Dedicated to creating

Great people first & Great performers second
Come See Us Perform!

Ignite’s mission is to create great people first and great performers second.

At Ignite, we believe a “SPARK” resides within every individual, waiting to be ignited. That’s why we strive to inspire our students, performers, staff, families, and team members to embody our S.P.A.R.K. mission every day in every aspect of their lives. 

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IGNITE HAS MOVED!

3 young performers wearing Ignite shirts and smiling with a city skyline behind them.

What does it mean to be a SPARK?

Service

Ignite is committed to the spirit of service and community engagement. Each production features a dedicated service project that aligns with the show’s themes and Ignite’s mission. Our past service partners include the St. Louis Cardinals, South Grand Small Business District, Home Sweet Home, Prison Performing Arts, the International Institute, and many others.

If you have an idea for a service project or represent an organization that could benefit from a partnership, we’d love to hear from you. Send us an email. 

Performance

  • Three annual mainstage productions (Winter, Spring, Senior Summer)
  • Summer camps with programs for ages 4–21
  • Biannual all-ages productions
  • Biannual SPARK shows (student-driven productions)
  • Ignite Elite Performance Travel Team
  • Workshops and classes

Accessibility

  • Award-winning Arts4All programming, featuring sensory-friendly performances
  • Scholarships and financial aid: Over 18% of Ignite families rely on the Ignite Scholarship Fund
  • Inclusive accommodations for performers across all programs, including support for neurodiversity, mobility, and mental health needs
  • “Pay-what-you-can” ticketing available for select performances

Real Life

  • Student staff positions in every production, providing hands-on technical theater instruction and experience
  • Internships for high school and college students in directing, stage management, music, dance, production management, and nonprofit management
  • Leadership opportunities, including biannual SPARK shows, student-teacher and teaching assistant roles, social media management, and media training
  • Technical theater education with practical, real-world applications

Kindness

  • Conscious Discipline-Based Learning: Ignite uses a Conscious Discipline approach to promote social-emotional skills like self-regulation, empathy, and conflict resolution within a supportive environment.

  • Mentorship Programs: Experienced cast members mentor newer performers, fostering collaboration, teamwork, and skill-sharing across productions.

  • IgNIGHTs Out: Ignite organizes group outings to local shows, supporting SPARKs performing outside Ignite. These trips build community and expose students to diverse performances.

  • Emotional Empowerment: Ignite prioritizes emotional growth, helping students build confidence, explore emotions, and develop self-expression skills that enhance both their personal and stage presence.

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