What is SALT Academy?

We are a Christian-founded non-profit performing arts institution in Historic Downtown Gresham providing education in the disciplines of dance, voice, music and theatre. Our program consists of daily classes, a major theatrical production during the summer, smaller quarterly productions, semi-annual recitals, summer camps and much more!

Students of SALT Academy range from age 2 through high school - we even have theatre, dance and vocal classes for adults!

Since 2007 we have been serving Gresham and surrounding communities with high quality performing arts education.

Average students served per year

98 Percentage of students on scholarship

25%

Total performances

117+

"Our mission is to teach skills for life through quality performing arts education."

Our Students

We’ve found students forming wonderful lifelong friendships while watching them grow emotionally, mentally and even spiritually. Many have achieved a sense of confidence and belonging they never thought possible. From classes to rehearsals and performances, we’re constantly in awe of how our simple vision has been such a positive influence in these young lives.

“SALT has changed the way I view myself...and given me a lot of confidence. It's challenged me in the way I interact with other people. I feel I could pretty confidently go out and live my life and know that...the people and relationships are always there to help support me.”

Liah
"You'll definitely find your place. It's really hard to find friends... SALT really helped with that."

Rachel
“Some of the top things I like about SALT is the family that I've made and that I know I'll have forever [and]; the skills they have given me that I know I'll be able to take throughout my entire life. I really love the teachers. With SALT you get the teaching and coaching you need, but you also have a really loving environment.”

Ana Grayce
"SALT has challenged me in my confidence level in singing...dancing...and to pull out emotions I've never had to pull out before for a show. It's always been a passion of mine to be a performer, so just to have this experience and this knowledge will really help me down the line. SALT Academy will challenge you to move up to that next level and have fun while doing it."

Bryan

Our Core Values

To provide tailored performing arts education from novice to professional levels taught by seasoned and experienced dancers, singers, directors, musicians.
To promote and maintain a safe environment to experience both success and failure while honoring self-expression.
To serve and support our community through active participation in local events and providing a creative and diverse array of SALT-produced shows.

Our Community

SALT Academy is very active in the community, regularly participating in local annual events such as the Gresham Art Walk, Troutdale Summerfest Parade and Gresham’s Spirit of Christmas gala. We also have had the honor of singing the national anthem for Gresham’s former baseball team, the Gresham Grey Wolves. Since opening in 2007 we have established many strong relationships with area businesses and the community at large and are members of the Gresham Chamber of Commerce, Gresham Center for the Arts Foundation and the Historic Downtown Gresham Business Association.

"SALT Academy is a wonderful non-profit giving to the children in our community! The quality of classes, love and encouragement is outstanding!"

Cathe Weise - My Father's House
“They are passionate and caring. They provide quality programs in so many different performing arts! They are a positive attribute to all ages of people in Gresham and the surrounding areas. They are so community-oriented.”

Tom Slyter - Gresham Breakfast Lions Club
“Great organization that offers so much to the community. The Arts are so important for all but a real plus to our young.”

Geoffrey Kenway - Kenway Benefits Group
"A great organization for teaching kids the arts--affordable too!"

Rick Johnson, Better Dads

"If you thought SALT Academy was just a dance school with little ones in tutus then hopefully, we've given you a glimpse of the bigger picture. While we absolutely love seeing our little dancers and teenage performers on a stage, putting on a great show is only part of the story.

We are passionate about investing in our youth. We have a unique opportunity to teach values as early as possible such as respect, listening, work ethic, kindness, inclusion and teamwork...and we do this through the Performing Arts.

At SALT Academy, your child will have fun and learn many amazing things. We want to partner with you. Let us be a part of your "village" and help raise them to DO amazing things and BE amazing people!"

-Kirk Moormann, COO