When Gov. Wes Moore signed the State of Maryland’s FY2027 Capital Budget Bill in April, Young Artists of America® (YAA) crossed the halfway mark on their $8M Building Dreams capital campaign. The Bill included a $1.5 million capital grant (funded through the state’s general obligation bond program) specifically for the nonprofit’s plans to open a state-of-the-art rehearsal facility in Rockville, Maryland, in 2027. The 10,604-square-foot facility, with 9 studios and community gathering spaces, will be the nonprofit’s first permanent rehearsal space and the first Collaborative Performing Arts Hub in Montgomery County, Maryland.
YAA has signed a long-term lease at 1626 East Jefferson Street in Rockville, Maryland, for the future home of this new rehearsal facility. Located at Congressional Plaza, this prime space, which was the former headquarters of Federal Realty Investment Trust, sits in the heart of Rockville Pike — a thriving hub of dining, retail, and entertainment. Within 25 minutes of downtown Washington, DC, and adjacent to the new Twinbrook Quarter development, it is easily accessible by Metro and offers ample free on-site parking, making it both convenient and centrally located, minutes from YAA’s home stage at Strathmore.
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 artistic experience. Davis Construction will act as general contractor, with project management by Clear Real Estate Services. In this space, YAA will be able to bring their entire artist community together under one roof for rehearsals for the first time in the organization’s history. This dedicated space will also create new opportunities to grow revenue by offering additional classes, hosting special events, and making the space available for rentals to the broader arts community.
Together with their committed Board of Directors, individuals from Broadway to Congress are taking a leadership role in this initiative. Honorary Co-Chairs include Broadway’s Stephen Schwartz, Jason Robert Brown, and Andrew Lippa, local legislators including Maryland’s former U.S. Representative Constance A. Morella, and Montgomery County’s Former County Executive and First Lady Ike and Catherine Leggett, as well as other community leaders.
YAA still needs to raise an additional $3 million through their Building Dreams Campaign to complete renovations and invest in the infrastructure to sustain the organization into the future as well as their Tuition Assistance Fund. In addition to the secured state capital funding, major supporters include the Maryland State Arts Council, Federal Realty, as well as over 70 individual, corporate, and foundation donors to date. Gifts of $10,000 and above will be recognized on a special donor wall in the lobby of the new facility. Select Naming Opportunities are available for contributions of $50,000 and above. All gifts and pledges are payable through 2027.
About YAA
YAA is a 501(c)3 non-profit committed to reimagining the landscape of arts education. 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. One in five of YAA students receive scholarships to ensure access for students from all backgrounds. They have been awarded a Regional Emmy Award™, performed on world-class stages, hosted Tony™-winning Broadway artists as guest mentors, and paved the way for many budding industry performers who have gone on to Broadway and other professional stages.
