Success Stories

Abby Thompson

Anthony Mensah

Toni Martin in "A Raisin in the Sun"

Akua Taylor celebrates release of "Approve" music video

Many of our Alumni have successful careers!

Abby Thompson, a freshman at Columbia College, just received a Hawkinson Foundation scholarship for students advancing Peace and Justice Initiative. She started A&C Children's Ministry while still a student at AACT, melding her love for arts education and her passion for social justice.

Claire Bilicki graduated from MHSA in 2016  and is now enrolled at the New England Conservatory of Music.

Anthony Mensah graduated High School and now serves on AACT's Ambassador Committee.

Toni Martin has become a successful actress, with recent appearances in two episodes of Gypsy (2017, a TV series on Netflix), Blood Bound (2007), The Wishing Bridge (2006). .She also performed in "Airline Highway" in Chicago and then on Broadway, and with Writer’s Theatre, Timeline Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, and does voiceovers as well. Read a review - Toni received the 2014 Award for Best Featured Actress in “Raisin in the Sun” from the Black Arts Theatre Alliance in Chicago!

Andrew Parchman makes his mark locally, leading mural painting and arts workshops for Milwaukee Public Theatre. He also has appeared on stage with Optimist Theatre and Carte Blanche Studios, and creates puppets as well as acting for The Quasimondo. In a review of Titus Andronicus: “Andrew Parchman makes what I think is a big debut performance in Milwaukee theatre. Here he’s playing the archvillain. Really amazing performance. The guy looks totally bada$$ in the role, too.” ~ Russ Bickerstaff, Shepherd Express

Angie White, who had lead roles in "The Wiz" and "Mama, I Want to Sing", later served as our Youth Coordinator after graduating from high school. She went on to Marquette University, and now lives in Texas.

Kyle Taylor Parker has appeared in the U.S tour of Broadway’s “In the Heights” and is currently appearing as Angel in the award-winning “Kinky Boots”. Read his recent credits.

The Reed Sisters, Brittany, Tanya and Brandi perform as a vocal jazz trio, building on a mentoring relationship with Betty Carter. Watch and listen.

Akua Taylor is a motivational singer and founder of Precious Messenger Productions after teaching in after-school programs in Brooklyn. Precious Messenger presents "Reach Higher," a motivational assembly which encourages students to strive for their goals and believe in self with original music and interactive demonstrations. She has been featured in Ebony Magzine, shared the stage with Ruby Dee, and performed internationally.  Watch her new video.

Richard Butler, better known as Rico Love, writes and performs contemporary urban music. He has written or produced hits for Usher, Chris Brown, Ciara, Beyonce, Michelle Williams, Jamie Foxx and more. He returns to perform in Milwaukee frequently.

Edmund Gordon Clark is a Senior Specialty Sales Representative with Eli Lilly & company in Atlanta, Georgia. He recently received a "Director's Council WOW" award for his strong business acumen skills, propensity for action and building trust with customers.

Marvin Hampton tours the U.S. as Christian Rap Music singer and writer Knine. His recent album is called Born Again. Listen.