Advocacy Sessions

Posted 31 July 2020 12:00 AM by Che Madyun

This past week, week 4, the broader community were able to witness City Spotlights Teen Leaders lighting sparks and advocating from their hearts. On Tuesday, they presented a virtual community workshop via Zoom, where they showed and taught us, through art forms and discussion, different ways to advocate. We also got a sneak peak of their upcoming performance, “One Spark Starts a Fire: Advocating from the Heart” on August 12th Former City Spotlights Teen Leader Alexis Maxwell dropped...

Using Movement As Language

Posted 24 July 2020 12:00 AM by Sarai Warsoff

The dance specialty has been hard at work creating dances for our theme, “One Spark Starts a Fire: Advocating from the Heart.” This past week, we focused on developing two of our dances, one focusing on being motivated to advocate for change, and the other focusing on making sure you are well enough to be able to advocate for others. The conversations have been awesome, and allowing for the teens to use movement as another tool to communicate their thoughts has lead to some really aw...

Self Care in the Zoom Era

Posted 17 July 2020 12:00 AM by Michael Kushner

City Spotlights is in full gear and teen leaders are generating tons of creative and exciting art! With all the hard work teens are putting in, as well as the difficult world we leave in, we decided to create some time for self care. We discussed not just activities for self care, such as looking our best, deep reflective thought and physical activity, but also we talked about how each teen defined the “idea of self care.” Since many teens included music and art as part of their self...

It's Only the Beginning

Posted 10 July 2020 12:00 AM by Jasmine Garcia

Hola Hola Hola! City Spotlights has begun, and boy is it different! Now we of course have gone virtual (as many programs have) which can be difficult for any organization, but I continue to be amazed by the tenacity, versatility, and passion that City Spotlights has always had and continues shine through on our screens. From the staff putting in every creative effort to the participants bringing their joy from their homes; this program stands to fight for youth to have their voices heard and sto...

Congratulations to the Class of 2020!

Posted 20 May 2020 12:00 AM by Javiera

We are missing our City Spotlights Teen Leaders so much, but that does not stop us from feeling extremely proud of the 31 City Spotlights alums graduating high school this year! Seniors, we want to applaud your hard work, dedication, perseverance, and passion. We can’t wait to celebrate in person while singing and dancing on the Shubert stage. Here are some of them sharing their amazing news! Congratulations to the Class of 2020!! Ananda, Hyde Park Ananda is graduating from Boston Latin Sc...

Hale Elementary Final Showcase

Posted 11 December 2019 12:00 AM by Sarai Warsoff

I can not believe that it has been 10 awesome weeks at the Hale.

Nathan Hale School Residency Kicks Off

Posted 29 October 2019 12:00 AM by Kristala Pouncy-Smart

We are having a great first half of our residency at Nathan Hale School.

My Program Experience

Posted 15 August 2019 12:00 AM by Cameryn Smith

When I started this program as a Junior Assistant I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I’m an artist down to my core and I was lowkey nervous.

A Step in the Right Direction

Posted 12 August 2019 12:00 AM by Makeda Samuels

During this week at City Spotlights we have been preparing for and completed the first couple of days of flash mob!

The Lit Biscuit Tour

Posted 8 August 2019 12:00 AM by Erin McNellis

My name is Erin, and I’m the Acting Teaching Assistant and this is my first year at City Spotlights.

Socially Responsible Act

Posted 5 August 2019 12:00 AM by Andrew Mattfeld

Art in all forms is the expression of the human spirit. It is emotion in shorthand, or long, depending on how the individual interprets it.

When I Say Cyber You Say Chasers

Posted 1 August 2019 12:00 AM by Bella Tasha

It’s the first day of workshop tour, it’s 10am, already pushing 90 degrees, and 30 Teen Leaders are in the Boston Common starting their morning with pop up performances.

From Your Neighbor To Mine

Posted 29 July 2019 12:00 AM by Serge Ganthier

This week has been filled with ups for the teen leaders and so much progress has been shown.

You Can Feel the Electricity

Posted 26 July 2019 12:00 AM by Michelle Garcia

After three years of running the flash mob at City Spotlights--it only gets more interesting each year.

So Much To Do and Such Little Time

Posted 18 July 2019 12:00 AM by Jay Connolly

The summer of 2019 is now one for the books.

A Walk to the State House

Posted 17 July 2019 12:00 AM by Sadeya Zaman

Halfway through the second week of the program, the 63 Teen Leaders were able to successfully deliver a beautiful and powerful presentation for Representative Paul McMurtry in the Massachusetts State House.

Week One Down

Posted 14 July 2019 12:00 AM by Natalya Brown

The teen leaders have just finished Boot Camp.

What A Whirlwind

Posted 12 July 2019 12:00 AM by Antonio Del Valle

The first week of City Spotlights is always a complete whirlwind for me, and if it weren’t for the complete support of our entire work family, I’d be buried under sticky notes, dry erase markers and notebooks.

Process vs. Product

Posted 29 May 2019 12:00 AM by Kevin Williams

Process vs. product. In the world of theatrical performance both are essential however the process in an educational setting illuminates an abundance of space for growth not only as performers but also as citizens within a community.

Performing Transformation

Posted 6 November 2018 12:00 AM by Jaronzie Harris

Reflecting on our residences at both the McKinley and Blackstone this semester has been an encouraging reminder that engaging the imagination of a child is a transformative process with immense capacity for healing and growth.

Congratulations

Posted 13 August 2018 12:00 AM by Katina

I would like to say congratulations to all of the teen leaders for their wonderful work the past 5 weeks.

Tying It All Together

Posted 8 August 2018 12:00 AM by Bella Tasha

On the second day of Workshop Tour one of the groups, The Proud Family, had to 180 their performance plan when they arrived to a room with 30 three year olds.

To The State House

Posted 1 August 2018 12:00 AM by Kiana Alexis

The teen Leaders in the weeks following up to the state house presentation poured their hearts into what would eventually become their performance piece.

Bibia Be Ye Ye

Posted 26 July 2018 12:00 AM by Michelle Garcia

As this is my second summer working as the Flash Mob Choreographer for the City Spotlights Program, I can confidently say that the teens never fail to surprise me!

Advocating for Something Special

Posted 23 July 2018 12:00 AM by Jay Connolly

We all have something special in our lives. Something we keep very close to our hearts.

Worth the Work

Posted 19 July 2018 12:00 AM by Simon Freitas

Working with the City Spotlights program this summer has been energizing to say the least.

