forefront arts

What forefront arts does

Forefront Arts is a mobile performing arts education company and studio serving children, teens, and adults across metro-Atlanta. Founded in 2010 by Elizabeth Blakemore and operating under the legal entity Blakemore Fine Arts, LLC (dba Forefront Arts, LLC), the company delivers acting, dance, voice, show choir, improv, and film classes, plus private lessons, workshops, summer drama camps, and full-scale theatrical productions (e.g., Shrek The Musical). Its flagship MainStage Performance Company operates across Mini (K-2), Jr (3rd-5th), and Sr (6th-12th) levels, while discounted class bundles (Broadway Bound, Triple Threat, Film & Fun, Performers Package) drive multi-class attachment. The company serves 1,200+ students annually, produces 15+ full-scale productions each season, and operates at 20+ host locations spanning public schools, charter schools, preschools, synagogues, churches, and recreation centers across metro-Atlanta.

Forefront Arts does not own its own facility; it deploys a mobile theatre delivery model, bringing instruction and productions directly to partner sites. The technology stack is conventional and lightweight: FormSite for online registration, Dance Studio Pro for the parent portal and studio management, and the Ludus ticketing platform for show tickets — no proprietary software or AI/ML capabilities are referenced. Pricing is subscription-style tuition paid via 10 monthly installments or upfront semester payment with a 10% discount; supplemental revenue comes from production supply fees ($475 twice yearly for MainStage, $125 for Drama Club), private lessons in voice/guitar/piano/acting/dance, summer camps at 15+ sites, and donations through the affiliated Front and Center Foundation (501c3, EIN 33-1645650).

The go-to-market combines direct-to-consumer registration (website, email newsletter, community events) with channel-partner distribution through embedded school and preschool partnerships. Customer segments are tiered by age (preschool ages 2.5-5 through 12th grade, plus adults), with the Mobile Theatre model and structured performer development pathway functioning as the core differentiation versus fixed-location studios. The company is privately held, bootstrapped, and founder-controlled, with no external institutional investment or acquisition activity.

Name

forefront arts

Legal name

Blakemore Fine Arts, LLC

Website

https://forefrontarts.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Forefront Arts is a mobile performing arts education company founded in 2010 that delivers acting, dance, voice, and theatre classes plus full-scale productions to 1,200+ children, teens, and adults across 20+ partner locations in metro-Atlanta.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performing Arts Education

NAICS

Fine Arts Schools (61161), Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters (711110), Performing Arts Companies (7111)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Theater & Drama Education (Acting, Improvisation, Musical Theater) (EDAMAAAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Performing Arts Programs (Band, Choir, Orchestra, Theater) (EDAJAJAE), Theatre Education, Training & Conservatories (MPAGABAN), Musical Theatre (Non-Broadway/Fringe) (MPAGABAG), Music Schools & Conservatory Prep (Pre-College) (EDAMANAE)

Keywords

• Performing arts classes
• Youth theatre training
• Dance instruction
• Summer drama camps
• Private music lessons

Headquarters

HQ city

Atlanta

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Program Fees: Primary revenue from tuition for classes, programs, and conservatory enrollment. Programs include individual classes, discounted bundles (Broadway Bound, Triple Threat, Film & Fun), and MainStage Performance Company. Tuition collected via installment plans or upfront payment with discounts.
2. Production Supply Fees: Additional fees for cast members covering production costs. MainStage supply fees of $475 charged twice yearly. Drama club fees of $125. Fees can be subsidized through parent volunteering and ticket sales.
3. Private Lessons: One-on-one instruction in voice, guitar, piano, acting, dance, audition prep. Offered in-person or online with discounted rates for enrolled students.
4. Donations via Front and Center Foundation: Tax-deductible donations through affiliated 501c3 nonprofit. Minimum $50 fundraising requirement for MainStage members. Donations support tuition assistance and performance opportunities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Forefront Arts is a mobile theatre company that delivers performing arts classes, private lessons, workshops, summer camps, and full-scale theatrical productions directly to families at 20+ host locations (schools, preschools, synagogues, churches, rec centers) across metro-Atlanta. Programs serve children ages 2.5 through 12th grade and adults, covering acting, dance (Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Musical Theatre), vocal performance (Show Choir), improv, film/YouTube content, and audition prep. The flagship offering is the MainStage Performance Company, which produces 15+ full-scale musicals per season for K-12th grade students.

