Developing Artists is a nonprofit dedicated to providing opportunities for under-served teens to reach their full potential through a practical application of the performing arts and to relentlessly fight for positive social change. Our core programs are our year-round classes in theatre technique and the youth arts festival REBEL VERSES. Our goal is to provide young people with professional performing arts training that will equip them with valuable artistic and life skills. Developing Artists mitigates the disparities in access to high-quality arts education across the New York metropolitan area by providing high school students (aged 13-19) from marginalized and under-served communities the opportunity for study of the performing arts at the highest level. Students come from all five boroughs of New York, and from New Jersey; 35% identify as Latinx, 40% as African American, 20% as Caucasian, and 5% as Asian/other. The company’s core commitment is to young people most in need. Our students have often faced socio-economic challenges; many have experienced physical, sexual or emotional abuse. We take these young artists seriously so their voices can be heard.