City Spotlights Bootcamp

Posted 10 July 2018 12:00 AM by Kayla Maloney

For many, the first days of City Spotlights are both the easiest and the hardest.

And So It Begins

Posted 5 July 2018 12:00 AM by Abigail Robinson

Today was a day for everyone to officially sign themselves into the program.

Sharing the World of Aliens

Posted 5 June 2018 12:00 AM by Jaronzie Harris

Our final performance of Aliens!!! at the Josiah Quincy was one we were all proud of.

A Call to Action

Posted 1 May 2018 12:00 AM by Jasmine Garcia

Last Tuesday, our Teen Leaders performed their final showcase titled Spectrum.

Teen Leadership Council

Posted 11 April 2018 12:00 AM by Education

Our Teen Leadership Council has begun their performance tour.

Teaching Theatre and Music

Posted 5 March 2018 12:00 AM by Michael Prentky

This session at the Tobin K-8, Pascale and I took a new approach by more evenly distributing our teaching time.

Explorations in Empathy

Posted 30 January 2018 12:00 AM by Pascale Florestal

It is so great to be at the Tobin School for the Spring 2018 semester! Mr. Michael and I started working with Ms. Skidor’s third grade class just three weeks ago.

Alumni Network leads Master Classes for current Teen Leaders

Posted 12 January 2018 12:00 AM by mpacific

Alumni Network and Teen Council members have been participating in a series of Master Classes led by alums.

We Did It

Posted 20 December 2017 12:00 AM by Mary Teuscher

On December 13^th, Blackstone Elementary third grade had their final showcase! We presented an adaptation of the picture book Wings by Christopher Myers.

See You Later PJK

Posted 18 December 2017 12:00 AM by Pascale Florestal

It is crazy to think that Target Arts is over at the Patrick J. Kennedy school.

Learning Language Through Arts

Posted 20 November 2017 12:00 AM by Michael Prentky

The theme for my Target Arts class's upcoming performance is Celebrating our Differences and we are expressing that through theater and music.

The Creative Process

Posted 17 November 2017 12:00 AM by Kevin Williams

The ideas are limitless and ever expanding for students this semester in the Target Arts Residency at Blackstone Elementary.

Our World Is A Mess

Posted 18 August 2017 12:00 AM by Ryan Howland

Is one of the opening lines to the 2017 City Spotlights Teen Leaders' final showcase performance "Millenial High."

Final Showcase

Posted 17 August 2017 12:00 AM by Moira Loh

AAAAND IT’S A WRAP! Last night, the 57 teen leaders took the stage and performed their final showcase.

An Amazing Tour Week

Posted 10 August 2017 12:00 AM by Alex Drumm Jr

Where do I start? Tour week was filled with point exhilarating performances, unexpected pop up shows, and educational workshops.

Cultivating Dialogue Taking City Spotlights to the Community

Posted 8 August 2017 12:00 AM by Tessa Bry Taylor

Over the past week, the City Spotlights Teen Leaders brought their originally created workshops and performance pieces out to the Boston community, touring to over 25 different community centers, libraries, and other locations where young people spend their summers.

Creating A Bond Via Flash Mobs

Posted 5 August 2017 12:00 AM by Jasmine Wong-Wynot

In the blazing hot weather, 56 teen leaders leaped out into the City of Boston doing pop up performances.

Gearing Up for Flash Mob Day

Posted 4 August 2017 12:00 AM by Michelle Garcia

As we came to a close for our Flash Mob rehearsals, we were able to focus more on the big picture of our Flash Mob Tour Day.

Teaching Kids is Hard

Posted 1 August 2017 12:00 AM by Meaghan Harrigan

With the State House presentation under their belts, this week the teen leaders began working on their next big task developing workshops that incorporate their creative performances with their social justice topics.

Leadership Is Key

Posted 28 July 2017 12:00 AM by Katina McClain

I have seen the most growth with our teens during week 3. The word I would use to describe this week was leadership.

Successful Day of Advocacy

Posted 24 July 2017 12:00 AM by Emma Trujillo

State house week is always one of the craziest at City Spotlights. It's the first time all of the teens come together to perform.

Making a Difference at the State House

Posted 21 July 2017 12:00 AM by Simon Freitas

This week the teen leaders really stepped up to the plate while preparing for their advocacy presentation at the state house.

The Magic of Teaching Music

Posted 14 July 2017 12:00 AM by Andrew Mattfeld

How I got into music is probably the most frequent question asked of me. And the answer, to be honest, is really simple. It just kind of happened.

Bonding Already

Posted 11 July 2017 12:00 AM by Kyra

During the week of July 3, it is astonishing how the teen leaders had clicked already.

City Spotlights 2017 Bootcamp

Posted 7 July 2017 12:00 AM by Sarah Zimmer

Music underscored the day. From numerous teens gathering to belt out Adele’s “Someone Like You” during lunch, to walking into the Wang Theatre’s Rehearsal Room where upbeat music moved the improvising dancers, to Chance the Rapper’s “Summer Friends” playing as an example of how a popular artist used his music for advocacy.

Getting in the Holiday Spirit

Posted 19 December 2016 12:00 AM by Siobhan Carroll

I feel that working for the Boch Center’s Interactive Readings made me a much for flexible performer and educator. I am thankful to have had to opportunity to appear in front of groups from tiny to massive, shy to outgoing.

Performance Time at the Blackstone

Posted 15 December 2016 12:00 AM by Mary Teuscher

Our final day with the third grade students was bittersweet. We had a great performance but we also had to say goodbye. Everyone came together for the final show!

An Eye Opening Experience

Posted 18 November 2016 12:00 AM by Keilani, Kiana, and Natalya

The planning process for the Youth Committee was an eye opening experience for me. We practiced and put our minds Planning the conference was a new experience for us, but we enjoyed it. In leading our own workshop on Advocacy, we loved hearing people’s different opinions on what advocacy was.

Speaking Up and Speaking Out

Posted 16 November 2016 12:00 AM by Serge, Taylon, and Sharif

For the past two months, the #LeadNotFollow: Youth Arts for Social Change Conference (YASCC) Youth Committee and I planned for the conference. We reviewed and selected all the presentations, workshops, and performances, while also planning out how the day was going to go.

The Tiny Seed

Posted 15 November 2016 12:00 AM by Mary Teuscher

This afternoon someone asked me to share where I was coming from: my reply was “Eighteen third graders.” The students in ore group are indeed a force of nature.

LeadNotFollow A Look Behind the Scenes

Posted 13 November 2016 12:00 AM by Sheika and Darlie

The two and a half months of planning the #LeadNotFollow Youth Arts for Social Change Conference (YASCC) was filled with attempts of trying to make the day perfect.

