The cornerstone of Creativity, Innovation, and Leadership is diversity of perspective, culture, experience, and background. West Creative Performing Arts cultivates a safe, inclusive environment where all students, staff, and patrons thrive in the common pursuit of creative community-building.
We view diversity, inclusion, and equity as connected to our mission and critical to ensuring the well being of the arts communities we serve and the creative teams we assemble. Our classroom and workplaces are where all students, creative team members, and volunteers, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education or disability, are valued and respected.
We are committed to ongoing education and professional development for our staff to understand, advocate, and support deeper thinking about how inequities may impact our organization’s work and how best to address that invariably with our mission. As agents of change, we embrace our responsibility to help mitigate real and perceived barriers to participation.
We endeavor to improve the cultural leadership pipeline by creating and supporting programs and policies that foster leadership that reflects American society’s diversity.
We know that reaching out and engaging with all parts of our community leads to a fuller understanding of culture, history, and humanity. Through mindful practices in this regard, we develop trust and credibility, build audiences, provide positive impacts, remain sustainable and relevant, and help shape a creative and cohesive community.