transforming arts & minds, the organization i founded, has the mission to promote connection within communities, improve educational opportunity to the underserved, AND BRING THE JOYS OF SELF EXPRESSION AND PERSONAL GROWTH THROUGH THEATER ARTS AND HUMAN CREATIVITY.
ARTS IN PLAY
My life has been committed to acting, and for me, acting is play. My vision for Arts in Play is to bring the joy I’ve experienced through my career to those who haven’t had the same opportunity. As a working actor for 40+ years, I know first hand how the power of play through communication, collaboration and creativity translates to improved self-esteem, success, and happiness. I’ve seen it in the wonderful people who have worked with us at “Arts in Play.”
We take a generational and curriculum-based approach with the Arts in Play Program and are strongly committed to making it a national model through Seniors in Play and Kids in Play. Each of the participants are given roles that fit their creative capacity — and get to actively see their work come to fruition in a final performance.
While the focus of the outcomes for each respective program differ, one thing remains the same — play is a critical ingredient of each and every life and a bridge to happiness.
KIDS IN PLAY
Kids In Play is much more than an opportunity for kids to use their after-school time to act, sing, and dance — although for many even that is outside their reach. It’s an opportunity for kids to use their imaginations and voices to improve their academic performance.
The best way I can contribute is to give these kids communication skills. As an actor that’s what I work on. That’s what makes me effective in my field — as communication does for all of us. Successful people are the good communicators.
Arts in Play applies theater techniques integrated through disguised and kinesthetic learning to engage these kids where they live through play in this innovative community-based program.
SENIORS IN PLAY
“I found this an outlet for happiness. And now, all I do is laugh and be happy everyday. ”
What began as a desire to help those in their "second childhood" engage in more play has transformed into a curriculum-based national model to help seniors explore and develop their imaginations, improve their self-esteem, and empower them through the arts.
Seniors in Play is a dream come true for me. I’m 66 years old and I’m still working as an actor…and I still love what I do. Connecting with people who want to explore their own creativity is such a special and awesome experience.
