Need brilliant ideas re: community program for teen program

[OneGrassRoot]

I realize answers will likely vary from region to region, but I'm trying to create a program that could be implemented nationally, which provides a safe venue for high school kids involved in my school district's theatre arts programs to gather -- outside of school -- for essentially an open mic night situation.

They have one or two productions throughout the year, but many of these kids want to pursue theatre and performing arts in college, and what they need are more opportunities to perform in a relaxed atmosphere on a regular basis.

In trying to find a place for this to take place, I'm encountering lots of red tape and, essentially, no interest.

There are plenty of bars around here with open mic nights, but that's not cool for teenagers.

The coffee houses want a rental fee if a group is going to be essentially taking over...lol. On one hand I understand that, on the other hand the potential for good business on that night is very high, especially if parents and friends attend, so I would have hoped they'd focus on that potential.

I can't do it through the schools, even though they have the perfect venue with auditoriums, because of red tape and because, understandably, the kids want to get away from the school as they spend so much time there already.

I've contacted local community centers but they also charge a fee -- and a hefty one at that, $70/hour! (Raleigh, NC)

Another aspect to this is that I'd like for each of these gatherings to benefit a local cause. Have it be a fundraising event, not just a get-together for the kids. I'm determined to show them how they can have fun and benefit, while helping others along the way.

My daughter and I, ultimately, would like to create a program that can be implemented in other parts of the country, not just here.

So, I'm trying to think of facilities/venues that are available across the country, are conducive to this gathering of kids to perform (size-wise, equipment-wise), and could benefit from this event by bringing business to the location.

There are so many empty buildings that it drives me crazy they're not being put to better use. But I realistically can't devote time renovating buildings for use in this program (though I would LOVE to partner with those who have an interest in - and skills -- to do so). And I need to get this going now, before the start of the next school year.

I've contacted the one community arts program in the Raleigh area, which I LOVE, but there is a lot of red tape there, even though there is interest. Proceeds from the fundraisers would benefit their organization, so it's truly a win-win situation. It could take months for them to respond.

Any suggestions as to clever locations/facilities that are found in nearly every area, could be used for teens performing, a place for their family and friends to gather to watch them, on Friday and/or Saturday evenings?

Thanks! :hi:

[OneGrassRoot]

1. Wow, I just had another thought....

It could be "themed" performances, too. With songs and performances focused on compassion one night, and educating about local poverty and homelessness in the process somehow. Heck, that could be the entire focus, just going about it differently with each gathering. Make it fun, but open hearts and minds in the process. And it can provide some structure for these kids to follow as they "do their thing."

Now, the venue...

Oh, definitely not churches either, for obvious reasons. Although, may be a Unity Church would be okay? Something non-denominational? I don't know...I always hate when school functions cross lines with churches and vice versa; but, this isn't a school function and they'd have the facilities.

Do you think a strictly non-denominational church facility may be a viable option?

[Motown_Johnny]

2. Senior communities like having distractions for their residents

as well as senior centers or good old retirement homes.


You may need to change your idea slightly from an open mic night. Maybe have the kids write their own one act plays and do a few of them each time they perform.

If you had only 4 places in each area participate you could then get there once a month so it would still be a treat for the audience but the kids could perform every weekend.


Just throwing this out there as a first post, hopefully others will join in now.


Editing since I read your second post



Most senior groups have some type of religious base. Not that they are churches but generally the "birds of a feather" rule applies.

It might be somewhat limiting in the type of material that would be popular but we are talking about people performing that have not yet turned 18, having a built in reason to keep material "wholesome" might not be a bad idea.

[OneGrassRoot]

3. That's a great idea....

There are a lot of retirement communities, so I can see this being a good way to go.

And, there could be a lot of education going on -- on many levels -- by the kids visiting the senior centers. I had my daughter's theatre group perform at a retirement community last year, and everyone involved loved it, including the kids.

