BREAKING THE CHAIN Community Event Announced for Van Wezel Center

Parents from Visible Men Academy will be highlighting portions of their recent work facilitated by the Van Wezel Education Department's Breaking the Chain at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Monday, May 8 from 6:00PM -8:00PM. This event is open to the Community.

For 16 weeks parents have been actively participating in the VMA 2Gen Parent Success Program. Using theatrical exercises, parents shared stories about the challenges they face at work, in their home and with their families. These ideas have been developed into an evening of scenes, stories, and spoken word.

"This project was very much about starting a conversation with parents and taking it out into our community," says Kelli Maldonado, Director of Education & Community Engagement for the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. "Parents have used the workshop to talk about challenges they face, and the "chains" from which they wish to break free for their children. It has been a very powerful experience and something they are very excited to share."

The event will start with a meet-and-greet at 6:00pm and the program begins at 6:30pm. Immediately following the program will be a Q&A with the company.

"VMA is absolutely thrilled to be collaborating with the Van Wezel Foundation and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for this unique 2Gen Parent Theatre Project," says Shannon Rohrer-Phillips, Co-Founder of Visible Men Academy, "When Kelli Maldonado from the Van Wezel approached us with this concept, we knew it was perfectly aligned with our client-centered Parent Success Program. Under the Creative Direction of Kelli and our VMA Expressive Arts Coordinator Cedric Hameed, we've seen the VMA Parents find and share their voice and tackle complex personal and community issues in a supportive setting. We hope everyone can join us for this special theatrical debut on 5/8 at the VW."

This unique collaboration is made possible by the generosity of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the Van Wezel Foundation.

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