Impact Report 2024
This report captures information and work done throughout our 56th season, which took place from September 1, 2023, through August 31, 2024.
Mission Statement
CMT San Jose trains and educates today’s youth through musical theater to set and achieve high artistic and personal goals, and to inspire them to become exemplary artists, patrons and citizens of tomorrow.
Letter from Kevin & Dana
At the heart of CMT is our unwavering focus on “the kids.” Our mission is centered on guiding young people through their unique artistic journeys, and every decision we make is driven by our commitment to them. Our 56th Season was thoughtfully curated to offer fresh, exciting opportunities for young performers, with a lineup that includes premiere titles like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and School of Rock, along with the return of Pippin, Rent, and Seussical. These productions not only showcased the talent and growth of our participants, but also welcomed hundreds of new patrons to the theater, sharing in the joy of celebrating their work.
We place “the kids” at the forefront by assembling top-tier artistic teams who not only challenge them in the rehearsal studios but also support them as they grow, as both compelling artists and compassionate individuals in the world. Our education programs reflect this same dedication, offering a range of classes at all levels to help participants continuously expand their skills and confidence.
By serving “the kids”, we bring some of the most beautiful and inspiring performances to the San Jose community. The magic created on stage is a testament to their dedication and talent, enriching the cultural fabric of our city.
CMT’s staff and leadership team are incredibly grateful to our subscribers, volunteers, patrons, and everyone who contributes to the success of our organization. But most importantly, we thank “the kids” for calling CMT their home, creating inspiring moments that will last a lifetime.
Thank you for believing in CMT and helping our community thrive.
CMT San Jose trains and educates today’s youth through musical theater to set and achieve high artistic and personal goals, and to inspire them to become exemplary artists, patrons and citizens of tomorrow. With inclusiveness and quality as the two touchstones of CMT’s vision, we remain dedicated to providing the highest possible caliber of musical and theatrical training to children from ages 4 to 20, spanning all abilities. We stand behind our promise never turn a child away, regardless of financial or physical limitations.
“CMT does so much more than help young people develop skills—whether in singing, acting, or dancing—that’s truly the tip of the iceberg. What people can’t see is that CMT prepares young people for life. Most importantly, she’s experienced true joy, pure joy, from doing something that she loves, and not every kid gets to do that. But at CMT, every kid is welcome.”
–Carin Watson, Board Chair, Alum Parent
“I always said CMT was my home away from home. Whether I had a lead or was in the ensemble, I felt that we all had a part to play. There’s that connectedness I felt at CMT—always so excited to go to rehearsal, to learn something new, to laugh together, to sometimes stress out together. There’s nothing better than performing on stage in front of the CMT audience.”
–Joy Osborne, Alum Perfomer
Snapshot of 2024
CMT serves as both the journey of a lifetime and the premier destination for performers and audiences of all ages. Thanks to its artistic vision and unparalleled leadership, CMT is one of the only youth-centric performing arts organizations consistently recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts for artistic excellence.
Research indicates* that involvement in the arts increases student engagement and encourages consistent attendance. In addition to building social and communication aptitude overall, drama courses and performances have been shown to improve student’s self-esteem as well as confidence in their academic abilities and life skills.
* Study of The Effects of Theatre Education from American Alliance for Theater & Education
“I was a really quiet, really shy kid, and this was a place where it was encouraged to come out of your shell and be yourself. One of the parents once referred to CMT as the Island of Misfit Toys. It’s such a place for weird, oddball, unconventional people. And as an adult, it’s had so much impact on me because of the work ethic it instilled in people… Kevin H.’s whole thing was having such integrity in what he did and making it the best it could be.”
-Anderson Cook, Alum Performer
“It’s a good lesson to teach children that whenever you do something, and you’re going to contribute to something, do your best work. Do the thing that matters not just to you, but to those around you. You have to support everybody. It’s a team effort. You really want to be the best you can be. And to do what CMT does—where everybody gets a part—think about how incredibly complicated that whole process is, and still, they come up with a quality product the way they do. It’s amazing.”
-John & Melinda Skeath, Alum Parents
CMT In The News
CMT San Jose garnered media attention this year, with several features highlighting our productions and community impact.
This spring, our marquee production of School of Rock was featured on a KPIX CBS News broadcast, including cast interviews and a behind-the-scenes look at our all-youth rock band rehearsing.
Last fall, our marquee production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was highlighted in a special feature, including exclusive interviews with Matt Hill, who starred as our whimsical Willy Wonka, and Ivan Bracy Jr., who not only choreographed the show but also brought Mr. Beauregarde to life. Audiences were treated to insights on the creative process and a behind-the-scenes look at what made this production so magical.
Last fall, CMTSJ was spotlighted in a special feature that included interviews with Artistic Director Kevin Hauge and Managing Director Dana Zell. They shared insights into the creative vision, dedication, and community spirit that drive our productions, offering audiences a deeper look into what makes CMTSJ a unique and inspiring force in youth theater.