Product overview

Forefront Arts is a mobile theatre company and performing arts studio offering a comprehensive suite of performing arts education programs for ages 2.5 through adult across metro-Atlanta. The core offerings include MainStage Performance Company (full-scale productions like Shrek The Musical for K-12th), Conservatory programs at Atlanta and Alpharetta locations, and in-school partnerships at 20+ locations. The product portfolio centers on MainStage Performance Company and Mini Musicals as flagship offerings, supported by individual classes in Acting, Dance (Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap), Show Choir (SING! and SING JR), Improv, and Film. Discounted class bundles include Broadway Bound (preschoolers), Triple Threat (K-12th Acting/Dance/Voice), and Film & Fun. Private lessons in voice, guitar, piano, acting, dance, and audition prep are available as add-ons. The company also runs summer drama camps at 15 sites, weekend workshops, school break camps, and adult/family programs. Performances include MainStage productions, Winter Cabaret, Spring Showcase, and the annual Summer Show. The company partners with Front and Center Foundation (501c3) for scholarship funding through the Spotlight Fund.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• MainStage Performance Company Full-scale theatrical production program where students in K through 12th grade perform in major musicals. Divided into Mini MainStage (K-2nd), Jr MainStage (3rd-5th), and Sr MainStage (6th-12th) levels, with cast members paying twice-yearly supply fees ($475 each).
• Mini Musicals Most popular class offering musical theatre training for students not ready for MainStage commitment. Students work on Broadway musical material, building Acting, Dance, and Vocal skills each semester.
• Acting Classes Theatre training for kids and teens focusing on character analysis, monologues, duo scenes, improvisation, and physical/vocal warmups. Students perform in Winter Cabaret and Spring Showcase recitals.
• Dance Classes (Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Musical Theatre) Dance instruction including Ballet/Jazz (Twirl), Hip Hop/Jazz (Twist), Tap (Tappin' Tots, Tip Top Tap), and Musical Theatre Dance Foundations. Classes culminate in recitals.
• SING! Show Choir Vocal performance class combining choral singing with choreography. Students learn vocal technique, harmonies, music theory, and perform in 2 concerts annually.
• Improv & Theatre Games / Teen Improv Introduction to improvisational theatre through drama games, team challenges, character creation, and sketch comedy. Classes perform in end-of-semester recitals.
• Youtube Creative Film Club Film and digital media program where students learn on-camera acting technique, create short-form content, and produce projects posted to the Forefront Arts YouTube channel.
• Private Lessons (Voice, Guitar, Piano, Acting, Dance, Audition Prep) One-on-one instruction in voice, guitar, piano, acting, dance, and audition preparation. Students perform solos in Winter Cabaret and Spring Showcase recitals. Available in-person or online, with discounted rates for students enrolled in other Forefront Arts classes.
• Broadway Bound Class Bundle Discounted class bundle for preschoolers (ages 3-5) combining theatre classes (Storybook Adventures, Broadway Kids) with dance classes (Twist, Twirl, Tappin' Tots) for comprehensive performing arts foundation.
• Triple Threat Class Bundle Discounted class bundle for K-12th focusing on Acting Technique, Show Choir/Vocal Performance, and Musical Theatre Dance. Designed to complement MainStage productions with students placed by placement audition.
• Film & Fun Class Bundle Discounted bundle combining Youtube Creative Film Club and Improv classes for 3rd-12th graders interested in digital media creation and improvisational comedy.
• Storybook Adventures (Creative Dramatics) Introduction to drama and creative performance for ages 2.5-5 focusing on creativity, confidence, and communication through drama games, acting out stories, and end-of-semester performances.
• Broadway Kids (Musical Theatre) Musical theatre class for young performers (ages 2.5-5) featuring warmups, singing, dancing, acting skills, and musical theatre pieces for recitals.
• Performers Package Bundle combining MainStage Performance Company and Triple Threat for 3rd-12th graders, with optional add-ons including private voice lessons, unlimited classes, and free summer camp week.
• SING JR Show Choir Entry-level show choir program performing 2 concerts annually plus community event appearances.
• In-Preschool Programs Preschool performing arts enrichment offered through partnerships with preschools, running August 2026 - May 2027 with Parent Sharing performances.
• In-School Programs (Drama Club, Dance, Hip Hop) Performing arts enrichment at elementary schools including Drama Club, Dance Club, and Hip Hop classes culminating in Spring Showcase recital.
• Summer Drama Camps Week-long summer camps at 15 metro-Atlanta locations offering Musical Theatre, Acting, and Playwriting camps including K Pop Concert, Tangled Up, Incredible Action, and Seize the Day themes.
• Spotlight Competition Team Competition team for advanced Triple Threat students who meet eligibility requirements.
• Weekend Workshops and School Break Camps Short-term recreational theatre experiences offered throughout the year for flexible participation.
• Adult & Family Programs Performing arts classes for adults including Improv, Dance, Show Choir, and Adult Drama Club, plus family options where youth and adults take classes together.
• Raise Your Voice! (Summer Show 2026) Annual summer musical theatre production featuring material from Broadway classics like Fiddler on the Roof, Disney shows like The Little Mermaid, and recent hit musicals like Legally Blonde and High School Musical. Tickets sold through the Forefront Arts ticketing page.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1200 students served annually
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.

