Introduction:
At Cyber Advisors, we firmly believe in giving back to the communities that our employees call home. That's why we've established the Cyber Advisors Day of Service initiative, a testament to our commitment to corporate social responsibility. This program grants our employees an additional day of paid time off (PTO) each year, specifically designated for them to support a cause that holds personal meaning to them. We understand that our employees are not just valuable members of our team but also integral parts of their local communities. Our goal is to empower our employees to make a difference in the places they live and work, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment that extends beyond the workplace.
This week, I had the privilege of participating in the Cyber Advisors Day of Service, where I dedicated my time to support a cause that holds immense importance to me – the Minneapolis Community Education's theater program. This year, I specifically helped at Justice Page Middle School with their production of Frozen Jr.
Organization Overview:
The Minneapolis Community Education has programs at most of the schools in the Minneapolis district. They are on a mission to provide art opportunities to youth. As a no-cut program, it not only nurtures budding actors but also delves into the technical aspects of theater. Its goal is to create an inclusive environment where young talents can thrive.
My Connection to the Organization:
My friend Julia serves as the director for the production and has been giving me insight into the challenges and joys of this theater program. I knew that I wanted to help volunteer sometime during the process. We sat down and decided Tech week was the way to go! For my non-theater-centric readers, Tech week marks the culmination of weeks of hard work and rehearsals. It's the time when all the technical elements of the production come together “seamlessly”. From costumes to props to lighting, it's a symphony of creativity and logistics. Tech week, the intense period leading up to any opening night, becomes a whirlwind of activity, especially with 70 middle schoolers involved!
They put me to WORK!
During tech week, I was all hands-on deck, tackling various tasks to make sure everything was set for the show. From cutting fabric for platform trims to assembling a frame for a door and arranging prop tables, I was deep in the midst of it all. And let's not forget the important job of wrangling the kids – helping them into costumes, buttoning cuffs, and ensuring those skirts were safely pinned until the costume team can add a permanent hem! Oh, and making sure they got their microphones at the tech booth was a must! Before the curtains even went up, we were knee-deep in prep. Once the show kicked off, I was right there with Julia, keeping an eye on the performance and seeing if any last-minute adjustments were needed. Julia has put those kids to work! It was so cool to see one of my oldest friends absolutely shine as she has led this production with so much heart. Speaking of shining! The kids are absolute stars! At this point, the list of adjustments is very minimal! Reminding them to keep smiling, have a blast, and belt it out loud and proud.
Passion for Educational Theater:
Choosing this as my Cyber Day of Service was a no-brainer! My passion for educational theater runs deep, rooted in a lifetime of involvement in the performing arts. With over 100 productions since the age of four, I am committed to nurturing the next generation of artists. Theater, with its ability to teach self-confidence, teamwork, storytelling, and creativity, is more vital than ever in a time of budget cuts and pandemic challenges.
Continuing to Support the Arts:
Supporting the arts doesn't require a background in theater. The first and easiest thing to do is attend shows! Shows at all levels, but particularly your local community theater and school shows. This is where the next generation of stars starts. Hate to break it to you, but all your favorite movie stars were probably once singing in the ensemble of Oklahoma on a high school stage! (Looking at you Hugh Jackman!) For those seeking a deeper connection, getting involved in various aspects of production offers a fulfilling way to support the arts. Theater isn’t just singing and dancing! There are so many ways to support it, from building sets, sewing costumes, or lighting up the stage.
Supporting These Young Performers:
The culmination of our efforts is the upcoming production of "Frozen Jr," opening on March 8th at 7 pm at Justice Page Middle School. Tickets are only $5 (cash), which is an easy sell for an evening filled with talent and fun. These young performers have dedicated three months of hard work, and they deserve a packed audience to cheer them on! With additional shows on Saturday, March 9th, at 2 pm and 7 pm, there are multiple opportunities to support these budding stars.
Conclusion:
In a world that often overlooks the importance of arts education, every contribution counts. I am so thankful for Cyber Advisors providing me with the opportunity to go and support educational theater. It has been so rewarding this week to see the improvement the kids have made from day to day. As the lights dimmed and the music swelled, seeing their hard work pay off is so heartwarming. I couldn't be prouder to have played a role in bringing their vision to life. In the end, it's moments like these that remind me why I'm so passionate about educational theater and the power it has to inspire and uplift both performers and audiences alike.