Arts Learning

We successfully reached our intended community. The majority of participants were Caucasian with parents identifying the following information on confidential registration forms: 3 African American, 1 East Asian, 1 student with limited English skills from Columbia, and three participants on the autism spectrum. The economic range varied, with most paying full tuition while 2 received scholarships. Summer Youth Players teaching artists accommodated each participant's age level and artistic ability, and provided them the opportunity to explore diverse artistic disciplines including singing, acting, and dancing. In addition, students explored technical skills including design, visual arts, and sewing skills as they helped to create the fun sets, props, and costumes. Summer Youth Players kids from both camps engaged the broader community when they represented Lakeshore at our Thursday night MarketFest booth. Kids wore their show T-shirts and handed our postcards as they excitedly invited people to their show. Attendees were drawn from the general public, and included participants family and friends. Residents from Solid Ground, a nearby housing facility for women and children transitioning out of homelessness, were invited to attend. Nine responded, but only one actually attended. Attendance overall was very strong. The Summer Youth Players, Jr. show drew 635 attendees (91% of capacity), and Summer Youth Players drew 871 (83% of capacity) for a total of 1506 seats filled. Of those, 111 saw the show free of charge. Participants were cast in cross-gender roles with girls enthusiastically playing the roles of "Merry Men" and "Robin Hood." Participants even played "cross-species" roles, with the Jr. kids playing dinosaurs! The decision makers who serve on Lakeshore's gender-balanced board and staff encompass three generations, include one member of the LGBTQ community, and represent diverse cultural, ethnic, religious, and economic backgrounds. Together with the contracted teaching artists, the Lakeshore team creates an open, welcoming, accessible environment for participants and attendees. 35 junior students and 33 teens were served in ten theatre performances. 100% of respondents surveyed said the program met expectations.