Empowerment Through Music

Posted 8 November 2016 12:00 AM by Michael Prentky

It's been such a pleasure working at the Blackstone School with my Co-Teaching Artist Mary. I'm learning so much about techniques to help inspire kids to improvise movements through games and structures.

Thank you City Spotlights

Posted 26 August 2016 12:00 AM by Marina Huenchunir

As my first year being a Junior Assistant, I did not know what to expect. I had just been a Teen Leader last year and it took me a little bit to be able to adjust to my new role. I was probably as nervous as some of the new Teen Leaders.

A New Role this Summer

Posted 22 August 2016 12:00 AM by Guendy Valencia

This summer has been a great learning experience for me, since this is the first year I’m a Junior Assistant. Before starting the job, I had many doubts about it, such as if the teens were even going to like me or even respect me since I am close in age with them.

Hope in Action

Posted 18 August 2016 12:00 AM by Carmen Cartterfield

What I love most about facilitating groups, in particular youth groups, is watching a group’s process unfold. Every group has their own heartbeat, their own pulse and their own rhythm. This year was the most diverse group of teens I’ve ever worked with.

Safe at Home: Reflecting on 2016's City Spotlights Leadership Program

Posted 16 August 2016 12:00 AM by Jeremy Gooden

I consider myself incredibly lucky to work in spaces as beautiful and awe-inspiring as the Shubert and Wang Theatres. Both venues are pillars of the Boston arts community, and have hosted countless fantastic productions and legendary acts.

The Magic of Tech Week

Posted 10 August 2016 12:00 AM by Emily White

I have participated in theatrical performance for over ten years, so I am no stranger to the unique beast that is Tech Week. I know that it always comes with its fair share of trials and tribulations, joys and frustrations, and the occasional (okay often) moments of backstage panic and terror.

You CAN Do It

Posted 9 August 2016 12:00 AM by Jaheem Alleyne

Nothing excites me more each summer than working with the phenomenal Teen Leaders that City Spotlights bring together each year. Their energy and their drive is extremely motivating and inspirational.

Tour Week Love

Posted 8 August 2016 12:00 AM by Courtney Elliott

With Week Five of the City Spotlights Leadership program in our rearview window, and the home stretch right around the corner, it seems as though our cast of talented and ambitious Teen Leaders are as close to one another as they have ever been. Week Five was Tour Week, the time where the teens really earn their money.

The Hectic Week of Tour Week

Posted 7 August 2016 12:00 AM by Anaika Alegria-Cabral

My favorite part of the program I would have to say is always Tour Week. Even though it’s my favorite, it is the most tiring week and it feels so long.

Tour Week

Posted 5 August 2016 12:00 AM by John Fifi

This week in City Spotlights was Tour Week and possibly the most amazing week of this summer program. The teens got the chance to travel to neighborhoods in and around the Boston area performing the workshops that they've worked so hard on.

#HYTB

Posted 5 August 2016 12:00 AM by Adriana Ray

This being my first summer with the City Spotlights program, I came in with a lot of excitement. One of my favorite things about being a dance educator is allowing space for dancers to create their own material, but I could have never predicted what would come out of that.

The 4 Stages of Tour Week

Posted 4 August 2016 12:00 AM by Marly

We are now five weeks into the program, and it is as boisterous as ever. Everything that we have been working on these past four weeks has been cultivated for Tour Week. During the fifth week, also known as tour week, we’ve gone into the city of Boston to perform flashmobs and to facilitate workshops in neighborhood community centers.

Power of Music

Posted 29 July 2016 12:00 AM by Will Jones, Jr.

As the music specialty Teaching Artist, I take great pride in inspiring growth and development in any way possible. I recall a few Teen Leaders in Music Dpecialty that came to me and stated that they wanted to become better vocalists.

Coming Home To My New Family

Posted 26 July 2016 12:00 AM by Aysha Upchurch

This has been a sweet sort of homecoming. Last year, I fell in love with the program and felt so grateful to be part of the City Spotlights family and journey. I like to yield myself to new experiences and dare to learn as much as I teach.

Creating the Skeleton

Posted 22 July 2016 12:00 AM by Pascale Florestal

It’s crazy to think that the third week of Citi Spotlights has come and gone! A lot has been happening in the last few weeks and I know the teens and I are really excited about all of the work we have been creating.

Art for All Developing Workshops that Inspire Conversation

Posted 20 July 2016 12:00 AM by Tessa Bry Taylor

Over the past few weeks, the City Spotlights teens have been working in small groups, creating workshops that will soon be taken out into the community. Focusing on this year’s selected theme, “American Dream/ American Nightmare”, the workshops will ideally serve as a catalyst for conversation regarding the potentials and obstacles that exist within each individual’s version of the American Dream.

Growth

Posted 19 July 2016 12:00 AM by Kimetra Thompson

From a Teen Leader to a Junior Assistant to a Lead Junior Assistant with a few things mixed in between. As the program continues to grow in various ways, I have grown too. I am grateful for all of the opportunities this program has provided for me because it has helped me become a better me.

We Pave the Way

Posted 16 July 2016 12:00 AM by Azeb Freitas

As the Advocacy Assistant this past week was full of preparation, nerves, and excitement leading up to our big presentation at the State House. Since the presentation was earlier this year than before because of election season there was a significant sense of urgency among the staff and students to get this important work done.

And So It Begins

Posted 15 July 2016 12:00 AM by Guyclaude Lacossade

Despite complications that hindered my attendance from the first two days, for the days I was here, it was an enriching experience. The teens got to work together closely and decide on their topic for the summer and start learning the full group song. Watching them try to get each note reminded me of why a program like this goes so well: teens and their dedication.

City Spotlights 2016 State House Presentation

City Spotlights Teens Advocate for Increased Arts Funding at MA State House

Posted 14 July 2016 12:00 AM by Michelle Chapman

61 Teen Leaders from Citi Performing Arts Center’s summer youth employment program, City Spotlights Leadership Program, came together to advocate for increased arts funding at the Massachusetts State House. Through a verbal presentation and through song, teens voiced how the arts have impacted their lives and strongly encouraged the legislature to override Governor Baker’s veto slashing Massachusetts Cultural Council funding.

First Impressions

Posted 11 July 2016 12:00 AM by Jasmine

This past week was the first of the seven week program at City Spotlights and I must say I was more than blown away by our students and their remarkable talent and minds.

Wrapping Up at the Quincy!

