86| Running a Nonprofit Dance Studio: Lessons from 43 Years with Darla Lemay

What’s it really like to run a nonprofit dance studio—and keep it thriving for over four decades?

In this episode of Life Coaching for Dance Studio Owners, Ginger is joined by Darla Lemay, Artistic Director and Theatre Director of Stageworks Academy of the Performing Arts in Alberta, Canada. Darla brings over 43 years of experience leading a nonprofit studio that’s deeply rooted in community, collaboration, and the arts.

We unpack the unique structure of nonprofit dance studios, the pros and cons of having a board of directors, and how Darla transitioned from wearing every hat to building a sustainable leadership team. Whether you're exploring nonprofit status or simply looking for ways to delegate and lead more effectively, this conversation is full of wisdom you won't want to miss.

🔑 In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why Stageworks Academy was founded as a nonprofit from the very beginning

• The different types of nonprofit boards and how they impact studio operations

• How Darla structured her team to support leadership succession

• The realities of fundraising and applying for grants (and why it shouldn’t be your only strategy)

• Tips for raising tuition without guilt—even as a nonprofit

• Why a clear mission and strong board relationships make all the difference

💬 Darla's advice to overwhelmed studio owners:

“Pick your right team—people who you trust, who don’t have a personal agenda, and who understand the responsibility you carry. You can’t do this alone.”

 

Darla Lemay is the Artistic Director and Theatre Director of Stageworks Academy of the Performing Arts, where she has been a guiding force for over 33 years. As a seasoned leader in arts education, Darla has dedicated her career to building and sustaining a thriving nonprofit performing arts organization that provides accessible, high-quality arts programming for youth.

A graduate of Grant MacEwan University with a Certification in Arts and Culture Management, Darla brings a deep understanding of both the artistic and administrative aspects of nonprofit leadership. She is passionate about creating inclusive opportunities for young people to grow through performance, and she works tirelessly to ensure Stageworks remains a vibrant, community-centered hub for creative expression.

Under her leadership, Stageworks Academy has grown into a respected institution known for excellence in theatre and dance education, all while operating with the heart and mission of a nonprofit dedicated to serving its community.

🌐 Visit: www.stageworksacademy.com