Backstage: Most actors can remember the first time they saw a play or musical, and the moment they decided, “This is for me.” The transformative nature of theater is undeniable, but for many marginalized populations, the chance to sit in an audience (much less perform for one) is often out of reach. These arts organizations offer classes, workshops, performances, and more for those who need it most—shifting perspectives and changing lives through the power of self-expression. Here are 10 arts organizations that change lives through the power of live theater.
5 comments:
I love how diverse each of these organizations are. This article really shows that the arts can be used for so much good in the world. The organization that really stuck out to me was "Prison Performing Arts." I first heard of this organization four years ago when I listened to the "Act V" podcast on This American Life. The Prison Performing Arts organization is truly inspirational. If you think about it, the arts, particularly theatre, have an enormous amount of power to change and improve people's lifestyles. Prison Performing Arts, along with these other arts organizations, are all making it their goal to make people's lives better. I would be really interested to see the work these 10 organizations are producing.
There is a program back home in Baltimore called Art with a Heart that has a similar purpose as these art programs. I may be a little biased since it was founded by a family friend but it is a fantastic program. From first hand experience watching AWAH i know just how special and important a program like the ones listed are. Art gives kids and others in undesirable situations light. It is inspiring, uprising and it makes people happy. Giving people something to do whether it is on stage, behind the scenes or in a studio is such a powerful gift that i can see how it changes lives.
Like Jess I appreciated the representation of such a wealth of different populations being served by the arts. The two on this list that I have previously heard of were Creative Alternatives of New York and Drama Club NYC. Both provide an invaluable service to populations that are rarely thought of when it comes to charity or the arts. I have heard so many amazing stories of children and adults with mental illnesses re learning both verbal and gestural communication through theater and it is organizations like CANY that give them that opportunity.
Wow! I had no idea programs like these existed! They are awesome! And they are in a variety of areas, serving all age ranges. As with Jess, one organization that really stood out to me was Prison Performing Arts and PPA Alumni Theatre company. I think it is amazing that you can put on a production with inmates and help improve their lives while at it. Same with ArtSpring. The results from both these programs and the others are amazing. It would really fascinating to see the work they produce in addition to how they are organized. Overall, what these programs are doing is truly life changing, give some the opportunity to express themselves.
It makes me so proud to see art being revered and publicly recognized as being life changing! Obviously being a manager I don't always see myself as contributing to the "higher power" of why we do art. But it doesn't mean it's not important to me, and a huge part of why I do what I do. I hope people continue taking risks despite the financial struggles that maintaining an art organization can present. I think that existing art organizations should always be finding ways to be equally benevolent and philanthropic with their organizations as their donors and communities are to them. As cheesy as it sounds, we have to do our part. Art is supposed to connect people, spread messages, and inspire! We have to be actively part of the community and have our social responsibility be vibrant and thriving!
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