Person walking a dog on a paved trail by a river lined with trees

Totally Cool Totally Art

Totally Cool Totally Art (TCTA) has been cultivating creative teens since 1996. TCTA is unique in that the classes are completely free to Austin's youth teen community. Teens will learn various techniques by working directly alongside professional artists. The program reinforces positive choices by offering art appreciation in a mentoring environment. TCTA is built to help give teens new experiences, build respect and trust, keep them out of trouble during high-risk after school hours and improve their skills in creative expression, communication, teamwork and arts appreciation.

Summer Film and Theatre Camp

A collage featuring images of teens on stage and teens shooting short films.

Film Camp

Collaborate with a crew of your peers to create original short films. Learn how to follow each stage of production to transform an idea into a finished film. Write a script, act as cast and crew, and wrap up with an edit that ties it all together.

June 8 - July 2, Monday - Thursday, 1-4pm

Theatre Camp

Work together in an ensemble to create an original show from the ground up. Whether you’re more interested in acting on the stage or behind the scenes, this camp has something for you. Have fun while sharpening your skills in the theatrical arts.

July 6 - July 30, Monday - Thursday, 1-4pm

Eligible students should be in 6-12 grade.
Camp will be at the Asian American Resource Center - 8401 Cameron Rd, Austin, TX 78754

Class Schedule

Soap Box Derby

Design and assemble your own soapbox derby car. Combine function and style while learning about engineering and expressing your creativity. Once your car is complete, use it to race on derby day.

Creature Creation

Sculpt and sew 3D creatures that blend traditional crafting techniques with contemporary materials. Experiment with resin casting, soft sculpture and more.

Painting and Poetry

Put your inner world onto the canvas. Use vibrant painting techniques and powerful poetic expression in a supportive, judgement free space.

Short Film

Follow each stage of production to transform an idea into a finished film. Write a script, then act as both cast and crew to bring it to life. You'll learn about camera angles, sound and editing through the provided film equipment and iPads.

How to Sign Up

Delores Duffie Recreation Center: (512) 978-2465
Dittmar Recreation Center: (512) 974-6090
Dove Springs Recreation Center: (512) 974-3840
Gus Garcia Recreation Center: (512) 978-2525
Mendez Recreation Center: (512) 978-2399
Montopolis Recreation Center: (512) 978-2300
Northwest Recreation Center: (512) 974-6972
Oswaldo A.B. Cantu/Pan American Recreation Center: 512-978-2425
Turner-Roberts Recreation Center: (512) 978-2690
Virginia L Brown Recreation Center: (512) 974-7865

A Review of the 2024 - 2025 TCTA Season

Take a glimpse into what we achieved during our last season of TCTA.

A Year in Review (2024 - 2025)

Check out these highlights of the creative magic from the past TCTA season.

The Final Cookdown: Teen Cooking Show

Cheese and Cornstarch abound at Dittmar Recreation Center on episode 1 of the Final Cookdown.

Sweet, Sweet, Pastry Delights!

This video was created during TCTA's 2025 Summer Film Camp. It was a collaborative effort between the students and instructors and was entirely filmed in one day.

To view our entire collection of short films, gallery walkthroughs, past performances and more, visit TCTA's YouTube Channel.