A Stage for Every Child
How "the arts" impact the lives of young people.
As the school year finds its pace and our children find their place, their academic, social, and emotional opportunities—and challenges—begin to surface.
The role of the arts, not only as an outlet but also as a vehicle for expression, impacts more than the after-school or extracurricular activity at hand. Below, our local arts organization grantees share a few examples of how critical arts programming can be to directly shape our childrens’ health and future.
Looking to introduce your child to the arts? Visit ARTSmemphis’ community event calendar, which features arts programs and events that may be filtered by date range, camps, education, or even “kid-friendly.”
These powerful stories demonstrate that there’s a stage for every child here in Memphis, regardless of their ability or recognition.
Josh had never stepped foot in a theater. Born with a rare genetic disorder, the 15-year-old has developmental delays and cognitive differences that have inhibited his participation in activities including live theater. His mother had recently seen her very first show, which happened to be a New Day production, where she learned about New Day’s Sensory Friendly performances. Excited at the prospect, but not quite sure if Josh would tolerate sitting through an entire show, she decided to give it a try. To everyone's surprise, not only was Josh attentive, but he was absolutely enamored by the experience. Josh has not missed a production since. After two Sensory Friendly performances, he told his mom that he was ready to try a "regular performance." He successfully conquered his first full performance without sensory accommodations and now not only attends normal performances regularly, but also loves to volunteer as a greeter for every production. Further, Josh hopes to audition for an upcoming production. What could be more rewarding than that? The arts save lives. Through theater, Josh has been empowered to try new things.
Shy, insecure, and grappling with personal struggles that made trusting others a distant thought, Tanaya’s future seemed anything but bright. Over the years, her transformation has been so profound, it is a testament to the power of belief, support, and the arts in changing lives — especially the lives of our children in our community. Tanaya, now a senior in high school, has blossomed into a leader within AngelStreet, a North Memphis-based arts organization who fosters girls’ growth as creative leaders through music and mentorship — because all girls deserve creative leadership opportunities, no matter where they live. Accepted by at least five colleges and universities, her achievements speak volumes of her growth. Yet, it's her role at AngelStreet that illuminates her journey best. From speaking roles to standout solos, she's become an inspiration to her peers, a beacon of what's possible, and an embodiment of AngelStreet’s mission.
On a Sunday afternoon inside the Halloran Centre for Performing Arts and Education, sound engineers adjust their levels, young people shuffle down the hallway, and a crowd forms in the lobby. The showcase for Camp SAY, a program for young people who stutter, is about to begin. The camp, hosted twice a year by the Orpheum Theatre Group, is in partnership with the international organization SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young. Camp SAY prioritizes connection, collaboration, and fun, and has an uncompromising primary focus: to give young people who stutter as much time as they need to speak. Students from ages 8-18 take the stage, full of talent and bravery. Some sing alone or in unison, others move across the stage in choreographed dances. A group plays their own version of Family Feud. A young boy shows off a piece of clothing he designed by cutting and pinning several camp shirts together. The audience listens to a series of homemade jokes. At one point, a whiteboard is rolled onstage and a student takes the crowd through a complicated math problem. It is evident they have each been given permission to showcase to their captivated audience what it is about themselves they want the world to notice. They feel proud, they feel powerful, and most importantly, they feel heard.
A seventh grade football player from one of Memphis’ most impoverished neighborhoods was directed to YAG in Orange Mound by his principal. She personally dropped him off after witnessing his struggles to fit in, which impacted his grades, his behavior, and his mental stability. Upon meeting him, YAG immediately recognized the struggle: He was an artist and athlete fighting to find his identity and place. Over the course of the eight-week summer program, his exposure to the arts—and other artists—began to help him peel back the layers and start to dream. His spirits were lifted as he embraced an atmosphere conducive to meeting him where he was and developing his raw talent. YAG’s artistic director watched the movie Creed and quickly identified the lead of the movie and this young man. There was a song within the movie that she felt would be perfect for him that identified with both his internal struggles and his will to be better. During the performance, he took the stage and, as he sang the words “Heavy is the head that wears the Crown,” while tears began rolling down his face. On this day, he experienced his full-circle moment of his dreams colliding with his reality.
ARTSmemphis, a 501(c)3, is the Mid-South’s primary arts funder, working behind the scenes to expand the foundation of Memphis’ arts through diligent and diverse support. The granting organization has distributed over $97 million since 1963 and serves as a funding partner, advocate and connector for local artists and arts organizations. To learn more, visit artsmemphis.org.