• Front and Center FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerForefront Arts partners with Front and Center Foundation, a tax-exempt 501c3 organization (EIN: 33-1645650), to provide tuition assistance and performance opportunities. Foundation supports the mission to bring arts opportunities to Fulton County, Dekalb County, and surrounding communities. Minimum $50 fundraising requirement for MainStage members goes to this foundation.
• Atlanta Public Schools (Bolton Academy, Parkside Elementary)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIn-school enrichment programs delivered at Atlanta Public Schools. Programs include Drama Club, Dance Club, and Hip Hop classes culminating in school performances.
• DeKalb Public Schools (Briar Vista Elementary)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIn-school enrichment drama programs at Briar Vista Elementary with performances including The Little Mermaid.
• Cherokee Public Schools (Avery Elementary) and Cherokee Recreation & ParkssecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPrograms at Avery Elementary and Cherokee Recreation & Parks locations in Hickory Flat, Woodstock, and Free Home areas.
• Charter and Independent SchoolssecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnerships with Atlanta Classical Academy, Eaton Academy, Victory World Christian School, YHALE, Kingfisher Academy, Summit Academy for enrichment programs.
• Congregation Gesher L'TorahcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHost location for Alpharetta Conservatory programs serving North Fulton families.
• St James UMCcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHost location for Atlanta Conservatory serving Buckhead/Brookhaven area families.
• Preschools and Daycares (Morningside Day Out, Goddard, The Schiff School, Dunwoody Prep)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPreschool programs at partnered preschools including Storybook Adventures, Dance Foundations, and Broadway Bound classes for ages 2.5+.
• Champion Kids GymsecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEast Cobb location for programs serving Marietta families.
• Preferred School CarecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAfterschool care provider partnership at Bolton Academy and Parkside Elementary enabling in-school enrichment programs.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Christian Youth Theater (CYT): CYT is a nationwide youth theater education organization offering classes and full-scale productions for ages 4–18. It is the closest direct peer to Forefront Arts' youth theatre classes, camps, and MainStage-style productions.

Broad incumbents

• Alliance Theatre: Alliance Theatre is Atlanta's flagship regional theatre with extensive education and youth programs. Comparable as a major Atlanta-area performing-arts institution that runs classes, camps, and productions serving overlapping family audiences.

Regional players

• Aurora Theatre: Aurora Theatre is a professional theatre in Lawrenceville, GA, offering youth acting classes, summer camps, and mainstage productions. Closely comparable to Forefront Arts' metro-Atlanta youth theatre and conservatory programming.
• Synchronicity Theatre: Synchronicity Theatre is an Atlanta-based professional theatre producing original work and education/outreach programs. Comparable as a local Atlanta theatre operator with youth/adult education components in the same metro.
• Georgia Ensemble Theatre: Georgia Ensemble Theatre, based in Roswell, GA, offers youth theatre classes, summer camps, and mainstage productions. Comparable regional Atlanta theatre peer; also a Forefront Arts host-partner venue for MainStage productions.
• Atlanta Shakespeare Company: Atlanta Shakespeare Company operates a professional theatre plus year-round education programs for youth and adults in metro-Atlanta. Comparable as a regional theatre peer delivering acting training and productions to families.

Emerging players

• School of Rock: School of Rock is a national franchise delivering performance-based music education with shows and ensembles. Comparable as an emerging but well-capitalized franchise player pursuing a similar 'instruction + live performance' model in metro-Atlanta.
• Bach to Rock: Bach to Rock is a music education franchise combining individual and group lessons with performance opportunities. Comparable as a franchise-format performing-arts education competitor with overlap in private lessons and ensembles.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCgfxJIQgP3MUXY Vigo
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/forefront-arts

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about forefront arts