Posted 6 May 2016 12:00 AM by Beverly Van Joolen

What an exciting, and fast, ten weeks it’s been at Josiah Quincy Elementary! Once our 2nd grade students finished writing the script and song, they began working hard to learn their blocking, their music and lyrics, and to memorize their lines!

Out of this world Josiah Quincy Second Graders

Out of This World: Our Stellar Journey with the Josiah Quincy School's Second Graders

Posted 4 May 2016 12:00 AM by Jeremy Gooden

Energy: something the students of the Josiah Quincy School’s second grade class have in abundance. They are vibrant. They are bright. They are luminous.

Home Away From Home Interactive Readings

Home Away From Home: Reflecting on Interactive Readings

Posted 29 April 2016 12:00 AM by Jeremy Gooden

When I was a boy, my mother would tell me stories about the annual The Wizard of Oz telecast of the 60’s and 70’s. How her mother rounded up the entire family and sat them down in the living room. How she and her sister peered at the tiny black and white screen, and were transported to a world of witches, wizards, and wonder. The magic. The possibilities. The awe.

April Interactive Readings: Wizard of Oz

What I Learned on My Journey to See the Wizard of Oz

Posted 27 April 2016 12:00 AM by Adriana Ray

In such a large and diverse city as Boston, the Interactive Reading Program through the Citi Performing Arts Center reminds me of the beautiful notion that we are as alike as we are different. Over the course of our series of readings on The Wizard of Oz, I have been warmly welcomed into neighborhood community centers by the smiling faces of our future- the children, whose willingness to join us as we "followed the yellow brick road" with Dorothy and her friends taught me more about myself than I could have imagined.

"Let's Make A Change!"

Posted 22 April 2016 12:00 AM by Lynn Mullin

What a fantastic group of students! The Patrick J. Kennedy school 5th graders performed their piece yesterday, closing out four years with this same group of students, and marking their last year of elementary school.

Exploring Literacy Under the Sea!

Posted 20 April 2016 12:00 AM by Beverly van Joolen

What fun it has been to get to know Mrs. Szeto and her smart and sweet students! A typical class involves us singing and playing theatre games that reinforce the lesson of the day. For example, a game might help us all get to know one another and get a feel for using our voices as a tool to share stories. We are now in our 5th week at the Quincy, and what a big and exciting week it has been!

Lights On! Sparking Social Change and Creative Thinking

Posted 15 March 2016 12:00 AM by Grace Chen

“Lights on!” Students watched closely as their classmates premiered the beginnings of a scene. For the past few weeks, students had considered their own identities and values in relation to human rights issues happening around the world. Forming groups depending on which issues most resonated with them, students creatively explored human rights issues of deep personal concern, ranging from deportation to the environment, racism, and homelessness.

Digging into human rights

Posted 24 February 2016 12:00 AM by Lynn Mullin

Target Arts has returned to Patrick J. Kennedy Elementary School! About half of the 5th grade class has participated in Target Arts since 2nd grade, so we have a great mix of students who are familiar with the program and students who are being exposed to it for the first time.

The power of music

Posted 12 February 2016 12:00 AM by Jennifer

When I entered City Spotlights on July 5th, 2015, I had no idea I would make so many memories, make so many friends especially in a short amount of time. I’ve made strong bonds with people I never thought I would be friends with. Music in this program has impacted me as an artist and has inspired me to be more outgoing as a singer and to have the confidence to sing, dance, and act in front of the public. Music is so powerful because it can change people’s perspective, especially when it’s a song that has a message to it and helps better understand people’s perspectives on issues.

Show the world who you are

Posted 1 February 2016 12:00 AM by Cassely

Ever since I was young, music has always been part of my life. It was something that connected me and my mom. Till this day I connect to it. It is my way of relaxing, my way of zoning out. Most people find their passion in sports, school, dancing, painting, and other hobbies. Music is where I express myself the most.

Deep Down In the Sea

Posted 15 December 2015 12:00 AM by Lynn Mullin

What a whirlwind these past couple months have been!Since I last wrote, we have been working hard to create our characters, develop our plot, write our play, and then rehearse. Our plot came together after much discussion about conflicts and a series of votes. In the writing of the piece, each student wrote suggested lines for their characters based on the major plot points, and then I edited and organized those lines into the script.

In My Community, These Are The Things I See

Posted 15 December 2015 12:00 AM by Anjali Rodriguez

It’s 3:20 pm, the last ten minutes of our last class at the Tobin. The kids are sitting in a rows on stage, legs crossed, eyes looking intently at a group of fifth grade students. We’ve just run through their show start to finish, with an audience of fifth graders there to give them a sense of what it’s like to have an audience. Their nervousness melted away as they ran through their scenes, shared their group poem, and sang their song: “In my community (in mycommunity)/these are the things I see (these are the things I see)...”

Community Conversation at the Tobin

Posted 23 November 2015 12:00 AM by Alice Corvo

As we move into our final portion of the Target Arts program, working with the third graders at the Tobin School in Roxbury Crossing, I am forced to reflect on how much I have learned about teaching while watching our students learn. Our goal, from the beginning of the semester, has been to bring fun and learning, using the arts, into these kids’ lives. My co-teacher Anjali and I wanted to use theatre and poetry as a way to connect with our students on a personal level, because what is more important than telling our own stories? After many games played and poems written and discussions had, we settled on the theme of community and neighborhood.

Reflecting on the Fall Target Arts Residency at the Blackstone Innovation School

Posted 20 November 2015 12:00 AM by Jeremy Gooden

Lead Teaching Artist, Lynn Mullin, and I have been working with the Blackstone Innovation School’s third grade class for a little under 6 weeks now. And in that time, these incredibly bright and creative third graders have accomplished so much. They’ve engaged in theatre activities that helped them explore literary concepts like setting and character; identified the plot structure and themes of Janell Cannon’s children’s book, Crickwing; and devised a script for their final showcase scheduled to go up in December.

Celebrating our Communities

Posted 15 November 2015 4:13 PM by Anjali Rodrigues

It’s just before noon on a beautiful fall day, the crisp fall wind swirling orange and yellow leaves around us. All around the yard, Ms. Harvey’s third grade students are scattered, black and white marbled composition books open, pencils in hand. Last week, they drew pictures of a place that is important to them and who they are. Pictures range from basketball courts, to bedrooms, to classrooms. Today, they are writing poems about these places, using sensory details to describe them.

Kicking Off with Crickwing

Posted 1 November 2015 12:00 AM by Lynn Mullin

Target Arts has returned to Blackstone Innovation School this fall! And what a fantastic group of third graders.

