About Us

Our Mission

Educate, perfect, perform, and promote artistic work in the community to ensure that the stage is a great place for everyone to be a star!

Who We Are

Total Arts Coalition was formed in 2013 originally as Total Spirit Connection, a performing arts ministry under the leadership of Dr. Taurus M. Hines. After serving as a dance teacher in Shelby County schools, he realized that many children across the district didn’t have equal opportunities to explore the arts of theater, dance and other creative fields. Hence, the Total Arts Coalition was formed to give kids the chance to perform and explore the arts. Not only did Dr. Hines realize that children needed an open space to explore their artistic side; but there also linked a void for many adults in Memphis to perform and express their creativity. 

The initial intent was to have a dance company; then puppetry and theater arts were added shortly afterwards. These three were combined in the first play and that’s how it all got started. Now we offer dance, theater, music production, fashion and the chance for everyone regardless of age and previous experience to explore their artistic potential. 

The vision is to make it possible for all people in Shelby County to get the chance to perform on stage and experience a total artistic connection. 

Today, we have about 250 children involved in our programs. We have 5 remote locations in the city of Memphis. Total Arts Coalition has three productions yearly, two dance productions (fall/spring), and Inspiring Artist Conference /Training (IACT) 

Total Arts Coalition is the place where you can think like an artist, dream of your potential, and perform to your abilities. We want the stage to be a great place for everyone to be a star.

Total Arts Coalition

Meet Our Founder

DR. TAURUS M. HINES, PRESIDENT

Dr. Hines is a graduate of Sheffield High School in Memphis, TN. His adventures in the arts began when he was in elementary school and later carried over to his high school years. He aspired to be an astronaut, but traded his dream of being with the stars, to train the future stars of America. He received his BFA in Dance Education from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA. He later pursued two additional degrees: M.Ed from Christian Brothers University and Ed.S from Union University. He served children in the Memphis, Shelby County, and Nashville school districts for over twenty years. It is his dream to create a performance space for all ages to express their artistic gifts and become stars on the stage.

Get Involved

There are many ways that you can get involved such as becoming a volunteer, auditioning to join one of our many programs, become a board member, or make a donation.