Artistic Excellence
In 2024, CMT San Jose continued to provide exceptional opportunities for young performers while maintaining a high level of artistic achievement. This year’s productions and programs brought together alumni, local adult actors, and participants of all ages in a vibrant celebration of musical theater.
Notable Productions & Achievements:
CMT’s 56th season showcased a perfect blend of generations, with alumni, local adult actors, Mainstage participants, and Rising Stars all performing side by side. Each production was a testament to the talent and dedication of our performers.
- Marquee Productions (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and School of Rock): These shows featured a mix of alumni, local adult actors, Mainstage performers, and even Rising Stars, creating an exciting multigenerational experience.
- Mainstage and Rising Stars participants learned new skills, from complex choreography to acting techniques, embracing innovative elements such as the circus theme in Pippin.
- Rising Stars & Junior Talents participation remained strong, with our production of Seussical reaching 180 participants.
Education & Outreach
This year, our artistic programming included 48 studio classes including 2 masterclasses.
From these programs, we welcomed 676 participants.
Our award-winning Camp CMT evolved to two sold-out locations this year with 573 participants.
Alum Rock School Partnership
In collaboration with the Alum Rock School District, CMT hosted a week-long camp that concluded with a trip to the School of Rock Marquee production. Students participated in a performance workshop, followed by a backstage tour and lunch at the theater.
Camp CMT South Expansion
Now in its second year, Camp CMT South expanded to serve more families in the South San Jose satellite location, making theater more accessible to a wider audience.
Donor Impact & Support
CMT San Jose’s mission of artistic excellence and accessibility would not be possible without the generous support of our donors and sponsors. Their contributions directly impact the quality and reach of our programming, ensuring that young performers from all backgrounds can access the life-changing experience of theater.
Financial Breakdown:
- 40% contributed income, 60% earned income
- Support revenue breakdown between corporate, government, foundation/grants, and individual giving.
2024 Total Revenue: 3,770,157
From 2020 – 2022, CMT received $1.5M in federal recovery funds were received to help recover from the pandemic. These one-time funds allowed CMT to continue to provide a full slate of artistic programming, despite lower participation, audience attendance, and individual donations. In the years that followed, growth across all areas of operations increased, and helped us continue to rebuild to pre-pandemic status. 2025 promises to be a pivotal year for the organization with strategic focus on audience development and increased corporate and individual giving.
Contributed
Earned
Corporate
Individual
Foundation
Government
Contributed Revenue Breakdown
WHY FUNDRAISE?
Revenue from ticket sales and registrations only cover about 60% of our overall operating budget. The rest is raised through the support from foundations, corporations, and individuals like you!
OPERATING REVENUE:
2018 | $2,871,905
2019 | $2,895,775
2020 | $1,088,965
2021 | $2,048,063*
2022 | $3,483,000*
2023 |$3,610,180
2024|$3,770,157
*(includes one time $1.5M+ in federal recovery funds from pandemic)
Major Sponsorships:
This year, we are grateful to our sponsors who have supported key productions:
Interested in Corporate Sponsorships?
Learn more about how you or your business can sponsor CMT’s productions and programs by reaching out to Dana Zell at dana@cmtsj.org.
Community Engagement & Partnerships
Silicon Valley Pride & KLA Foundation Partnership:
CMT participated in Silicon Valley Pride, both in the Pride Parade and with Pride Night for the production of Rent. Sponsored by the KLA Foundation’s LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group, this partnership reflects CMT’s ongoing commitment to representation.
Alumni Engagement
CMT’s alumni remain deeply connected, returning not only to perform but also to mentor, teach, and inspire the next generation of artists. This year, 27 alumni returned to perform in Marquee productions, sharing the stage with current performers.
Will Brill
Tony Award winner for Best Featured Actor in 2024
Stereophonic on Broadway
Ryan Vasquez
The Notebook on Broadway
Alex Brightman
The Shark Is Broken on Broadway
Myha’la
Industry on Max
Cristina Sastre
How To Dance In Ohio on Broadway
Closing Remarks & Call to Action
As we look ahead, CMT San Jose is excited to continue its mission. This season is especially meaningful, as it marks Kevin Hauge’s 30th and final year as Artistic Director. Read his letter to the community here: Kevin’s Letter To The Community
Attend Our Upcoming Shows:
- Beautiful: December 6-15, 2024
- The Lion King Jr.: November 6-10, 2024
- A Christmas Carol: November 15-24, 2024
Save the Date for Our Gala:
Join us for our Gala on February 1, 2025, to celebrate CMT’s accomplishments and the upcoming season.
Support Our Mission:
Your support makes all of this possible. Learn how to contribute by visiting our Support Us page or contacting Donor Relations Manager Joey Dippel at joey@cmtsj.org.