Jazzing with Readers and Leaders

Posted 28 September 2015 12:00 AM by Toni Bee

The weather was mild, my ears jiggled with new jewelry, and I was ready to read at the 2015 Berklee Beantown Jazz Festival. But I was not by lonesome. Citi Spotlight Teens were there to flip the pages of Kadir Nelson’s illustrated book of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s I Have a Dream and engage with the people. My zany self, started off with a chants- “Do you have a dream? – Yes, Indeed”.

Uplifted thru the Fog

Posted 25 August 2015 12:00 AM by Toni Bee

Summer 2015 with the City Spotlights Leaders was an elixir I needed after engaging in the bumble of social activities of this past year. It was an honor to come back and be amongst the energy of this nation’s future Ballerinas and Executive Directors. I was especially inspired because the group size had doubled to sixty and now I would be able to have 2 separate sessions with the kids. It was a memorable experience and I entitled it Harmony in Difference.

Achieving the Impossible

Posted 14 August 2015 12:00 AM by Ryan

Over the past six weeks, I’ve had the incredible opportunity of teaching acting with the Teen Leaders of City Spotlights. It’s been a roller coaster of a summer, and watching these teens grow, develop, and express themselves through their art has been an extreme joy. I’ve watched them grow in confidence as performers and as advocates, I’ve seen them build an ensemble of 61 teens (a feat in itself), and I count myself lucky to have been witness to the impossible. It’s easy to believe that mira...

Tour Week

Posted 7 August 2015 12:00 AM by Jenna

The first day on tour spirits were high but nerves were also settling. After four intense weeks of workshop development, we were asking the Teen Leaders to go out into the city and execute a 60-minute workshop. For many of our teens, this was their first experience in an educator role. Not only were they being asked to balance lesson planning and execution but also classroom and time management. What was truly amazing was bearing witness to the enormous growth that took place between their first...

Make Way for Citi Center

Posted 31 July 2015 12:00 AM by Genesis

Growing up one of my favorite children’s books was called Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey. I loved this book because it talked about a group of ducklings living in the pond at the Boston Public Garden. This Thursday was the highlight of my week because I felt like a duckling. I was able to waddle along with my groupmates showing the streets of Boston how amazing Citi Center is. Although we don’t necessarily look or walk like ducklings, we, like the ducklings in the book were able to ...

Week 4

Posted 30 July 2015 12:00 AM by Marly

Week Four mainly focused on refining and finishing the our workshops. Jenna taught us about three methods of asking questions to engage our audience in a discussion on equality. This helped us clarify the path of our workshops. It made it clearer for us to identify what we wanted the audience to take away and what we wanted to teach them. We then split of into our groups of 15. Here we got to tie up loose ends and get feedback on our workshop to make sure that it was presentable. We had a few c...

Growing Up

Posted 28 July 2015 12:00 AM by Jasmine

Coming into week three I was really excited knowing that the City Spotlights teens would be going to the State House to advocate for the arts and the work that they do. These teens were so inspiring and you could see the life that was brought into the room when they were performing. Being the Advocacy Teaching Assistant I have been able to see the process of growth that these teens have done: from writing hopes and dreams on notebook paper to speaking and performing in front of legislators as we...

City Spotlights Leadership: Week Three

Posted 27 July 2015 12:00 AM by Guy

Week 3 of the program was one filled with trials and many tearful successes. The teens wrapped up their State House presentation, and they felt the pressure as the date approached. Nonetheless, when the going got tough, the teens demonstrated their amazing talent and serious during the rehearsal sessions, and each of the speakers fluidly executed their parts in the presentation. Tiaira, especially, showed extreme dedication and perseverance as she said her part, showing to us that she is able to...

Becoming an Ensemble

Posted 24 July 2015 12:00 AM by Genesis

After having only spent two weeks in the program compared to everyone else's three I felt a strong sense of camaraderie amongst the Teen Leaders. I would say that this sense of friendship is a measure of what an ensemble can become. The 60 other teen leaders that surround me have an energy that I am starting to feel within myself. After Week Three I feel as though we are closer to achieving our goal of becoming one body, one voice, one mind. There are a multitude of ways to push 61 teens towar...

The Words of Encouragement that Echoed

Posted 24 July 2015 12:00 AM by Genesis

At 12:45 all 61 teen leaders grabbed their Boloco bags and headed to the tables set up in the grand lobby. We patiently awaited the arrival of one of the most influential speakers I have ever met. He goes by the name Ant Thomas. I had the pleasure of meeting Ant last year when he spoke to a smaller group of CPAC teen leaders and awaited his arrival with elation. Immediately he grabbed our attention by introducing himself and sharing his story. What makes Ant Thomas so amazing is his ability to...

Week 3

Posted 23 July 2015 12:00 AM by Marly

Going into Week 3 was time for us to become the true advocates we had been practicing to become. I’m not going to lie; it was filled with some tension and nerves, but overall the end result was spectacular. Everyone who had a speaking role were responsible for remembering their lines and basically carried the weight of our message. If those people were overwhelmed by such a huge responsibility, they did not show it. I also commend the whole group for being so focused. We practiced intensely th...

Week 2

Posted 23 July 2015 12:00 AM by Clark

Week 2 was a more in depth week than the first. It was a more intense week than the first. Having to adapt to Jaheem's absence put a toll on the progression of the flash mob dance, but we still had fun practicing, one time even with the lights off. Every group I was in was working well and efficiently, like how my Workshop Development group was flying through the whole process. During Week 2, we created and presented beautiful skits in acting and on Friday, I was able to witness the artistic ric...

Building or Burning Bridges?

Posted 21 July 2015 12:00 AM by Clark

The first week of Citi Spotlight was an interesting one. From day one, one could tell more about each person who contributed to the social justice topic. There were ones that were bent towards women's rights, others towards racism, others towards beauty standards, others towards taking a victim stance. Just in the first day, things were starting to get really interesting. The rest of the week went pretty smoothly and relationships were already starting to become strong. I saw so much talent ju...

A Wall of Love

Posted 20 July 2015 12:00 AM by Azeb

Diving into the second week of the program was quite a growth experience. One part of the week I found to be a milestone was the community building exercises Aysha and I led. The first exercise we did was a silent handshake. The teen leaders would walk around the room, find someone they don’t normally talk to, and create a handshake without verbal communication. The next exercise we did was trust falls. First they paired up and did a couple practice falls. Then they were split into their special...

