When Raegan Gonzales took the stage in New York City in June for the Jimmy Awards® — Broadway’s most prestigious high school musical theater showcase — she wasn’t just chasing a dream. She proudly represented Austin as a 2025 Heller Awards for Young Artists Winner for her standout performance as Catherine in Pippin at Weiss High School.
“Zach Theater has prepared me for this moment more than I ever could’ve imagined,” Gonzales said. “They take the time to get to know you, to make sure you’re getting the most out of every experience. That’s something special.”
Special is exactly what Zach Theater’s educational programming aims to be. As one of Austin’s most established performing arts institutions, Zach is more than just a venue for shows.
Through a slate of year-round training programs, the nonprofit helps students grow artistically, academically and emotionally — whether they’re dreaming of Broadway or simply searching for their voice.
Nat Miller, Zach’s Director of Youth Programming, has led the theater’s youth offerings for 14 years.
“More than anything, theater education is about teaching empathy and creating good people,” Miller said. “Yes, we’ve had students make it to Broadway. But what I really want to celebrate are the kids who find their confidence, their voice and their future through the arts.”
One of those students was nonverbal when he joined the program in seventh grade. After performing in a student production of The Phantom Tollbooth, he remained at Zach through high school, eventually auditioning for college theater programs.
“He completely transformed,” Miller said. “It wasn’t just us — no one program alone does that — but being part of Zach was part of his journey.”
Zach’s educational offerings span a broad range. The Performing Arts Academy combines rigorous academics with weekday performing arts classes for grades 6-12. The Pre-Professional Company offers intensive, audition-based conservatory training in acting, dance and musical theatre.
For middle school students, the Acting Conservatory and Acting Company provide year-long or multi-year programs centered on performance and character development. Professional teaching artists work directly with students in small class sizes, offering the type of personalized mentorship typically reserved for private studios.
Twelve-year-old Riley Richichi, who’s been involved with Zach since she was four, says those connections make a big difference.
“Miss Rachel, my dance teacher, always goes back and helps us with anything we don’t understand,” Richichi said. “We learn so much, and by the end, we put on a full show. It’s fun, but it’s also serious training.”
Gonzalez agrees. Her recent roles in Pippin and Seussical the Musical challenged her to approach complex characters with emotional honesty.
“Every character I’ve ever played, I take a piece of them with me,” she said. “Catherine taught me to see the world in a new light. And I’ve learned to trust myself — to hold my part and not rely on others to carry me.”
That internal growth is just as vital as the technical skills, Miller said.
“Theater teaches confidence, collaboration and creativity,” he said. “These are life skills. Most kids won’t go into theater professionally, but they leave here better prepared to navigate the world.”
And for those who do aim for the spotlight, Zach has them covered. Through college readiness support, which includes financial aid, application guidance and even help with travel costs, Zach ensures that promising students don’t face barriers to opportunity.
“We don’t turn any student away based on income,” Miller emphasized. “Whatever you can afford, we’ll find a way to include you.”
Zach Theater serves nearly 140,000 Central Texans annually, including more than 35,000 children and youth through education programs, camps, classes and outreach initiatives. The theater awards over $110,000 in financial aid each year to ensure access to theater education and offers more than 52,000 discounted or free tickets annually to the community.
“Watching my stepdaughter blossom through theater, seeing my own shy daughter light up from exposure to performance… I’ve witnessed firsthand what it can do,” Miller said. “It’s real, important work.”
To learn more about educational offerings at Zach Theater, visitzachtheater.org/education.
"They take the time to get to know you, to make sure you’re getting the most out of every experience. That’s something special."
"More than anything, theater education is about teaching empathy and creating good people. Yes, we’ve had students make it to Broadway. But what I really want to celebrate are the kids who find their confidence, their voice and their future through the arts."