Big Uppa Sky Studios
Big Uppa Sky Studios is a creative community initiative built around exploration, collaboration, and hands-on creativity.
Through BUS Stops, workshops, productions, community partnerships, and creative hangouts, we create spaces where people can try new things, share ideas, build confidence, and make something meaningful together.
Some experiences are structured.
Others are spontaneous.
One night might involve storytelling, music, or collaborative art. Another might become a brainstorming session, a live interactive show, a puzzle table, a movie night, or a room full of people experimenting with ideas together.
At Big Uppa Sky Studios, creativity isn’t reserved for experts or professionals.
It’s something people discover by participating.
Our Mission
Inspire creativity.
Build confidence.
Strengthen community
Where the Name Comes From
“Big Uppa Sky” was a phrase our founder’s mother used as her way of expressing endless love, encouragement, and possibility.
That spirit continues to shape everything we do.
Big Uppa Sky Studios exists to create environments where people feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged to try something new — whether they’re stepping onto a stage, sharing an idea, building a project, or simply showing up to be part of the experience.
What We Believe
We believe creativity can:
- bring people together
- build confidence
- strengthen communities
- help people discover new parts of themselves
We also believe there’s no single “right” way to participate.
Some people lead.
Some collaborate.
Some observe quietly before jumping in later.
All of that is part of the process.
What BUS Looks Like
BUS can take many forms, including:
- BUS Stops (creative events & experiences)
- Try It workshops
- Make It project sessions
- Jamprov performances
- community collaborations
- mobile creative experiences
- casual creative hangouts and testing spaces
From schools and libraries to borough spaces and festivals, BUS is designed to meet communities where they are.
Who We Work With
We collaborate with:
- schools & districts
- libraries & museums
- boroughs & municipalities
- nonprofits & youth programs
- festivals & community events
- churches & community groups
- businesses & creative teams
- families, learners, and curious people of all ages
If you have people and a place, we’d love to explore something together.
About the Founder
John J. Dessler is Special Faculty at Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center, where he teaches visual storytelling, creative prototyping, digital production, and emerging media.
He is also the founder of The Outlet for Creativity, Inc. (1996–2005), a Beaver County nonprofit focused on festivals, workshops, performances, and youth arts programming. Big Uppa Sky Studios continues that mission in a modern form — blending creativity, technology, storytelling, and community participation into experiences designed to bring people together.
Connect With Us
Interested in collaborating, hosting a BUS Stop, or exploring an idea together?
We’d love to hear from you.