Music Brings Us Together

Posted 19 July 2015 12:00 AM by Nicolas

Hello! My name is Nicolas Perez and I am the Music Teaching Artist Assistant. We just completed our second week of the City Spotlights Leadership Program, and I am amazed by the amount of progress these teen leaders have made in such a small amount of time. The music specialty group is on a roll right now! The music group composed a song for our full group sessions and all of the teen leaders learned the song this past Friday. They sound great and I am very excited for them to be performing ...

Collaboration is Key

Posted 17 July 2015 12:00 AM by Marly

This week has been a whirlwind. Everything seems to be moving so fast. While everything is moving quickly, I think that we've started to build up a community, especially within the specialty groups. In the process of creating our pieces for the final showcase, we had to get to know each other on a deeper level to create pieces with deeper messages; utilizing each other and our experiences. Usually for some artists it may be hard to collaborate with another artist. I get it. Even I, sometimes ha...

5,6,7,8…Dance Specialty Gives Me Life!

Posted 14 July 2015 12:00 AM by Aysha Upchurch

I’m new to Boston and after an intense academic year that left me little free time, I had been yearning for a chance to connect with the city via my language of choice – dance. When the Teen Leadership Council visited my class at the Harvard Graduate School of Education this past spring, I knew I had found my soul tribe and entry point. I leapt at the chance to apply for the City Spotlights Dance Specialty Teaching Artist; not only did this organization hone young people’s artistic skills, but i...

How Much Does a Polar Bear Weigh? Enough to Break the Ice!

Posted 13 July 2015 12:00 AM by Connie Chang

“Hey!” “I saw them first--” “Woops, sorry, sorry!” Shouts fills the rehearsal studio as sixty one teenagers scramble to form groups of four. I frown and prop my hands on my hips. Today is the first full group session of community advocacy, and it’s my job as the Junior Assistant to oversee the icebreaker. Thank goodness Jasmine, the Teaching Artist Assistant, is here to help. “All right, good enough--” Jasmine calls. “That’s good-- stop,” I exclaim. Pockets of laughter bubble from the crowd...

Performing at the Harvard Alumni of Color Conference and Tufts Medical Center

Posted 19 June 2015 12:00 AM by Steff

It was my first time attending the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Alumni of Color Conference (AOCC), which was great.

Us Against The World

Posted 18 June 2015 12:00 AM by Marina

I wanted to join Citi Performing Arts Center’s Teen Council because of the amazing experience I had my first summer as a Teen Leader during City Spotlights. During the summer, we instantly became a family, which made working with each other easy and a luxury.

Identifying Stereotypes

Posted 3 June 2015 12:00 AM by Madison

Since the beginning of the school year we began putting songs, scenes, and monologues together, while trying to relate everything to our general topic about ‘Identifying Stereotypes.’ This was our unanimous topic because it is a topic that affects all of us, in varying degrees. While we don’t have problems like this in Teen Council, when we are in the outside world, we become vulnerable to the prejudices of society. Even if it’s not us being a victim of discrimination, it could be a friend, rela...

When Networking works out at the END

Posted 1 June 2015 12:00 AM by Alex

Performing at the Arts in Education class at the Harvard Graduate School of Education as part of CPAC’s Teen Leadership Council, I interacted with a vast majority of different students with diverse backgrounds revolving around the arts. It was interesting to see how two people with different art forms could express their feelings that were totally unique to each of them. I deeply appreciate being around people who could help me grow as an advocate and artist who can then inspire others to shine.

Achieving Exceptional Potential with Roger Clap

Posted 20 April 2015 12:00 AM by Tessa Bry Taylor

As another fabulous residency of Target Arts draws to a close, I am reminded once again of the exceptional potential drama can bring out in each and every one of us.

Celebrating Growth at the Quincy

Posted 17 April 2015 12:00 AM by Lynn Mullin

A lot has happened since my last blog. In less than two months, we devised our play, got a script, rehearsed, and performed! Throughout, these students have continued to impress us with their energy, excitement, and dedication.

The Josiah Quincy Third Graders

Posted 15 April 2015 12:00 AM by Jeremy Gooden

Monday, January 12th, marked the beginning of the Citi Performing Arts Center’s teaching residency at the Josiah Quincy Elementary School.

Living the Dream A Reflection of MLK Interactive Readings

Posted 18 March 2015 12:00 AM by By Jeremy Gooden

This February, in celebration of Black History Month, the Citi Performing Art Center’s Education Department offered interactive readings of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, accompanied by illustrations by celebrated African-American artist, Kadir Nelson. The 2-week program aims to engage young people in a conversation about the core values of Dr. King’s ideology, through the performing arts. For that reason, I was incredibly excited to be the lead t...

Fun with Folktales

Posted 27 February 2015 12:00 AM by By Lynn Mullin

Snow may be trying to keep us down, but this year’s group of third graders at Josiah Quincy is nothing but energy, smiles, and excitement. We’ve had many, many snow days to work around at the beginning of this program. At this point, our original schedule dictated we would be into lesson #11, but we’re only at #7. I suppose on paper this number doesn’t seem drastic, but when we take into consideration the constraints of the modern-day school year, making up four classes can become quite a fea...

Discovering Culture

Posted 24 February 2015 12:00 AM by By Tessa Bry Taylor

Despite the snowy weather that has recently been keeping most of Boston house-bound, teaching artist Nicolas Perez and I have been lucky enough to complete two full, uninterrupted weeks with the wonderful 2nd grade students at Roger Clap Innovation School in Dorchester. What a lively bunch they are, hailing from all corners of the globe, and filled with curiosity and wonder! A perfect platform for our work together - a creative arts based exploration of culture. Over the past two weeks, the st...

Our Tribe

Posted 23 December 2014 12:00 AM by Carmen Cartterfield

I have spent many years teaching, but never have I experiences such a deep reciprocity in learning between myself and the teens as well as between the teens themselves. From the first day, I felt like I was witnessing a deep hunger—a deep yearning from the teens to plunge themselves into this experience. I saw this in the eagerness and sincerity with which they formed a deep communal bond within the first week. I remember standing in a closing group circle and asked the teens to say what t...

Exploring Ubuntu

Posted 24 November 2014 12:00 AM by Tessa Bry Taylor

As a teaching artist with Target Arts, I have been fortunate enough to share an amazing experience with talented, lovely, and lively 3rd graders at Blackstone Innovative Elementary School. We are only half way through our shared time together, and yet I have both witnessed and experienced leaps and bounds that will last a lifetime. There are few things more rewarding than sharing a learning experience with a child, and the excitement and energy that is cultivated when that learning experience...

