Who We Are
Mission: To mobilize the power of the arts to promote social justice activism within our community
Faithlyn Johnson founded ActUp Theater in 2015 based on her vision to showcase the talent in Hartford, CT. and its surrounding communities. As the Founder and Executive Director of ActUp Theater, Johnson's life is a testament to our purpose. Faithlyn Johnson is professionally trained in the performing arts. She went on to compete and win for her original productions on an international level Returning to the US, she served as the Founder and visionary of the Greater Hartford Arts Council’s Neighborhood Studios. Johnson then began directing original plays pulling from her formal training and experience across the globe. Seeing the need for arts education in the community and untapped talent, Faithlyn Johnson started ActUp Theater intended to expand the narrative of her beloved hometown.
Vision Statement: #ChangetheCulture through the Arts
With this vision to change the culture through the arts, ActUp Theater has thrived by creating a real-world impact in the lives of many. They have provided a creative outlet for youth and community members of all ages to challenge themselves, their immediate environment, and their community.
ActUp Theater has expanded its reach from being a local theater group with 16-20 core members to a performing arts company with 50-60 cast members with a representation of 27 different schools across the region. They have created original production and reintroduced adaptations of classical works to our community in culturally relevant ways. ActUp Theater has been lauded as a "mini-broadway" that is culturally representative of their community. They now produce shows that bring in over 4,000 attendees various backgrounds in their season. Marketing and social media has allowed over 2,000 people to engage with our work at any given moment.
MAntra: We Stand With Hartford Youth... Where do you stand?
Mayor Luke Bronin & CEO Faithlyn Johnson at the Woman March 2018
ActUp Theater shows up. They are active and interconnected within the community. They have elevated their visibility in the community by working with public figures such as Senator Douglas McCrory and Mayor Luke Bronin, Board of Education, churches and community organizations such as the Women's March, Mothers United Against Violence and Partnership for Strong Communities.
#DontJustTalkSAYSOMETHING
ActUp’s social justice activism has cemented their stake in the community. They have mobilized the power of the arts to provide relief in a community, so often silenced by violence, drugs, gangs, and despair. Through their productions, they incorporate a message of inclusion, empowerment, and activism to move the needle. They also mobilize cast members, parents and supporters to be active directly in their community.
March for equality
Create an outlet for empowerment in schools
Promote activism at community events.
Raise awareness at town hall meetings.
Perform for families that have lost love-ones to violence.
Operations & Development Director, Priestley Johnson (Far Right) hosted the talkback sessions during Raisin where we discussed how to move the social justice conversation forward in our community. (Left to Right)
Terry Nowakowski, Consultant, Partnership for Strong Communities Latoya Martindale, Teacher, Fred D. Wish Museum School SabrinaBarrett-Tucker, Founder & CEO, Girls for Technology
Anthony G. Barrett, MBA, Executive Director: Wilson-Gray Youth and Family Center, YMCA of Greater Hartford & Co-Founder, Girls for Technology Francine Austin, Founder, A Giver's Heart