Today we’d like to introduce you to Cherelle VanBrakle.
Hi Cherelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Out Tha Box Productions was born from a vision planted by co-founder Leola Smith, who dedicated her life to creating opportunities for Black and Brown youth in the performing arts. Alongside her daughter, Melanie Smith, they began building a space where young artists could thrive. After Leola’s passing in 2020, I took up the torch, working to expand this dream from a single-page vision into a fully realized nonprofit.
My journey into this work started as a dancer and later as a mother to a young artist. I saw firsthand how access to the arts could transform confidence, leadership, and academic success, especially for Black and Brown youth who often face barriers to participation. What began as a small dance program has now grown into a full-fledged performing arts organization, offering dance, theater, music, and visual arts programs designed to celebrate culture and empower young people to embrace their creative potential.
Today, Out Tha Box Productions provides a space where young artists can develop their skills, find their voices, and build community. From productions like *Sounds of Blackness* to our *Spotlight Theater Camp*, we’ve created opportunities for youth to connect with their heritage, express themselves, and gain valuable life skills through the arts. As we continue to grow, our goal is to secure a permanent home that will allow us to expand our programming and deepen our impact, ensuring that every child who wants to dance, act, sing, or create has the space and support to do so.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced is the rising cost of rent in Central Texas. Finding and maintaining an affordable space that meets our needs has been an ongoing struggle. Unlike many other studios, we don’t pass these increasing costs onto our families because accessibility is at the heart of our mission. We want every child—regardless of financial circumstances—to have access to high-quality arts education.
This commitment, while necessary, makes it harder for us to thrive financially. We rely heavily on fundraising, grants, and community support to keep our programs running. Additionally, as we grow, the need for more resources, instructors, and space increases. But despite these challenges, we remain dedicated to making sure Black and Brown youth have a safe, nurturing space to express themselves and develop their artistic talents. The road hasn’t been easy, but the impact we see in our students makes every hurdle worth it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Out Tha Box Productions is a nonprofit dedicated to providing high-quality performing arts education to Black and Brown youth. We specialize in dance, theater, music, and visual arts, creating a space where young artists can develop their skills, explore their creativity, and build confidence. Our programs go beyond technical training—we focus on cultural storytelling, leadership development, and using the arts as a tool for empowerment and self-expression.
We are known for our unique approach to arts education, where accessibility and cultural representation are at the heart of everything we do. Many dance and theater programs can be financially out of reach for families, but we work hard to ensure that cost is never a barrier. Through fundraising, sponsorships, and community support, we keep our programs affordable while maintaining the highest level of instruction and opportunities for our students.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve had on our students, both on and off the stage. We’ve seen young dancers who struggled with confidence step into leadership roles, students who were once hesitant to speak now commanding the stage in full performances, and families finding a true sense of belonging in our community. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to making the performing arts accessible, culturally relevant, and deeply transformative for every child who walks through our doors.
How do you define success?
For me, success is about impact. It’s not just about the number of students we serve or the size of our productions—it’s about the transformation we see in our young artists. When a student who once lacked confidence steps onto the stage with pride, when a child finds their voice through dance, theater, or music, when families feel a sense of belonging in our community—that’s success.
Success also means sustainability. Ensuring that Out Tha Box Productions can continue to provide high-quality, accessible arts education without financial barriers is a huge priority. It’s about creating something that lasts, something that will continue to empower generations of young Black and Brown artists long after we’re gone.
Ultimately, success is seeing our students take what they’ve learned—whether it’s discipline, creativity, resilience, or self-expression—and apply it to whatever path they choose in life. If we can give them the tools to believe in themselves and their abilities, then we’ve done our job.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://outthabox.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outthaboxproductions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572900987408
