Sunflower Players Theatre Outreach
Sunflower Players Theatre Outreach program provides a unique hands-on theatre experience for children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to engage in theatre. By collaborating with other non-profit organizations, and through donations from corporations, foundations and individuals, we are better able to provide high quality arts education for under resourced children in our community.
The need for such activities was well expressed in this recent newspaper article in USA Today on May 25, 2006:
“Arts a fundamental part of education... A decade-long study of youth-based arts organizations, conducted by Stanford-based cultural anthropologist Shirley Brice Heath, has demonstrated that artists and arts organizations have a significant impact on young people in some of the country’s most challenged communities. When compared with a national sample, youth who participate in arts programs were twice as likely to win an award for academic achievement, 31% more likely to say that they plan to continue their education after high school, and 25% more likely to report feeling satisfied with themselves.
Further, the arts contribute to the community’s reservoir of social capital, foster civic engagement and strengthen personal development. If the public schools cannot include arts and communication programs within their curricula, then the community, including corporations, philanthropic entities, churches and arts organizations, can work together to provide legitimate alternatives that can salvage lives and enrich living.”
Warrick L. Carter
President of Columbia College, Chicago
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Sunflower Creative Arts strongly believes in the power of non profit organizations working together to provide the best for the children of our community. Thanks to generous donations by individuals and a wonderful $2,000 grant from Target, our dreams for our Sunflower Players Theatre Outreach Program are being realized. We have begun collaboration with the Florence Fuller Child Development Center, Boys and Girls Club of Boca Raton and the Lois Morton Community Center to provide high quality individualized theatre experiences throughout the school year and summer programs. If you would like to help this or any of the programs of Sunflower Creative Arts visit the donations page and call 561 482-3412.
Comments by children in the Program:
“I liked being in it because it was fun and it helps me a lot and actually makes you feel good because we did it ourselves and it gives us a chance to see how drama is! And, I think other people should try it because it’s fun. And it would help you in any kind of way.” Joquesha Kent, age 11
“The best thing for me was that I learned how to dance in front of people and I was not too scared. Also, now when I get into high school I might be able to do drama.” Julie Joseph, age 11
“It was fun, I like it because it was created and directed by us. And, it was very fun.” Martavious Barber, age 12
“It was fun. It was ‘off the chain!’ It was ‘ghetto’ and you get to be you!” Brianna Perry, age 13