Kicking Off Target Arts

Posted 22 October 2014 12:00 AM by Jeremy Gooden

October 14 marked the beginning of this year’s Fall Target Arts Program and my first session with the Patrick J. Kennedy School’s fourth grade class. This particular group of fourth graders has been involved with Target Arts for roughly three years and is very familiar with the program’s structure, expectations, and end goal. Citi Center’s Education staff aims to sharpen young people’s literacy skills with the performing arts. The multi-week program enables youth to engage in the performing arts...

Maestros In the Making

Posted 29 September 2014 12:00 AM by Lindsey Colelli, Dance Teaching Artist

WOW...The showcase that these amazing Teen Leaders presented last week was completely mind blowing!!! If you missed it, I am so sorry because it was such an unforgettable show about finding, accepting, and divulging your true self and casting away or overcoming anything preventing from doing so! The two main characters began the play hiding behind facades that they'd subconsciously been wearing. Through their journey, they helped each other, with the help the other Teen Leaders, learn their true...

Grandma's House

Posted 22 September 2014 12:00 AM by Clifton Williams, Music Teaching Artist Assistant

Have you ever made a mistake? Have you ever not been sure of an answer? If you could have an infinite amount of time to find a solution to the problem, would you use it? I can't think of a better place to go than to Grandma's house. At Grandma's house, there is time for everything! At Grandma's house, it is as if life stops and all that matters is the ability to be yourself and let Grandma take care of you. These past weeks in the City Spotlights Leadership Program, each teen leader spent the s...

Recipe For Pupusas With Peanut Butter & Jelly

Posted 1 July 2014 12:00 AM by Kayla Lee, Target Arts Teaching Artist in East Boston & Mission Hill

You might have one of three reactions to this title. You may be disgusted, curious and/or clueless. If you are anything like me, a couple of months ago you are probably wondering: What exactly is a pupusa? Moreover if you have read traditional educational literature you might be wondering, What does this have to do with arts in education? Not only will this blog tell you what a pupusa is but, most importantly, it will introduce and describe the Citi Center Target Arts residency I participated in...

Believe In Yourself, One Dance Step At a Time!

Posted 16 June 2014 12:00 AM by Princess Bryant, Target Arts Teaching Artist Assistant

"When I grow up, I want to be a dancer and a dance teacher" -Trinity Having worked at 3 different schools with the Target Arts program, I would have to say the 4th grade class at the Tobin K-8 school exhibited the greatest transformation. It was so easy to fall in love with these students. So different in their own unique way, but each student brought so much joy every Wednesday and Friday. This session, I was able to choose the book, Dancing in the Wings, written by the amazing Debbie Allen. T...

Budding Artists, Budding Leaders

Posted 9 June 2014 12:00 AM by Kayla Lee, Target Arts Teaching Artist at the Tobin K-8 in Mission Hill

Believe in My Dreams I know I can Do it, do it, move No matter what they say I know you’re scared But don’t give up. No! Don’t throw your hopes away We’re standing proud Through the storm, we are reborn On every day And I believe, I believe I believe in my dreams I believe, I believe I believe in my dreams This was the song created by Miss Jaco’s third grade class at the Tobin K-8 School located in the heart of Roxbury. For ten weeks as a part of Citi PAC’s of...

Happy to be Back!

Posted 7 May 2014 12:00 AM by Lindsey Colelli, City Spotlight Teaching Artist

I was so excited about coming in to JAM with the Teen Council Members and to get a taste of the talent I will get to work with later this summer. This will be my third year working as a Teaching Artist in Dance with the City Spotlight Leadership Program. Each year, as I attempt to ignite the desire of expression through movement, I look forward to the program and the participants reinvigorating my passion for the arts as a whole. After a fun warm-up and some relaxing stretches, I observed as th...

Lost and Found in East Boston

Posted 7 April 2014 12:00 AM by Kayla Lee, Target Arts Teaching Artist

Visiting Patrick J. Kennedy Elementary School in East Boston, I expected a pretty straight-forward meeting with the Citi Performing Art Center’s Education department and school staff. What I got was an unexpected adventure and a warm welcome from the East Boston community in a very unusual way. Backstory: When I was asked to join the Target Teaching Artist Program this spring, I embraced this opportunity to bring together my experiences in the arts, multicultural awareness and education. I...

Sharing Histories: Second Time Around at the PJ Kennedy

Posted 14 March 2014 12:00 AM by Princess Bryant, Target Arts Teaching Artist Assistant in East Boston

New school, new students, same goal! The students at the PJ Kennedy have major experience with producing a production from their own stories. These young artists were able to participate last school year with the Target Arts Program working with Kelly Prestel and Toni Bee. This is great for the new teaching artist, Kayla, and I because they know what is expected as soon as we walk in. Their bright smiles and gracious hellos are so welcoming each Monday and Wednesday. This session we are learning...

Conquering Kryptonite with the Tiniest of Heroes

Posted 10 March 2014 12:00 AM by Toni "Bee" Brooks, Interactive Readings: Stories Alive! Teaching Artist for Kadir Nelson's "I HAVE A DREAM"

In February we got to celebrate the culture of Love on Valentine’s Day and the accomplishments of others all month in recognizing Black History. It is a special and exciting time for me because this year I got to read to the masses about one of my favorite historical figures Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Of course I must confess when I got the assignment – Wait, THE Dr. King?!? - whoa - the shivers got my big timbered self to question my abilities. It was not that green gem tha...

In Their Own Words...Fall Interactive Arts Festival at the Dudley Branch of the Boston Public Library

Posted 17 February 2014 12:00 AM by Keyana Jones; Valerie Stephens

Keyana Jones, dance instructor from Movement In the Moment, Inc. at the Dudley Interactive Arts Festival: As a dancer, dance educator and group fitness instructor I am able to share the multifaceted layers of dance; an unspoken, unwritten art that allows me to expresses my feelings and aspirations. Dance provides me a level of peace and fulfillment and with this art I share my stories with the world. The Dudley Art Festival gave me the opportunity to share this gift with the community of Roxbur...

Stories From the Fall Interactive Arts Festival At Dudley Branch of the Boston Public Library

Posted 7 February 2014 12:00 AM by Jennifer Bencosme and Charlotte Anne Dore

Jennifer Bencosme, dance instructor from La Pi&ntildeata: I enjoyed teaching “Danza” to a group of teens who probably have never seen or heard of “Danza Azteca”. “Danza” is part of the most basic manifestations of the artistic and cultural spirit of the native people of Mexico. “Danza” takes training just as ballet or even modern dance. Aztec dance accompanied by Mayan instruments is a performance on its own. Once they understand what they mean...

