.png){kind=logo}
WHO WE ARE
MISSION
CFA shapes underrepresented storytellers ages 3-18 through culturally responsive arts education, theatre, and media training—equipping them with the creative, professional, and leadership skills needed to tell authentic stories and succeed in the creative workforce.
VISION
CFA's vision is to ensure youth of color develop confidently into adulthood while positively impacting their communities.
ELEVATING YOUTH ON AND OFF STAGE
10
years of
impact
100
+
shows
internationally
25
states
reached
50
+
partnerships
internationally
3,000
+
youth served
annually
CORE VALUES
Representation
We center the voices and experiences of youth of color, ensuring they see themselves reflected in the stories we tell.
Creativity
We nurture artistic expression as a tool for self-discover, innovation, and community engagement.
Training
We equip young people with the skills, confidence, and resources to thrive as artists and changemakers.
Community
We build meaningful collaborative partnerships between artists, educators, and communities to create lasting impact.
Cultural Legacy
We honor and preserve Black and diasporic cultural traditions through storytelling, performance, and education.
Since our founding in 2015, we have served over 10,000+ youth and families through our programming, community partnerships and national performances. Our programs serve youth of color from infancy-high school. We have served international and national communities and partnered with schools, organizations, and institutions internationally. CFA has been recognized by American Theatre Magazine as a Thrive! Grant recipient and DCTV for its positive impact on the DC community. Our students have gone on to work for organizations such as Sesame Street Workshop, the Manhattan Theatre Club, Kokila Books, and the Miami Herald newspaper. With a record of job-readiness, career preparation, and cultural literacy, CFA is a force of good for the DMV arts community.
IMPACT
Since 2015, CFA has:
-
Served 10,000+ youth and families in the DC, Maryland, Virginia and New York regions.
-
Performed 100+ shows nationally & internationally.
-
Offered programs have been seen in 30+ cities: DC, Virginia Beach, Baltimore, Los Angeles, Charlotte, Philadelphia, NYC, Lancaster, Miami, and more.
HISTORY
CFA founded by Marjuan Canady
CFA x Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy produce cultural arts afterschool program
CFA Rep performs at The White House National Christmas Tree Lighting
CFA launches “CFA Healing Arts” program
CFA Rep performs at The Kennedy Center
CFA launches accessible ticket program "Invitation"
CFA launches pilot program "CFA Youth Improv"
CFA x DC Parks and Rec produce CFA Youth Improv Summer Program
CFA x Every Girl Can Learn Institute produces Miss Media Literacy Residency
1st CFA Youth Improv Slam Produced at Theatre J
CFA brings 300 students to see The Wiz on Broadway and on Tour
CFA Rep performs at The Folger Shakespeare Library and WHUT PBS Kids Stage
CFA produces 3rd CFA Youth Improv residency program and 2nd Slam
CFA Broadway Studio Launches
SCROLL TO EXPLORE OUR HISTORY
It was refreshing to see our students in a different light outside of academics where they truly had the space to express themselves, take risks, and grow in confidence. The coach brought high energy and consistent encouragement which kept our students engaged and excited to participate.
MRS. ANDERSON
VICE PRINCIPAL, WASHINGTON LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
If it wasn't for organizations like CFA, bringing arts to the youth in our area, I would not have had the access I needed to grow into the artist I am. CFA is giving children access to the arts who may not have it due to where they live.
JESSICA FRANCES DUKES
BROADWAY/HOLLYWOOD ACTRESS, HBO’S THE GILDED AGE AND NETFLIX'S OZARKS
We love working with CFA! Our families learned Caribbean music rhythms, recognition of Carnival costuming and participated in parade processions. We welcome back CFA!
DAN'ETTA JIMENEZ
EDUCATION DIRECTOR, CARIBBEAN CULTURAL CENTER AFRICAN DIASPORA INSTITUTE (NY, NY)
The students LOVED being creative and making their own masks in the Kiddie Carnival Workshop. It was nice for our kids to have time to be creative and learn from someone other than their regular teachers! We loved it!
KAIJA MCINTOSH
PRINCIPAL, KIPP DC ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY (WASHINGTON, DC)
The CFA Youth Improv Program does more than teach performance—it creates space for young people of color in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia to explore their voices, their emotions, and their agency through the healing modality of improvisational theatre. In neighborhoods where opportunities are often limited and trauma is too often prevalent, CFA provides a powerful alternative: laughter, expression, trust-building, and creativity.
APRIL HENSON
PROGRAM MANAGER, BORIS LAWRENCE HENSON FOUNDATION (WASHINGTON, DC)
I believe the CFA Youth Improv residency is a vital program, one that not only hones artistic talents but shapes the next generation of leaders who will approach the world with empathy, authenticity, and a commitment to creative expression. It is an honor to support this work and to witness the profound impact it has on the participants. I am eager to see the continued growth and success of CFA and the young artists it serves.
REGINALD DOUGLAS
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, MOSAIC THEATRE (WASHINGTON, DC)
WHAT OUR COMMUNITY IS SAYING
CFA HAS RECEIVED FUNDING FROM:
EDUCATION, CORPORATE, & COMMUNITY PARTNERS
-
Arena Stage
-
Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation
-
Woolly Mammoth
-
National Children's Museum
-
Nick Cannon Foundation
-
Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy
-
Baltimore City Public Schools
-
Caribbean Cultural Center - African Diaspora Institute
-
District of Columbia Public Schools
-
Everybody Wins
-
KIPP DC
-
Children's National Medical Center
-
Congress Heights Arts & Culture Center
-
From One Hand To Another
-
UNCF
-
Harvey B. Gantt Center
-
Smithsonian
-
Theatre Major
-
Reginald F. Lewis Museum
-
Round House Theatre
-
Prince George's Publick Playhouse
-
Children's Museum of Manhattan
-
Donors Choose
-
AMYLA
-
Washington Improv Theater
-
DC Department of Parks and Recreation
-
The National Theatre
-
National Housing Trust