Rising Artists' Collective, previously known as Rising Teen Productions, was founded in October of 2022 by Artistic Director Zoey Emma Waller. Waller was inspired to start her own theater company after applying for her senior year seal of arts proficiency. In order to earn the highly sought after arts seal, students were required to put together a thesis project with an emphasis in the area of art they were most passionate about, and present it to a team of teachers and advisors from their school. Having been involved in theater since she was six years old, Waller knew she would like to devise a project based on it. With the help of Elise Kurbat, Rising Teen Productions was formed with the goal of allowing teens of all backgrounds and experience levels to be involved in making theater, whether on stage or behind the scenes. In addition to creating the company, Waller's art seal project included a presentation and thesis paper on her favorite musical, Spring Awakening. With a team of highly talented and passionate teens and young adults, Waller was able to produce a sold out production of Spring Awakening. 

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Prior to putting on this production of Spring Awakening, Waller wanted to give back to the community that raised her and celebrate one of her favorite holidays, Valentine's Day. With the help of her friends and Spotlight Youth Theater, Waller produced and performed in "Be Mine, a Valentine's Cabaret" in which all proceeds from the event went back to Spotlight Youth Theater. The team was able to raise around $400 for the theater through ticket sales, donations, and Waller's secret cupcake recipe. The event gathered like minded teens in the valley and gave them a space to experiment with music they've never gotten to perform, all centered around the theme of love. This event set a precedent for the company, "Our goal is not to raise money, but to raise the next generation of artists." (Quote by Zoey Emma Waller). Since this event, Waller has made a commitment to donate all proceeds to local youth theaters in need. As her mentor Kenny Grossman says "(Youth) theater anywhere is good for (youth) theater everywhere." 

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On September 12th, 2024, an announcement came from the previously named Rising Teen Productions. It was time for a rebrand. Waller, who started her company at age 17, had officially moved on from the world of youth theater. About to turn 20, she decided that it was time for a change. "An old friend of mine once talked to me about starting an artists' collective/colony and working with other people our age to put on theater that really spoke to us, and this idea has stuck with me ever since." (Quote by Zoey Emma Waller via rising_artists_collective on Instagram). 

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As of 2026, Rising Artists' Collective is a proud 501(c)(3) non profit operating out of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. A company committed to providing equal opportunity to actors and designers of all ages, backgrounds, experience levels, etc. R.A.C is proud to note that all proceeds to this day have gone back to local youth theaters. Thanks to donations from family, friends, and strangers alike, Rising Artists' Collective has been able to grow from a girl and her ten friends around a piano into an organization that demands attention.