Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Evans And Alice Peterson
Hi Tina Evans and Alice Peterson, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve loved tap dance and musical theater for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I knew I wanted to create something special- something that would celebrate tap as a vital part of theater and give young performers a space to grow.
Before launching the academy, I spent years performing, choreographing, and teaching.
Alice Peterson and I co-founded Tap into Theater Academy with the dream of creating a program where kids could develop their talent, confidence, and love for the stage. Now, that we’ve started our third year, Tap into Theater Academy is thriving. Our productions, classes, and workshops don’t just teach theater- they build discipline, creativity, and community. We’ve created a space where young performers can tap into their full potential, and we’re only getting started.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was even harder than we anticipated. We were prepared for a great deal of challenges, but starting Tap into Theater Academy was especially tough, as we were creating something completely unique. Being a tap-centric, audition-based academy meant we weren’t following a traditional model for what successful children’s theaters typically look like. We wanted to take a more challenging approach to everything we did, from the choreography, vocals, costumes and venue, and pushing ourselves and our kids to that level of quality comes with its own unique obsticles.
One of our biggest struggles was that it’s just the two of us- Alice and I, encompassing all aspects of the company, both the business and creative side. We remain very grateful for all the support that we’ve had along the way.
Being the first pre-professional academy for the youth of the greater Orlando area, we’ve had to work hard to prove our value in such a competitive space. Despite the challenges, we’ve never compromised our vision. Every struggle has reinforced why we do this- to create a space where young performers can truly shine.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We’re known for our tap-centric training, which sets us apart in an industry where tap is often overlooked. We train our students to be triple threats-skilled in singing, acting, and dancing- while also instilling a deep appreciation for the art of tap.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the level of professionalism we bring to everything we do. From our high-caliber productions to our beautifully designed costumes and artistic choreography, we maintain an elite standard that gives our students an experience unlike any other. Alice and I pour our hearts into making sure every aspect of our productions feels Broadway-worthy, even though we’re working with young performers.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to pushing boundaries and breaking the mold of what a youth theater company can be. We don’t just put on shows; we create opportunities for young artists to develop real skills that will serve them in professional theater and beyond.
Tap into Theater Academy is more than just a training program- it’s a movement. We are redefining what musical theater education looks like, bringing tap back into the spotlight, and proving that young performers can achieve greatness when given the right tools and mentorship.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
If you’re just starting out- whether in theater, dance, or even running your own business- my biggest advice is to trust your vision and stay persistent. When we started Tap into Theater Academy, there was no roadmap for what we wanted to create. Being the first of its kind- a tap-centric, audition-based youth theater academy- meant we had to figure everything out as we went. It wasn’t easy, but we believed in what we were building, and that belief kept us moving forward.
One thing I wish I knew when we started was just how much of a balancing act it would be. Running a business isn’t just about the passion-you have to be prepared for the administrative side, the marketing, the financial planning, and all the behind the scenes work that makes the creative side possible. I won’t lie- it’s exhausting at times. But if you love what you do, the long hours are worth it. Another piece of advice: surround yourself with people who genuinely support your growth. Not everyone will understand your vision, and some may even doubt you. That’s okay. Stay focused on what you’re building, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. And most importantly- be patient with yourself. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and setbacks are part of the process. Keep learning, keep adapting, and keep pushing forward. If you’re passionate and willing to put in the work, you’ll build something incredible.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tapintotheateracademy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TapIntoTheater
- TikTok: https://www.TikTok.com/@tapintotheateracademy
Image Credits
Tina Evans
Kelsey Downing
Jeannie Lee
Arielle Rustmann
