
The TOArts Youth Arts Leadership Academy is an eight-month program at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center open to high school and collegiate students. Over the course of the program, you will work alongside industry professionals to explore a wide array of professions under the arts umbrella. Through teamwork and collaboration, you will engage with the community as artists and critical thinkers, while also refining the personal skills needed to succeed with a career in the arts.
Applications are now closed for YALA 2024-25.
The goals of this program are to nurture the development of well-rounded students by exploring careers in performing and visual arts, as well as arts administration, with guidance from industry professionals. You’ll work together to conceptualize, design, and execute a capstone community event—led entirely by YOU, the students.
This program will present an inspiring picture of what’s possible in the world of the arts through inherent skill-building, all anchored with real-world application.


The Youth Arts Leadership Academy is a selective program, with strict attendance and student accountability requirements. In partnership with California Lutheran University, YALA students will receive 1 college credit in theatre arts upon successful completion of the program.
This Years Schedule
Session 1 – Welcome, Introductions, Program Orientation & Marketing Strategy Overview – October 14
Session 2 – Project Management, Production Operations, and Capstone Conceptualization – November 7
Session 3 – Jumpstart Your Creativity & Capstone Finalization – December 5
Session 4 – Deep Dive into Arts Education & Capstone Development – January 16
Session 5 – Arts as a Business Panel – February 6
Session 6 – Polishing a Show – March 6
Session 7 – Capstone Event Production Planning & Production Logistics – April 7
Session 8 – Capstone Logistics & Operations – May 8
Capstone Event – Week of May 19, 2025
Session 9 – Wrap-Up & Arts Advocacy/Industry Panel – June 6
Application
The value of the YALA program is $6,500 per student, but thanks to our incredible community of donors, the program is offered for only $400 with an additional scholarship available.
The program dates for YALA 2024-2025 will be October 14, November 7, December 5, January 16, February 6, March 6, April 7, May 8, and June 5 from 6 to 9pm, as well as tech and the capstone event the week of May 19, 2025.
Once your application is received, we will follow up with you to schedule a Zoom interview.
Applications are now closed for the 2024-25 school year.
YALA Year 1 Retrospective

The First YALA cohort organized a free arts festival on the lawns of the Civic Arts Plaza for their capstone. The festival was complete with food trucks, small business arts vendors, visual arts displays, live performances and even a create station manned by Art Trek. They managed a budget, communicated with vendors, identified necessary licenses, stage-managed and emceed the lineup of diverse talent, and even performed themselves! An estimated 500 people enjoyed this festival and we are incredibly proud of what this cohort accomplished.
For additional information email ethan@toarts.org or call (805) 449-2710
Sponsored in part by The Oaks Mall
