LAS CASAS FOUNDATION
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Las Casas Performing Arts Scholarship Program and Joci Awards
This rigorous talent-based scholarship competition attracts more than 150 college-bound applicants in Texas. Categories include acting, vocal, dance, Best Lead Actress and Best Lead Actor in a High School Musical. All applicants receive enriching educational experiences including one-on-one workshops and participating in a preliminary audition. 25 finalists are selected to perform at the Joci Awards where they earn scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $16,000.
Behind the Scenes
Designed to bridge the gap for students with an interest in the performing arts who lack the means or access to participate, Las Casas works with partnering organizations (local community theatres, school districts, etc) to select students who attend Broadway Across America performances at the Majestic Theatre. Students also participate in master classes with the touring cast and they go backstage for tours and talkbacks with production professionals.
The Joci Awards: Regional Award Program for the National High School Musical Theatre Awards
In addition to serving as the culminating showcase for the Performing Arts Scholarship Program, the Joci Awards serve as a Regional Awards Program for the National High School Musical Theatre Awards in New York City. Las Casas sends teams of adjudicators to watch students in their full-length high school musicals. These scores are combined with those earned at the Preliminary Auditions and the Joci Awards to determine one Best Lead Actor and one Best Lead Actress who will represent the region in New York City.
Camp Broadway
Camp Broadway is a 5-day program that features instruction in singing, dancing, acting and master classes which culminates in a performance on stage at Las Casas Foundation's Charline McCombs Empire Theater. Camp Broadway’s Original Summer Program enables theater-loving kids, ages 10-17, to develop their confidence, character and presentation skills through ensemble performance. Our staff will immerse your child in an authentic Broadway rehearsal process that allows all campers to be successful regardless of experience level. Inspired by Broadway’s cherished works and steeped in its grand traditions, Camp Broadway is designed to build confidence, inspire creative expression, and instill well-being in both aspiring artists and future audiences.
Where we work
External reviews

Our Sustainable Development Goals
Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Las Casas' first commitment was to restore the Majestic Theatre as the cornerstone of the San Antonio Performing Arts Center. In 1928-1929, it took 11 months to build at a cost of $3 million. In 1988-1989, it took 11 months to restore at an approximate cost of $4.5 million.
The Charline McCombs Empire Theatre was the second venue to be restored as part of the San Antonio Performing Arts Center. After being dark for nearly 25 years, this golden-jewel was restored in 1998 at an approximate cost of $5.5 million.
The San Antonio Performing Arts Center has stimulated economic activity in the downtown area by bringing the community back into the heart of the city. Additionally, the San Antonio Performing Arts Center has attracted to the downtown area major corporations, businesses, restaurants and retailers.
Since the near completion of both these theatres, the Las Casas Foundation has directed their efforts to our annual scholarship competition awarding over 100,000 dollars each year and funding additional performing arts education opportunities.
How we listen
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
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How is your organization collecting feedback from the people you serve?
Electronic surveys (by email, tablet, etc.), Focus groups or interviews (by phone or in person), Community meetings/Town halls, Constituent (client or resident, etc.) advisory committees,
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How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To identify where we are less inclusive or equitable across demographic groups, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve, To understand people's needs and how we can help them achieve their goals,
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With whom is the organization sharing feedback?
The people we serve, Our staff, Our board, Our funders, Our community partners,
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Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?
We collect feedback from the people we serve at least annually, We take steps to get feedback from marginalized or under-represented people, We aim to collect feedback from as many people we serve as possible, We take steps to ensure people feel comfortable being honest with us, We look for patterns in feedback based on demographics (e.g., race, age, gender, etc.), We look for patterns in feedback based on people’s interactions with us (e.g., site, frequency of service, etc.), We engage the people who provide feedback in looking for ways we can improve in response, We act on the feedback we receive,
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What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?
It is difficult to find the ongoing funding to support feedback collection, Staff find it hard to prioritize feedback collection and review due to lack of time,
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
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- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
LAS CASAS FOUNDATION
Board of directorsas of 07/27/2022
Mr. Kevin Parman
The Parman Group
Ms. Joci Straus
Civic Leader
Jocelyn Straus
Frank Ruttenberg
Kevin Parman
Linda Tillery
Jay Higginson
Eric Dupre
Bonnie Reed
V. T. Wood
Teri Hospers
Steve Johnson
Sue Ann Pemberton
Ruth Chang
Mary Doggett
Connie McNab
Linde Murphy
Barbie O'Connor
Erika Prosper
Clay Richmond
Lyn Selig
Angie Stone
Nancy Strehlow
Jerry Salinas
Ashley Quintanilla
Thomas Nyman
Kathy Rhoads
Angela Johnson
Beth Morgan
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes