Youth Empowerment Theatre-China

Hi, My name is Camryn Sherer. I am in the 10th grade and in the IB (International Baccalaureate) program at Hillside High School in Durham, North Carolina. I am an honors student but besides my studies, I also devote my time to theatre, and volunteering in the community. I now have the opportunity to perform in Beijing, China with the traveling acting troupe, One Voice. We hope to dispel negative perceptions of African American youth that are depicted through mainstream media. In China, these images unfortunately serve as the only source of information and awareness that people have about our lives. As a member of One Voice, I am committed to our goal of helping to empower youth at a global level. I am proud to represent my culture, and hope to make connections with Chinese youth who share similar aspirations. We have a voice, and we can lead the changes that will better all of our lives. As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

Trip Details and Expenses
The overall cost of the trip is $3,500. This amount may seem monumental, but I hope and believe it can be reached. I consider this to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and am so thankful for the possibility to participate, and share my experiences when I return. I deeply appreciate any contribution that you could make.  If you would like to ask me any questions or need further information, please do contact me. The dates are March 27 to April 5, 2015. Our partner school is Beijing Huija Private School, a co-ed college prep IB international school.  I will attend Chinese language and Chinese culture classes. In addition, we will prepare two performances, and also attend a Chinese theatre production.

Cadillac Car, Dreamgirls, 2014

My Future
I plan to attend Howard University in the hope of majoring in Biology and minoring in Theatre. I aspire to become an actress or marine biologist; both if I can. My fondness for biology is relatively new, compared to my love of the arts. Through theatre I have grown tremendously. It has helped me with my communication skills, my confidence and has allowed me to meet life-long (I hope!) friends.

My Theatre Experience
Dreamgirls
In the Heights
Langston Hughes' Black Nativity (I've performed in this production  for 7 years)
Perilous Times
Why Mosquitoes Buzz
Little Shop of Horrors
Seussical
The Wiz
Annie
S.T.A.R. Academy
If It Wasn't For Me
Cinderah
Aladdin

Daniela, In the Heights, 2013

About One Voice
One Voice is Hillside High School’s Drama Dept. premiere acting troupe.  The group consists of 8–12 students who are serious about theatre and the arts.  They are responsible for representing the program at its highest standards. One Voice is dedicated to the creation of new works and performing about issues in today’s society.  In addition to performing, the students write all of their own material.

About The International Professional-Student Theatre Exchange Program
The  mission of the exchange program is to promote social and academic communications with other community-based programs in high schools and universities around the world. The exchange seeks to provide an international network for the performing arts to expand the total dramatic process across cultures. The program is designed to give students who have a keen interest in theatre arts an opportunity to share and explore different cultures and to gain awareness of the ideas and beliefs of others. Hillside students have had the opportunity to study and perform in Sydney, Australia; Kenya, East Africa; London, England; Osaka, Japan; Lima Peru; and more.