Matrix Theatre Company Receives $20,000 NEA Grant for Arts Education Programs
By: BWW News Desk Dec. 15, 2016
For over 25 years, Matrix Theatre Company has presented transformative arts education programs at its theatre and other community locations in metro Detroit. The NEA award will provide funding for classes and workshops for youth ages 5 - 18 at Matrix Theatre and at partnering organizations and institutions throughout Detroit. These educational programs offer youth the opportunity to explore playwriting, performing, and visual arts and develop their literacy and social skills.
"We are always excited to offer new programming to students in the Detroit area, and the NEA has been generous to support us in this mission. In the coming year, we look forward to serving students who have not had the chance to experience theatre and are eager to see what new plays they create."
Beginning in January, Matrix is auditioning new members to the Matrix Teen Company. Matrix Teen Company members will spend their winter and spring developing their newest original play to be performed in April, 2017. Admittance to the company is by audition/interview only and interested teens should call 313-967-0999 ext. 3 for more information.
Beginning in February, Matrix presents its "Discover Our Voice" class series. Youth will work with peers while guided by highly-trained teaching artists to create original plays and productions based on subjects and ideas important to them. These once-weekly after school classes run on Tuesdays from 4:30PM to 6:30PM, February 7 through April 11.
See the detailed class descriptions for more information.
DETAILED CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:
"DISCOVERING OUR VOICE"
Ages: 5 - 14
February 7 - April 11
Tuesdays, 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM with a showcase on April 11 at 6:30 PM
Cost: $85 for new students/$70 for returning students
*Early Bird Discount: Save $10 when you register your child by January 24. Payment plans are available.
Have you ever wanted to share your ideas about school, family, or friends, and didn't have a place to do so? It's easy to feel like you aren't heard, but at Matrix Theatre Company, we know your voice matters. In this series of classes, join us as we discover ways to make our voices heard. These classes will culminate in a final production created by the students through collective playwriting, acting, and improvisation.
Classes will be segmented into the following age groups: 5 - 7 year-olds, 8 - 11 year-olds, and 11 - 14 year-olds. Each class will be led by highly-trained teaching artists. The ages 5 - 7 class will concentrate on visual art and create a short play. The ages 8 - 11 and ages 11 - 14 classes will concentrate on playwriting and performance to create their original productions.
Classes for 5 - 7 year-olds and 11 - 14 year-olds will be held at Matrix Theatre Company, and classes for 8 - 11 year-olds will be held at our partnering location Repair the World, located directly across the street from our theatre.
"MATRIX TEEN COMPANY"
Ages: 14 - 18
Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM with performances April 7, 8 and 9
$5 audition fee, $45 upon acceptance into the Matrix Teen Company
The Matrix Teen Company consists of high school students from the Detroit area who write, produce, and act in a full season of plays each year that draws attention to crucial community issues. Past productions have addressed issues such as bullying, the public education system, immigration, gang violence, and much more.
Matrix Teen Company members will spend their winter and spring developing their newest original play to be performed in April, 2017. Admittance to the company is by audition/interview only. Call 313-967-0999 ext. 3 for more information.
The Matrix School of Theatre engages youth artists ages 5 - 18 to write and perform original plays through our unique, learner-centered approach.
The Matrix Teen Company consists of high school students from the Detroit area who write, produce, and act in a full season of plays each year that draws attention to crucial community issues.
Celebrating more than 25 years as a non-profit community-based theatre, Matrix Theatre Company is located in southwest Detroit and uses the transformative power of theatre to change lives, build community, and foster social justice. Go to matrixtheatre.org for further information. Matrix Theatre Company is funded in part by Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment for the Arts, The Skillman Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, and The Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Foundation.
Pictured: Students of the School of Theatre. Photo by Leia Squillace.
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