ABOUT US

The fundamental purpose of the DSM Academy of Performing Arts is to articulate and execute the vision of Tom Hughes and the Tom Hughes Foundation, by directly affecting and enriching the artistic lives of the community. As proclaimed in the State of Texas House of Representatives Resolution H.R. 568, April 10, 1995: “Determined to create the broadest possible avenue for dramatic expression within his community, Mr. Hughes established the Tom Hughes Foundation...”
The academy was founded in 1999 and operates as an affiliate of Dallas Summer Musicals which Mr. Hughes was a past President and Managing Director. Dallas Summer Musicals is a producer and presenter of Broadway, off-Broadway, West End and touring theatrical productions. The DSM Academy is comprised of 75% teens and 25% adults ranging in age from 7 to senior citizen. The Academy is proud of its diverse and ethnic student population. The DSM Academy has granted over 250 need-based scholarships. The Academy helps to prepare the amateur and the professional for involvement in the performing arts.

INFLUENCE OF THE ARTS

Evidence shows that arts education has a powerful effect on student achievement. When students participate in arts programs along with the core subjects of math, science, language, and social studies, these young people are:
Three times more likely to be elected to class office.
Four times more likely to participate in math and science.
Three times more likely to win an award for school attendance.
Four times more likely to win an award for writing an essay or poem.
Four more times likely to be recognized for academic achievement.*
*Study conducted by Americans for the Arts

MISSION

Recognizing the positive influence of the arts on the human experience, DSM Academy of Performing Arts strives not only to increase appreciation of the performing arts, but to teach those arts professionally.