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I started working at UP Academy Oliver Middle School in Lawrence this year as an ESL teacher. As theater has always been such an integral part of my life, I have been determined to bring theatrical experiences and opportunities to my students. This past semester, I was able to bring the entire 6th grade to see a play at Greater Boston Stage Company. Many students - having never seen a play before - were blown away by the magic of theater and were inspired to try acting themselves. When asked who would like to start doing theater, three quarters of hands in the audience automatically shot up. After seeing the excitement on the faces of so many of my students, I decided that now is the time to try to start an after school theater program at my school and make the dream of participating in theater, a reality.
The majority of my students are bilingual and identify as Latinx. Therefore, it is very important to them that we do a piece of theater in which their identities are reflected. If the program can be funded, I hope to do a bilingual play that can involve up to thirty cast members; the play will center around the experiences of young, Latinx students so that my students, their families, and the community can experience a sense of self in the characters.
Though I am very fortunate to have an incredible space in which to present this production, there is no budget for a program like this. Therefore, any and all theatrical opportunities have to be funded externally. To successfully start this program, I will need a budget for rights to the show, costumes, props, set pieces, programs, and the many other expenses that come with putting on a play. 100% of funds from this fundraiser will go directly to starting a theater program for my students. 0% of the funds will be going to me or any other member of the team. All donors will receive a special mention in the program as well as 2 free tickets to the show.
If you are financially able this holiday season, please consider donating to this program for my students. Theater builds community, teaches empathy, embraces identity, and gives confidence to students in the ages where they need it most. Your donation will give my students the opportunity for that experience.
Thank you so much! Happy New Year!
The majority of my students are bilingual and identify as Latinx. Therefore, it is very important to them that we do a piece of theater in which their identities are reflected. If the program can be funded, I hope to do a bilingual play that can involve up to thirty cast members; the play will center around the experiences of young, Latinx students so that my students, their families, and the community can experience a sense of self in the characters.
Though I am very fortunate to have an incredible space in which to present this production, there is no budget for a program like this. Therefore, any and all theatrical opportunities have to be funded externally. To successfully start this program, I will need a budget for rights to the show, costumes, props, set pieces, programs, and the many other expenses that come with putting on a play. 100% of funds from this fundraiser will go directly to starting a theater program for my students. 0% of the funds will be going to me or any other member of the team. All donors will receive a special mention in the program as well as 2 free tickets to the show.
If you are financially able this holiday season, please consider donating to this program for my students. Theater builds community, teaches empathy, embraces identity, and gives confidence to students in the ages where they need it most. Your donation will give my students the opportunity for that experience.
Thank you so much! Happy New Year!