BUILDING DREAMS
A Home for Young Artists to Thrive
Building Dreams Campaign
As Young Artists of America continues to grow, so does the urgency for a permanent home to meet the needs of our students and programs.
To bring this vision to life, we are launching the Building Dreams Campaign — an $8 million fundraising initiative to establish a state-of-art rehearsal facility on Rockville Pike and to ensure YAA remains accessible to students from all backgrounds.
The Challenge
For nearly 15 years, YAA has fostered a nurturing and inclusive space for young artists to experiment, take risks, and imagine the world through their own unique artistry—all while delivering exceptional training and performances to the community.
Despite not having a dedicated rehearsal space of our own, YAA has become the home for collaborative young artists across the DC metro area. However, we face significant limitations that hinder our growth and impact.
Without a permanent rehearsal space, we rely on a patchwork of short-term, borrowed locations. We also lack a space large enough to accommodate full mainstage rehearsals—which compromises our efficiency, cohesion, and the collaborative experience that is central to our mission.
Our Corner of the Sky
We have identified 1626 East Jefferson Street in Rockville, Maryland as the future home for YAA.
Located in The Offices at Congressional Plaza, this prime space sits in the heart of Rockville Pike—a thriving hub of dining, retail, and entertainment.
Within 25 minutes from downtown Washington DC and adjacent to the new Twinbrook Quarter, it is easily accessible by Metro and offers ample free on-site parking, making it both convenient and centrally located minutes from our home stage at Strathmore.
The Room Where it Happens
Test fit
10,604 total sq ft
8,000 sq ft rehearsal space
9 large, medium, and small rehearsal studios
Student lounge and community space
120+ free on-site parking spaces
Short walk from Twinbrook Metro
Montgomery County’s first collaborative performing arts hub
Take a Virtual Tour
Renowned architecture firm, Grimm + Parker has been hired to design an elevated space with specialty flooring and acoustic treatments that will enhance the quality of the student experience.
Here, we’ll be able to bring our entire artist community together under one roof for rehearsals for the first time in YAA’s history.
This dedicated space will also create new opportunities to grow our revenue by offering additional classes, hosting special events, and making the space available for rentals to the broader arts community.
The Design
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Sue Hains, AIA
PRINCIPAL-IN-CHARGE/PROJECT MANAGER
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Antonio Rebelo, AIA
PRINCIPAL/DESIGN DIRECTOR
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Blanca Flores
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER
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Bring Us Home
The Building Dreams Campaign will transform this blank canvas into a dynamic home we can truly call our own.
We’re thrilled to share that we are over halfway to our goal!
To date, $2.6 million has been secured, including $1.6 million in generous contributions from private donors plus a $1 million commitment from our landlord for the buildout. This investment demonstrates a strong belief in YAA’s mission and the long-term value of our new home. We also anticipate an additional $1.5 million from the State of Maryland in 2026.
To reach our goal, we need to raise an additional $3.9 million to complete renovations and invest in the infrastructure to sustain YAA into the future.
Join Us
Join this once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of Young Artists of America and the local arts community. By coming together to support the Building Dreams Campaign, you will help secure YAA’s future and amplify its impact for generations to come.
The heart of our work is the belief that excellence in artistry is attainable through collaboration and disciplined hard work. The lessons students learn here—about dedication, community, joy in music and stagecraft, and the power of a strong work ethic—stay with them for life. We invite you to be a part of this transformative journey!
Together, we can provide a home for young artists to thrive.
Ways to Give
Make a one-time gift online or by check
Make a multi-year pledge (up to 3 years)
Donate appreciated stock
Engage your company in a corporate sponsorship or matching gift
Give through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF)
Make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from an IRA (for individuals 70½+)
Name a space in honor of a student, family member, business or loved one
Gifts of $10,000 and above will be recognized on a special donor wall in the lobby of our new facility. Select Naming Opportunities are available for contributions of $50,000 and above. All gifts and pledges are payable through 2027.
Being a part of YAA has truly changed my life and the training I’ve received has been transformative. I’ve been extremely fortunate to receive a scholarship each year. As I head to Emerson College in Boston to pursue Musical Theatre, I see YAA as a place I can always come home to.
— LUKA VAN HERKSEN, Class of ‘25
Campaign Leadership
Young Artists of America is grateful for the generosity and enthusiasm of our Building Dreams Campaign leadership. Their commitment is not only an investment in our organization, but in the young instrumentalists, singers, actors, and dancers we are privileged to serve. Thanks to their visionary support, we are able to secure YAA’s future and amplify our impact for generations to come.
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Stephen Schwartz
HONORARY CO-CHAIR
Broadway Composer/Lyricist
(Wicked, Pippin, Godspell) -
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Constance A. Morella
HONORARY CO-CHAIR
Retired U.S. Representative from Maryland -
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Carol Trawick
HONORARY CO-CHAIR
Arts Philanthropist -
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Jason Robert Brown
HONORARY CO-CHAIR
Broadway Composer/Lyricist
(Parade, 13, The Last Five Years) -
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Andrew Lippa
HONORARY CO-CHAIR
Broadway Composer/Lyricist
(The Addams Family, Big Fish)
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Ollen Douglass
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIR
Board Chair Emeritus & Alumni Parent -
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Julia Douglass
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIR
Community Organizer & Alumni Parent
For more information about YAA and the Building Dreams Campaign:
Rolando Sanz
Producing Artistic Director & Co-Founder
rolando@yaa.org
Lisa Larragoite
Executive Director
lisa@yaa.org
Connect
Young Artists of America is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Our EIN is 45-0643746. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.