Small Towns/Rural Areas
ACHF Arts Education
This is an opportunity for youth in rural areas to perform in a theatrical production and to be mentored by authentic actors/directors. The normal opportunity to act is in short school/church plays that are directed by non-theatrical adults. Rural youth traditionally are sports enthusiasts. Performing in a theatre production and working with authentic actors/directors reminds them that theatre is an art just like painting. Parents see their children express themselves in a new milieu. The cast's survey answers who they participated and what they learned. Their responses help us evaluate the production. After each performance we talk to the patrons to get their thoughts of the play and the youth theatre's influence on the area.
We bring in actors to teach theatrical art to expand youth opportunities to perform and to work with instructors who are in theatre. Rather than excel just in sports, we offer an alternative interest area. It also reminds them that the theatre is an art.
Other, local or private