The kids' first reaction to having this gathering at a retirement community versus a coffee bar, for example, is disappointment. They want a "fun" environment.

But, I must remind them they had fun at that senior gathering. And they can learn so much. It's truly a win-win situation...

Thanks Motown_Johnny!!! :hi:

[demmiblue]

4. Public Library

Our public library has a medium size room that is used for movie showings, guest speakers, etc.

Good luck!

:hi:

[OneGrassRoot]

6. Really?!

I'll have to check that out! Never even thought of that....

Thanks. :hi:

[demmiblue]

10. Another idea:

Try an Elk's Lodge. Our local Elk's Lodge donated their banquet facilities in the past for area Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts groups (not weekly, but for special ceremonies/meetings)as part of their commitment to helping the community.

[OneGrassRoot]

11. Excellent. Thanks! :) n/t

[LaReservaPr]

5. City Park

How about a City Park? It can be sort of an Open Mic Under the stars thing.

[OneGrassRoot]

8. Wow, maybe I shouldn't even focus so much on a consistent venue...

You guys have already come up with great ideas. Maybe this could be a "traveling" performance opportunity...with an "Open Mic Night" under the stars as just one of the venues. And perhaps at the local art museum which often has outdoor movie showing and such.

Doing it this way may mean I'd have to figure out a way to purchase and haul around equipment though. That's one of the reasons the venue was important; a venue that had sound equipment in place already.

Very cool idea -- thanks so much!

:hi:

[coffeenap]

7. Community colleges? Also, park districts have facilities--usually low priced.nt

[OneGrassRoot]

9. Community colleges, and just colleges in general...

are next on my list to call. Amazingly, the county park facilities are expensive: $70/hour. No way we can do that. :(

Thanks for chiming in! :hi:

[monmouth]

12. Our public library had a series of musical presentations (all kinds, jazz,

piano solos, vocals)and it was an enormous hit. The library loved it as many books were checked out, people were in a great mood and I believe refreshments (some champagne)for the adults. Hope this is helpful..

[OneGrassRoot]

13. It really is....

I have other community programs I'm hoping to implement with libraries, but I never considered the libraries for this particular program.

Thank you and the above poster so much for opening my eyes to this possibility.

Very, very, VERY cool possibility!

Thanks! :hi:

[rucky]

14. How about a nightclub?

They're usually closed during the time you'd hold the workshops, so they may rent it for cheap & have all the lighting.

[OneGrassRoot]

15. I'd actually want it for Friday and/or Saturday nights...

from like 7:00 to 9:00 or 8:00 to 10:00.

It would be a social thing for the kids, integrating a social event, something they need more practice with, and doing something good for the community.

So, a nightclub won't work. :(

But thanks! :hi:

[Liberation Angel]

16. A couple of thoughts from one who's been there...

Community arts centers will fly with artist's particpation and active parents involved (just one or two can make all the difference).

You might want to incirporate as a nonprofit (simple forms usually but takes a while) but create a small board (3 folks) committed to meet at least once a month or even less frequently to organize. But be professional and formal in your intent and artsy in your approach (casual but well organized).

Let the kids be involved in the board or as an advisory board (its a good skill builder) which is basically planning sessions and the creation of todo lists (who will contact so and so about hisa vacant storefront and find out if we can use it and how much are we gonna have to pay for insurance ---Insurance is usually a thing you need money for at events and you can get event "riders" and maybe even an insurance company will "sponsor" you and dante some of the fee (ask around).

We always did event t-shirts and posters, cotton, all natural and get them made up kinda cheap or donated. A Hundred shirts sold for $10 a pop (and most parents and friends may want one) might work. Have a competition for a few designs or even for slection of a few one acts.

I helped an organization and ran theater events and film, poetry readings , etc for years til my kids took precedence.

PM me if you want.

