Each fall and spring the Educational Theatre Company (http://www.educationaltheatrecompany.org) helps 40 elementary school students create a play. I have volunteered as a high school intern to assistant direct since 2014, and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The amazing people at the Educational Theatre Company (ETC) help the students write a script, create a set, write songs, and choreograph dances. There is nothing like watching a young actor take a scene and run with it, or make a daring character choice, or even laugh at a joke their friend wrote. The impact ETC has on these students lives is incredible. From 9:00 to 3:00 these kids are in their seats at school, with little chance to express themselves or explore. The acting, writing, singing, dancing, drawing, and painting they do is a creative outlet that is only available because of ETC. Each student brings something unique to the play they create, and the pride in their eyes after going onstage as a character they developed in a play they helped write is unparalleled. There was nothing even close to this available to me at my elementary school. The Educational Theater Company's work in spreading an arts education to so many students is crucial, as time spent on the arts in schools continues to shrink. I give because the chance to explore the world through art is something every student should have, and I'm so thankful I can help ETC provide this opportunity.
Review from #MyGivingStory