Black Student Outreach Initiative

Three people smiling and laughing together, engaging in conversation against a light background.

Building Black Community at TPS

The Playful Stage is a Black owned business rooted in Long Beach and we are committed to expanding Black presence in our classrooms, on our stage, and in our audience.

If you are interested in applying for the Black Community Expansion Scholarship, please click here.

We Are Naming the Reality
Improv and comedy spaces often skew White. Many Black performers have experienced being stereotyped, sidelined, or not fully showcased. Some assume improv is not for them. Others assume they cannot afford it. These patterns affect who walks through the door.

We Are Responding with Intention
Black students are currently one of the lowest represented demographics at TPS. Building Black Community at TPS is our direct response. We are intentionally expanding access, visibility, and invitation.

We Are Investing in Access and Outreach
Donations support tuition scholarships, paid performance opportunities at Black owned businesses, partnerships with prominent Black organizations, and outreach events that increase visibility and trust.

We Are Building on What Already Exists
TPS already produces The Notorious B.I.G., our Black Improv Group. Our owner, Richard, works with Black and Brown youth through improv at Cabrillo High School. We are actively cultivating collaborations that deepen Black artistic presence in Long Beach.

We Are Strengthening the Work
When Black improvisers are fully represented and fully supported, the work becomes sharper, more honest, and more dynamic. A stronger Black presence strengthens the entire community.

We Are Making It Sustainable
Your contribution helps us move from good intentions to sustained action. Together, we can build a creative space where Black artists are not the exception, but an integral and visible part of the stage.

Thank you for investing in Building Black Community at TPS.

$20.00
Helps cover outreach materials, promotional support, and administrative costs connected to Black Student Outreach events and partnerships.

$35.00
Contributes toward a Black student’s enrollment in a drop-in workshop or supports performance rental costs at a Black owned business venue.

$100.00
Helps fund space rental for community performances at Black owned businesses or provides partial tuition assistance for a multi-week class.

$245.00
Covers the full tuition for one Black student to participate in a complete multi-week improv or acting class at The Playful Stage.

Custom Amount

Support us by covering the fees we have to pay

3% Cover the Fee

We deeply appreciate your generosity. Please note that donations to this fundraiser are not tax deductible, as The Playful Stage is not currently a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Black Student Outreach is an initiative at The Playful Stage designed to increase representation, access, and visibility for Black students and artists in our classes and performances.
Black students are currently one of the lowest represented demographics at TPS. This initiative intentionally responds to that gap.
Donations support tuition scholarships, workshop access, performances at Black owned businesses, community partnerships, and outreach events.
No. The Playful Stage is not a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so donations are not tax deductible.
Recipients will be selected through a simple application process based on interest, commitment, and financial need.
No. This initiative expands access and opportunity. It does not reduce availability for current students.
Yes. You can help by sharing this campaign, partnering with us, or hosting performance opportunities.
Yes. We will share updates about outreach efforts, partnerships, and the impact of this initiative.