These three words capture the heart of Sound and Stage Academy (SAS). More than an arts academy, SAS is a place where children, teens, and adults discover their creative potential, build confidence, and find a place where they belong. Through homeschool enrichment programs, mainstage productions, and private lessons, students develop both artistic and academic skills while gaining the confidence to shine.
Nestled in a still-under-construction office park in East Nampa, SAS’s white-and-gray exterior belies its vibrant interior. Step through the doors, and you’ll hear students rehearsing beloved musicals, see colorful artwork created by emerging artists, and experience an environment where imagination comes to life.
SAS was founded on the belief that the arts should be accessible to everyone. While working together at a for-profit creative center, the founders of SAS saw people turned away because they simply could not afford to pay for the program. In December of 2024, they began discussing ways to help those who wanted to learn the arts. Those conversations quickly developed into a tangible idea—a non-profit that would allow as many people as possible to experience the joy of performing and creating. SAS opened its doors to students just six months later.
Operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, every dollar is reinvested into the community through scholarships and programs that make arts education more affordable. To help families cover tuition, SAS is an approved vendor for Braintree, HomeEd360, Empowering Parents, and other educational funding programs. Homeschool families can also qualify for Idaho’s Parental Choice Tax Credit to help cover enrichment classes. SAS proudly integrates all four core academic subjects into these classes, allowing families to combine their educational goals with the arts.
Like the plays they produce, everyone at SAS has a role to play, and everyone who teaches there has a strong background in the arts. Megan Case is a self-described theatre kid who has also studied journalism and creative writing. Athena Hoxsey, who was recently voted CEO of SAS, has a background in theatre, improv, and singing. At SAS, she teaches singing, botany, and helps students learn how to knit and crochet. Daniel Maggard is an experienced stage actor who is always quick with a joke and has a passion for improv. He is also the founder of Uproar Idaho, a Boise-based improv group. Kate Baucom provides the entrepreneurial spirit of SAS, managing the organization behind the stage. Case, Hoxsey, Maggard, and Baucom are joined by many wonderful instructors who are eager to pass on their love of the arts to others.
SAS is built on the belief that everyone belongs. Along with teaching math, science, English, and social studies through the arts, students learn the values of honesty, integrity, kindness, and inclusivity. That commitment to inclusion is reflected in every production. In one performance, the choreography was adapted into two versions to accommodate a cast member who used a wheelchair, ensuring that every student could fully participate. In another production, a student with Down syndrome was cast in a lead role, allowing them to step into the spotlight instead of fading into the background. Rather than viewing accommodations as obstacles, SAS embraces them as opportunities to create a stronger, more connected community, one where every performer has a place to belong.
While casting is just as important here as it is at any theater, SAS uses entirely different criteria. They don’t cast based on looks or natural ability; instead, they look for actors who are teachable, willing to work hard, and who show leadership and kindness toward their peers. The goal is to challenge aspiring actors to push themselves in new ways. These productions aren’t just for kids, either—adults are encouraged to audition for many roles, and the future of SAS may include even more adult-focused programs. Ultimately, every student is encouraged to grow, excel, and shine in ways that build confidence and celebrate their unique strengths.
This year, SAS is doubling down on teaching confidence. Every production lined up for the fall season is bound together by a powerful, central theme: “You’re Enough.” Through these stories, students will explore different facets of self-worth. For instance, “Legally Blonde” highlights being smart enough, while “Winnie the Pooh” focuses on being brave enough. “Shrek” emphasizes that they are loved enough, “How to Train Your Dragon” teaches that they are kind enough, and “The Descendants” drives home the message that they are good enough.
As the academy prepares to launch its fall semester this August, a new group of creatives will get the chance to step into the spotlight. For parents looking to give their children a space to build confidence, the upcoming season offers a perfect entry point to a community where every student can learn, create, and belong. See more at www.soundandstageacademy.com