Raise the Curtain: Jaselyn Blanchard-Pace Expands Joci Straus’ Legacy and Empowers the Next Generation

By Jules Aldaz

For decades, the Majestic and Empire Theatres have been iconic cultural landmarks in San Antonio, thanks to the vision and dedication of extraordinary leaders. First, there was Joci Straus, whose passion and determination saved these theaters from decline. Now, Jaselyn Blanchard-Pace is carrying that mission forward, not only preserving their historic grandeur but also expanding opportunities for young performers through the Joci Awards and other educational initiatives.

Photo courtesy Jaselyn Blanchard-Pace; Photography by Jeanann Wilkinson of J Wilkinson Co

Joci Straus: The Visionary Who Saved History

In 1988, Joci Straus founded the Las Casas Foundation (now The Majestic Empire Foundation) with a singular mission: to restore and revitalize the Majestic and Empire Theatres. Faced with the threat of deterioration and possible demolition, these historic venues needed a champion, and Straus rose to the challenge.

Her relentless fundraising efforts led to $4.5 million being raised for the Majestic Theatre’s restoration in 1989, followed by an additional $5.5 million for the Empire Theatre’s revival in 1998. Her work not only preserved these spaces but also transformed them into premier performance venues, attracting world-class productions and audiences.

But Straus’s vision extended beyond preservation—she wanted to create opportunities for young artists to thrive. This commitment led to the development of a scholarship program that would become one of the most impactful in the country.

A Shared Commitment: Preservation, Education, and Community

Both Straus and Blanchard-Pace share an unwavering dedication to:

• Theater Preservation: Straus saved the theaters from decline, while Blanchard-Pace continues to ensure they remain cultural gems for generations to come.

• Arts Education: Straus laid the foundation for supporting young artists, and Blanchard-Pace has expanded those efforts, securing more funding and opportunities for students.

• Community Engagement: Both women have transformed the Majestic and Empire Theatres into vibrant cultural hubs, offering performances, educational programs, and outreach initiatives that enrich the San Antonio arts scene.

Thanks to their leadership, the Majestic and Empire Theatres will continue to inspire and launch the careers of countless young artists, ensuring the arts remain at the heart of San Antonio’s cultural landscape.

Jaselyn Blanchard-Pace: Building on a Legacy

Today, Jaselyn Blanchard-Pace is at the helm as Executive Director of the Majestic Empire Foundation, bringing fresh energy to the mission of preservation, education, and community engagement.

Her leadership has expanded the foundation’s educational programs and increased scholarship funding, ensuring even more young artists have access to financial support and professional development. At the heart of this effort is the Joci Awards, the foundation’s prestigious performing arts scholarship program. Since its inception in 2009, the Joci Awards has distributed over $1.6 million in scholarships—making it the largest scholarship funding source for performing arts in the United States.

In 2025, the Joci Awards will expand to its biggest stage yet—the iconic Majestic Theatre. This move marks a transformative leap in scale and impact, tripling its reach and offering an unprecedented 500 hours of free workshops and masterclasses led by top industry professionals. By creating more opportunities for young performers to learn from the best, the Joci Awards is solidifying its place as a national leader in arts education and talent development.

For many students, especially those who don’t feel supported at home or in their immediate circles, their directors and teachers become their biggest champions. Jaselyn Blanchard-Pace acknowledges the life-changing role educators play in nurturing young talent:

“In so many cases, teachers and directors become the strongest source of encouragement for students who may not feel supported elsewhere. They are the ones who show up, who believe in their students’ potential, and who remind them that their voices, stories, and talents matter. The performing arts are not just about skill; they’re about finding a place where you belong, where you feel seen and heard. That’s why programs like the Joci Awards are so important—we want every young artist to know that they are valued, they are capable, and they have a future in this industry if they want it.”

Through scholarships, mentorship, and professional development opportunities, the Joci Awards and the Majestic Empire Foundation are ensuring that students—regardless of their background—can pursue their dreams.

One of the most powerful pieces of advice for young performers comes down to one simple mantra: “Say yes to the opportunity and figure it out later.”

Blanchard-Pace believes that taking chances, even when you don’t feel ready, is the key to success in the performing arts. “The most successful artists aren’t always the ones who know everything—they’re the ones who step up, take risks, and trust that they will rise to the occasion. Growth happens outside of your comfort zone. If an opportunity comes your way, take it. You’ll surprise yourself with what you’re capable of.”

With this mindset, the next generation of artists is being encouraged to embrace challenges, take bold steps, and trust in their talent—values that will carry them far beyond the stage.

With each passing year, the Joci Awards and the Majestic Empire Foundation continue to uplift and empower young performers, ensuring that the legacy of Joci Straus and the vision of Jaselyn Blanchard-Pace will shape the future of the performing arts for generations to come. ■

Brilliance Takes Center Stage: Meet the Joci Awards Finalists

As the Joci Awards continues to shape the future of young performing artists, this year’s finalists represent some of the most promising talent in Texas. Here are just a few of the students whose dedication and artistry have earned them a spot in this prestigious competition:

Acting Finalists:

Trip Shirah – McAllen High School

Brennan Garcia – McAllen High School

Adrianna Rodriguez – Harlingen Performing Arts Conservatory

Nadia Tolan – Ronald Reagan High School

Renata Trevino – Brownsville Veterans Memorial Early College High School

Vivian Wood – Churchill High School

Francesca Santos – Northeast School of the Arts

Luke Woodruff – Northeast School of the Arts

Brendan Koepke – Northeast School of the Arts

Sophia Leune – Northeast School of the Arts

Mateo Palm - Churchill High School 

Carolina Kortan – Harlingen Performing Arts Conservatory 

Vocal Finalists:

Cassie Ortiz – Northeast School of the Arts

Dance Finalists:

Rowan Norris – Northeast School of the Arts

Grace Pittman – Northeast School of the Arts

For a full list of the finalists, please visit The Majestic Empire Foundation on Instagram.