There is a great organization which was grass roots organized and now is a huge year round operation which was ALL volunteer and donations and still mostly is (they have a part time staff and fundraisers etc but basically most folks just do it cause they love it).

I will find the link and it may give you some ideas. Don't be overwhelmed by the activities etc. The volunteers (and I contributed some time as these were friends) saved a building scheduled for demoition and created a galley and artists middle income-low income cooperative. It is a great template.

It started out as an anuual drunken artists party in a bar based on the Salon des Independents (where French artists hung in cafes to protest the established museums etc) where the bar owner let folks hang stuff for one day. They expanded to theater, poetry readings, etc and everyone found their artistic niche.

501c3 and inorporation is a bit of a pain in the ass but it is well worth it (especially iof some lawyer has a kid involved and will help but the forms are online) because the donations become deductible and you can get real business and corporate grants and stuff.

Its a great idea. There is also such a group I know of which travels but it is for developmentally diabled or "challenged" folks (you must be diagnosed to be a player in the theater). It travels nationally.

Google "Hygienic Arts Inc." if I do not get the link to you quick enough (in Connecticut (Hygienic was the Greek restaurant that immigrants set up on the waterfront and they wanted folks to know it was "clean". But even hookers hung their art in that show there. Plus they worked 'em. Not suggesting that for the kids b at all, but when you open it to the community it gets really interested and a LOT of amazing talent and the kids will thrive doing it.

[Liberation Angel]

17. Link to arts organization (a great model to follow)

I often go to their annual show (as I do not live near them but am not too too far away (now most of my theater stuff I do is in NYC)

Sorry for the bad spelling on my previous post. PM if you have questions and folks in CT, NY. Mass and RI or nearby should check it out as it has some GREAT events and they even built an outdoor theater in a vacant parking lot! Its now and art park and is amazing!

Pics and history of the place can be found at the link:

http://hygienic.ning.com/

[OneGrassRoot]

18. I'm PMing you.

Thanks!

:hi:

[HooptieWagon]

19. Shopping mall, game center, or skating rink?

Moving the show around is a good idea, some places that initially say no may change their minds later.

[OneGrassRoot]

22. I was thinking about malls earlier...

and skating rinks, bowling alleys, etc., and how, in many ways, it's a perfect venue. Thanks for the confirmation. :hi:

[Sparkly]

20. 1) A church; 2) Grants

Lots of music and dance programs began in churches. They may charge something, but often not much. (You'd probably have to do a little fundraising in any case.)

Once you get going, apply for grants and in-kind donations (including space). Get a cheap website and use Constant Contact. Before spreading out, incorporate as a non-profit! (Not hard or expensive.)

[OneGrassRoot]

21. That non-profit thing...

I've always resisted it...for many reasons. Mainly it seems there's so much darn red tape. And, unfortunately, any expense is expensive at this point. ;)

Do you have any suggestions as the most expedient way to pursue the appropriate non-profit status for an initiative such as this? I know there is a ton of information online; I thought you may have a specific preference or suggestion.

Thanks for the input. Much appreciated! :hi:

[Sparkly]

27. Try the Small Business Association

They have a website too, as well as free advice and counseling (through "SCORE," which puts you in touch with retired professionals).

:hi:

[Parker CA]

23. Library. Rec room at bowling alley. Perhaps contact local semi-pro or pro athletic teams and get

them involved. The draw would be bigger and the team would feel they're doing something for the community youth.

I'd also contact local music stores that might have space.

I like the idea of retirement homes. I'd imagine they're always looking for some kind of new activity.

[OneGrassRoot]

24. Music stores!

There's a local music store which has two performance rooms where local music teachers give recitals. They'd probably charge a fee, but that's another avenue to check out.

Thanks! :)

[Parker CA]

25. If you can spin it as doing something positive for local youth and push the idea that

they'd get a lot of new faces/potential customers, they may be willing to provide you more than you expect.

[OneGrassRoot]

26. Absolutely. :) Thanks again! n/t