JACKSON, Wyo. — On Friday, Dec. 5, from 6 to 8 p.m., Center for the Arts campus will come alive with Teen Takeover, a free community event created for teens, by teens. Students from Jackson Hole High School and Jackson Community School will transform The Center into a multi-space showcase of art, music, film, and performance – all designed, curated, and produced by local youth. 

Expect neon lighting and glow-in-the-dark face paint, and all are invited to dress on theme. Visitors can explore the entire campus, with something happening in nearly every corner: a juried student art show, short films, dance videos, an open mic, and a makerspace filled with hands-on creativity. Culinary students from Jackson Hole High School and Central Wyoming College will serve up soup, desserts, and a hot chocolate bar, while guests cast votes for their favorite artworks and enter a raffle for hand-printed T-shirts. 

The evening peaks with live music by Teton Music School’s teen rock bands, featuring musicians aged 11 to 18, who will perform high-energy sets in the Theater Lobby starting at 7 p.m. 

Teen Takeover is very crucial because it lets students collaborate within the community, like Jackson Hole Community School and Teton Music School,” said Teen Advisory Board Member Shakynah Mach. “Not only that, but the event is well-curated by the students. For example, I do the logos and the posters. The other students make craft tables, the photobooth background, food, music, and more! It’s a great event for teens to volunteer and make friends. From art to food, and the music itself. It is all created by students.”

Parents are welcome to catch performances and cheer on their teens! The evening is designed as a teen-centered experience, so adults can also hang out in the Parent Lounge or take advantage of the many restaurants nearby The Center, while the teens take over. 

This third annual Teen Takeover is made possible through collaboration among the Teen Takeover Advisory Board, Jackson Hole High School, Jackson Hole Community School, Central Wyoming College, Dancers’ Workshop, and Off Square Theatre Company. It is produced by Center for the Arts together with Teton Music School. 

Schedule of Events:

  • 6 p.m Event begins
  • Ongoing: Open mic, visual art, maker space, photobooth, drinks/snacks, dance videos – Galleries, Commons, Theater Lobby
  • 6 p.m. – 6:30 PM Jackson Hole High School Strings – Theater Lobby
  • 7 p.m. – 8:00 PM Teton Music School Rock Bands – Theater Lobby
  • 8 p.m. Event Ends

No parents required!