When Isaac Jenkins was just eight years old, he had one dream: to be in a full-length Broadway-style musical.

He’d already dipped his toe into the world of theater with a junior production of The Little Mermaid, but he was ready for something bigger. His mom, Anita, made a few phone calls, and soon he was stepping into summer camp at Lexington Youth Theatre — the only kid who hadn’t been to auditions, but more than ready to give it a shot.

Just a few weeks later, Isaac landed a lead role in Newsies. That fall, he stepped onto the stage and he hasn’t stopped performing since.

“He’s been in over 40 productions since then,” Anita said. “It changed everything for him.”

A Place to Find Your People

Lexington Youth Theatre isn’t just a stage. It’s a community.

Founded in 1985 by Evelyn Harris, LYT recently concluded its 40th season of bringing theatre arts education to youth in and around Lexington, North Carolina. The volunteer-driven nonprofit was created with a mission to provide a safe and welcoming space for young people to experience the magic of live theater — both onstage and behind the scenes.

LYT is open to all youth with an interest in acting, music or dance. Each year, the organization produces two full-scale musicals — typically in November and March — that draw hundreds of audience members and give young performers a chance to shine in “Broadway” caliber shows. Summer workshops offer additional opportunities for skill development, confidence-building and connection.

LYT students in downtown Lexington.

In a typical year, more than 120–150 children and teens participate in LYT’s programs. Whether performing, painting sets, running tech or supporting peers backstage, every participant plays a key role.

For Isaac, now a rising junior, LYT isn’t just a place to perform — it’s where he found his confidence, his passion and his closest friends.

“Theatre helped me discover what I want to do,” he said. “I’ve learned who I am through this. I choreograph. I compose. I perform. It’s how I express myself.”

More than anything, LYT gave him a place to belong. From tech week shenanigans to late-night cast celebrations, the experience has always been about more than the spotlight. It’s about connection and finding a place to belong.

“Most of my friends are from LYT,” Isaac said. “It’s the most accepting place. Everyone can come in and be exactly who they are. It’s like the Island of Misfit Toys. We all find each other, and we make something incredible together.”

Learning That Lasts

For Anita, who now serves on LYT’s board of directors, the transformation she’s witnessed in her son goes far beyond the stage.

“He’s more confident. He’s more grounded. He speaks better, reads better, collaborates better,” she said. “He’s even learning music composition and adapting songs just for fun — things he wouldn’t have discovered without this experience.”

Anita Jenkins with her son, Isaac, after his performance in High School Musical.

She’s seen how theatre teaches skills that kids carry with them everywhere: teamwork, discipline, time management and empathy.

“Theatre lets you live inside someone else’s story,” she said. “To see how the characters in a story respond to challenges and work through conflict. That’s powerful — especially for kids. It’s not just about acting. It’s about understanding people, emotions and overcoming obstacles in a way that builds character.”

It’s also an equalizer. Whether a student dreams of Broadway or simply wants to try something new, no one is turned away. Everyone gets a role — onstage or backstage supporting production. And for families without access to arts education, LYT fills a critical gap.

“This is especially important in rural places like Lexington,” Anita said. “The arts aren’t always available in schools. But here, kids can learn to sing, dance and act, no matter their background.”

A Community That Shows Up

Anita, who has a passion for theater, jumped in too — writing grants, securing sponsors, maintaining the building, helping produce the shows. And she’s not alone. Dozens of volunteers donate their time to make each production happen.

“It’s not just the kids who benefit,” she said. “Volunteering at LYT has helped me connect with my community. I’ve made life-long friends here. We’ve met business owners, restaurant partners, people who donate food or help build sets. This theatre has given us a sense of belonging.”

One moment in particular stands out. During a run of Mary Poppins, the cast was hit with a very contagious stomach bug on opening night. It was chaos, and still, the show went on.

“That’s theatre,” Anita said. “You pull together, support each other, and make it happen. You learn grit, perseverance and gratitude.”

The Power of Philanthropy

LYT students outside of the Edward C. Smith Civic Center, where they perform.

Through support from Foundation For The Carolinas’ Community Impact Funds, Lexington Youth Theatre continues to provide tuition-free opportunities for kids across the region. These discretionary funds — made possible by donors who entrusted FFTC with the flexibility to meet evolving community needs — are helping ensure organizations like LYT remain accessible, inclusive and deeply impactful.

“We don’t take it for granted,” Anita said. “Every dollar goes toward giving kids access to high-quality training and a safe space to discover their potential. Watching them grow in confidence and shine on stage is one of the most rewarding parts of being involved.”

For Isaac, it’s simple: “LYT changed my life.”

And for countless other kids who’ve walked into Lexington Youth Theatre unsure of where they fit in — and walked out knowing they belong — the impact is just beginning.

To learn more about LYT, visit lexingtonyouththeatre.org. To learn more about FFTC’s Community Impact Funds, visit fftc.org/CommunityImpactFunds.