A special group of alumni, families, and friends who believe in the power of performance, belonging, and “ever upward” growth. This giving community honors the legacy built by the people whose love for theater and young people built more than a stage—they built a home for imagination, connection, and lifelong confidence.
Why Join?
Maybe you were a student whose confidence took root under the lights. Maybe you’re a parent who watched your child find belonging and purpose through song and story. Maybe you’ve been lucky enough to experience both. No matter your connection to Excelsior, you’ve felt the magic of what happens when Kent and Shelley Johnson pour into youth. You've experienced our volunteer directors like Mary Kay Clark and Josh Sassanella pour into youth—not just as teachers or directors, but as unwavering champions of possibility. You've seen the countless volunteers meet students where they are to grow their confidence, skills, knowledge and talent...all while building countless memories and connections.
Since it's founding in 2018, Excelsior Arts Academy & Youth Theater, has carried that same spirit into a nonprofit that now serves hundreds of students ages 8 to 22 (and beyond—we always make room for anyone who wants to be involved). Over that time, we've produced dozens of shows, outgrown multiple spaces, and regularly sold out performances.
This is no longer just a youth theater—it's a full-scale, high-caliber nonprofit organization where dreams are nurtured, confidence is built, and the arts are alive and thriving. And now, we’re asking for your help to keep that momentum going.
We’re launching a new donor community—The Excelsior Connection—a space for those who get it: those who know what it means to find connection, confidence, and community on and off the stage. This group is for alumni, families, and friends who want to stay connected, give back, and help Excelsior continue to grow ever upward.
Your gift today honors where we’ve been—and helps us build what’s next. Ever Upward!
The Excelsior Connection
Become Part of Excelsior Connection
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To honor this amazing 40-year legacy — and to celebrate our launch of the Excelsior Connection— we’re offering founding-year pricing on all Excelsior Connection membership levels.
Connector Level | 40 Years of Impact in our Community! | $40
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Name listed as annual donor in programs and on website
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Invitation to donor email list for behind the scenes updates
Spark Level | Celebrating the year it all began! (1986) | $86
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Everything from Connectors Level
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Custom Excelsior enameled pin
Legacy Level | Recognizing the Year Excelsior Academy Launched (2018) | $218
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Everything from Spark Level
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Custom Excelsior Ornament
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Private invitation to a “State of the Stage” brunch with Kent and Shelley
Founder Level | In celebration of Excelsiors 8th Anniversary | $800
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Everything from above levels
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Custom Founders Level Plaque
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VIP seating to one Excelsior production annually, including,
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Complementary concessions
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Backstage cast meet-and-greet
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These founding-year rates are available for 2026 only. Once this year closes, membership returns to standard pricing.
If you’ve ever felt the pull of this work — if you’ve ever watched a young person come alive on that stage and thought, I want to be part of keeping this going — this is your moment.
Your gift today honors where we’ve been — all 40 years of it — and helps us build what comes next.
Friends of Excelsior
Founder Level
Kent & Shelley Johnson
Legacy Level
Molly Gibson
Jeffrey Slaven
Spark Level
Michelle Dapp
Connector Level
Janelle Trzynka
Kevin Rainear
David Eads
Bev Oehler
Ashlee Sells
Jenna Rosenbury
Shelby Vian
Daniel Risgaard
Signa Shuff
Anna Every
Rebecca Garber
Brad Neal
Jessica Abbott
Jana Sanders
Hayley Sipe
Mark Myers
Holly Warner
Sarah Payne
Mark Myers
"Music helped me find my true self. I have no idea who I would be if it were not for you and Shelley. My life would not be the same. As a consequence, I have been able to inspire and shape the lives of thousands of young people for the past 25 years as a music educator. Your impact is multiplied through what so many of us have been able to give to our own students, audiences, community members, etc. I love you both with every fiber of my being."
Jenna Rosenbury
How did music and theater shape my life? In more ways than I could ever count.
It was the pep talks from Kent before every show during warm ups. The confidence to step onto a stage. The ability to walk up and talk to complete strangers without fear. Learning how to think on my feet, improvise when things didn’t go as planned, and speak in front of a crowd.
It was hearing, “What?! Bluffton is tomorrow?!” all year long and somehow still laughing every time.
It was learning that excellence mattered. Whether it was a performance, a competition, or packing Bub’s Tetris trailer just right, there was always a lesson to be learned and a standard to strive for. And trust me, you knew if you loaded it wrong!
One of the lessons that has stayed with me the most happened when I auditioned for Classic Connection. I had mono and was convinced I had blown my chance. Shelley pulled me aside and said something I’ll never forget: “You’re always auditioning. I watch you all year. I know what you can do. Don’t let one bad moment make you think it’s over.”
I’ve carried that lesson with me ever since. One bad day, one mistake, one setback doesn’t define who you are or what you’re capable of.
But more than anything, it was having adults in my life outside of my parents who believed in me, challenged me, encouraged me, and helped me find the confidence to become the person they knew I could be.
Kent and Shelley taught us passion. They taught us how to win with humility and how to lose with grace. More importantly, they taught us how to take disappointment, learn from it, and come back stronger the next time.
The memories are incredible, but the lessons have lasted a lifetime. Thank you for all you’ve done and the lives you continue to impact! 40 years is something so special and to be proud of!
Traci Surber
"Kent and Shelley came into my life when I was in 7th grade, I had no idea how big of an impact they would have in my life. Home wasn't my favorite place to be and because of them I found my family on the stage in both show choir and theater and I can honestly say it saved my life. Fast forward many years and my daughter was struggling in school but had found a love for theater so I brought her to auditions for an Excelsior show and we've been there for almost 4 years. They taught me more than I ever realized as a kid and now my daughter gets to share the love that they gave to me so many years ago. I'm so grateful for everything they do for each and every one of their "kids" and blessed to still have them in my life. Thank you for everything that you do."