Spring into Action at TAP!

by Tanisa Bernard, Social Networking Marketing Assistant Volunteer, Junior League of Austin

Comedian Robin Williams once said, ”Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘let’s party!” Theatre Action Project has several upcoming activities where you can have a good time and support worthwhile community causes.

• The Big Hair Country Fair: Come out in your favorite ‘big hair’ hairstyle for barbecue at the Salt Lick Pavilion on March 24th. There will be carnival games, music and dancing.
• Spring Break Creativity Camp: Over spring break, youth will produce their own television network: TAP TV! Campers ages 5-12 will work together on creative projects including: music videos, short films, public service announcements and news segments that inspire youth to make the world a better place.
• Changing Lives Youth Theatre Ensemble: Dating violence and abuse have a devastating impact on young people. TAP serves as a creative outlet for youth to counter those issues. Come out to Teens in Action Night on March 22nd at Travis High School. Youth will also perform at Del Valle Middle School on April 12th and Kealing Middle School on May 1st.

Spring is in the air! Come on out and support TAP at any of these worthwhile events.

P.S. My favorite ‘big hair’ hairstyle is the beehive.  See you at TAP’s Big Hair Country Fair on March 24th at the Salt Lick Pavilion! To buy tickets visit: TAP Big Hair. Proceeds benefit Theatre Action Project.

Spotlight on Teaching Artist Amy Carpenter and Mylinh Chau

by Tanisa Bernard, Social Networking Marketing Assistant Volunteer, Junior League of Austin

Holiday cheer was in the air on December 6 as I met with two of Theatre Action Project’s esteemed Teaching Artists in residence. Amy Carpenter is an artist who sees art in “everything.” She is a visual artist who also is involved in music and improv. Currently,  she works with TAP students at Maplewood Elementary two days a week and works with students in Bastrop one day a week. Maplewood third, fourth and fifth graders have written a play for TAP which they will perform on December 16, 2011 at 4 p.m. about vampire bunny dragons and a replicator machine! “It’s dark, but very funny. I am always amazed at the kids’ creativity.”

In Bastrop, Carpenter leads the children in general theater work and self portraits. In the spring, the children will be deeply involved in the Playground Project. The Playground Project involves 10 different schools whose children will paint designs on area playgrounds to encourage physical activity among youth in partnership with the University of Texas. Carpenter’s Wishes for TAP: “That we keep doing exactly what we’ve been doing, These kids are awesome.”

Mylinh Chau is enjoying her TAP experience as well. This is her first year as a TAP artist. Her specialty involves painting, drawing, and ceramics. Chau spends four days a week at Barrington Elementary where she mentors first and fourth graders. The first graders just completed a “wish cake.” Chau says, “They made kites and attached their various wishes to them. We videotaped their pure joy as they flew the kites.”

Chau led the fourth-graders in completing life-size self portraits of what they want to be when they grow up. The children had to accessorize them with various personal items and other things from their homes.

Chau’s wishes for TAP: “I hope to be a great example for these kids. I hope we can continue to improve the program and help someone in the process.”

Guest Blog: Summer Camp from a Volunteer’s Point of View

Elizabeth Gonzalez, with her sons Ben and Christopher.

by Elizabeth Gonzalez, Summer Camp Assistant and Junior League Volunteer

Two weeks at Theatre Action Project summer camp and those days were filled with adventures a plenty. I have experienced realms and fantastic tales – I have even journeyed around the world! My right-brained world has been re-awakened with songs, plays, artwork, Shakespearean quotes, and most important of all – imagination. This was accomplished with the help of the most creative children and staff I have ever encountered! What a joy it has been to experience such colors and sounds – and all through the eyes of a child. It is an experience I will never forget!

Joy and Community at the Youth Arts Festival

by Mary Alice Carnes, Community Relations Manager

Theatre Action Project’s 4th Annual Youth Arts Festival was certainly something to celebrate this past Saturday at the George Washington Carver Museum. Several middle and high school youth and TAP Teaching Artists showcased their work at the festival for a full house of students, parents, and families.

Before a single presentation happened however Sarah Rinner, TAP’s Elementary School Program Director, led all participating festival students in a series of fun warm up exercises to help energize the group and shake away any last minute nervousness.

Marcelo Teson Teaching Artist talks about Del Valle Middle School film "The Queen

As promised, the performances were as diverse in their celebration of art, which included stop-motion film, light-box animation, videos, dance, plays about friendship and healthy and unhealthy relationships.

Volunteers once again supported the festival with equal joy. Several individuals and the Junior League of Austin braved Austin traffic and thick humidity to set up, greet students, fold programs and usher, serve pizza and snacks throughout the day, and clean up and load out.

My favorite part of the festival was the communal celebration of art in all is forms. The post showcase entertainment provided by Diverse Effect Skate Crew and Free Angola Capoeira Society also gave us a fun platform to express our passion.

Here are a few photos from the day from photographers Amanda Davis, Carol Acurso and yours truly.  Enjoy!