Tears of Pride and Joy

Posted 29 January 2014 12:00 AM by Princess Bryant, Target Arts Teaching Artist Assistant at the J. F. Kennedy Elementary School in Jamaica Plain

"I would like to thank Ms. Princess for teaching us how to do a jazz square and step pivot." So I cried a little in front of 22 fourth graders. HA! Would you not, if you were able to see how much these young artist appreciated your time, artistry and love for teaching them for just over an hour and a half two days a week? My students at the JF Kennedy School transformed into amazing actors and dancers with the help of myself, Kelly Prestel and Rachel Rhoades. From day one, the message and expect...

Fall Interactive Arts Festival at Dudley Branch of the Boston Public Library

Posted 27 January 2014 12:00 AM by Toni "Bee" Brooks, Jossie Mar Bailey and Salim Abdul-Rahman

I grew up ’80-‘90’s Roxbury and Dorchester and unfortunately we were all impacted by the challenges affecting our ‘hood. Fortunately though, the outlet of poetry was springing and it helped us sift through the myriad of feelings we were having. Practicing the art connected us to each other, freed us from frustration, and my peers – across the ages – were able to build a new inspiring community. My most memorable moment at this season’s Fall Interactive A...

City's Children are the Gift

Posted 21 January 2014 12:00 AM by Toni "Bee" Brooks, Interactive Readings Teaching Artist for Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Christmas in The City is always special and for me - it brings back interesting memories. The greatest part about it is the joy it grants the families. (Lunch and Santa, gifts and an amusement park – Oh My!) I was near the entrance with my jingle bells- a-ringing hello along with Chicken Little and even The Cat in the Hat. I had emotions to hold back too – for I am one of the most hope-filled persons in the ‘welcome line’. After all, I still rest on the yellow blanket I ...

Her Eye is On the...Sign

Posted 17 January 2014 12:00 AM by Toni "Bee" Brooks, Interactive Readings Teaching Artist for Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas

One thing I adore about children’s picture books is often times at the end there is a moral to the story, a lesson from the tale. As I traveled around the city I noticed there was always something reinforcing my literary mission. That something was signs. Yes signs – and I mean literally. There was the Boston Public Library reading when I stood in the lobby prepping ‘How The Grinch Stole Christmas” and my jaw dropped, then a smile gleamed as a strolled over to these wo...

Teaching Forgiveness, Learning Acceptance

Posted 16 January 2014 12:00 AM by Toni "Bee" Brooks, Interactive Readings Teaching Artist for Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas

It is a joy to be back this Christmas season performing interactive readings of my favorite author Dr. Seuss. I am storming through the city urging tiny Bostonians - and even the adults who come with them - to act out Seuss’ classic book that I read called, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. This year the theme I chose to focus on is forgiveness. That may seem like to lofty a topic for kids to comprehend– but they have quite the hold of the concept, especially since they practice it on ...

Unforgettable

Posted 13 January 2014 12:00 AM by Kelly Prestel, Target Arts Teaching Artist at the J. F. Kennedy Elementary School in Jamaica Plain

Do you ever have the feeling that you blinked and something was over? That is how I feel about my time with Ms. Gibbon's 4th grade class at John F. Kennedy Elementary! It feels like just yesterday we were playing get-to-know-you theatre games and learning the basics of folktales. Each passing week, I saw tremendous growth in our students. And not just growth in their knowledge of performing and storytelling, but positive personal developments as well. Whether it was one of our shy students comin...

Bravery

Posted 10 January 2014 12:00 AM by Sofie Rose Seymour, Target Arts Teaching Artist Assistant at the Quincy Elementary School in Chinatown

“…and when we were backstage I was nervous and scared, and then I remembered, no wait, then we went out on stage, and I was nervous still, and then I remembered how you taught us to be brave and…” We’re backstage before our second and final show, and one of our students is talking to me at least a few miles a minute in a perfect stage whisper. It’s hard to believe that this is the same student we met the first day of class ten weeks prior. Our first day, we ...

The Boy Who Saw Goodness Where Others Saw Nothing

Posted 31 December 2013 12:00 AM by Masha Obolensky, Target Arts Teaching Artist at the Quincy Elementary School in Chinatown

After our original performance of The Boy Who Saw Good Where Others Saw Nothing, the third grade students that made up the cast of our show each gave me a thank you letter: “I tried to do my best on stage to let the play be more interesting and successful.” “Thank you for teaching me my lines – I remember them and I am not scared. I like to act.” “I was scared to get on stage but now I am not scared.” “When I went to the Citi performance I felt sup...

Theatre Catylyzes Self-Revelations for Students at the Quincy Elementary School

Posted 11 November 2013 12:00 AM by Masha Obolensky, Target Arts Teaching Artist

Theatre found me in fourth grade by way of a visiting “Great Books” teacher named Mrs. Todd. We put on a courtroom theatricalization of the Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves story. I was cast as Morgiana and I remember thinking that never in a million years would I be able to do a knife dance. And then there was the shy boy playing the judge - never in a million years, I thought, would he convincingly pound the podium with his gavel. I also remember learning the word “gavel”...

An Ensemble Group Concocting New Storytelling with 3rd Graders at Quincy elementary School

Posted 8 November 2013 12:00 AM by Sofie Rose Seymour, Target Arts Teaching Artist Assistant

When I got to the orientation session for the 2010 C.P.A.C. summer high school internship, I thought to myself, "I'm so old!" I wondered how my journey would be shaped by undergoing such an apparently strenuous process with high schoolers. However, by the end of the first week, my worries quickly melted away. Throughout my artistic journey I have been surrounded by people who were focusing on technique, and script analysis, and character development. Although we discuss all those topics during t...

The Magic of Storytelling at the J.F. Kennedy School

Posted 1 November 2013 12:00 AM by Kelly Prestel, Target Arts Teaching Artist

We are all storytellers. We share tales of our days at work, school, or play with our loved ones, with strangers, with our Facebook friends, with our private journals. There is an innate desire to share our experiences with others and find connections. The act of storytelling takes flight when you throw in performing arts. By using our bodies and voices, we can communicate our stories with greater depth. This fall, twenty four 4th graders at the JFKennedy Elementary School in Jamaica Plain are e...

Passing Along Passion for the Arts as a Target Teaching Artist Assistant

Posted 9 October 2013 12:00 AM by Princess Bryant, Target Arts Teaching Artist Assistant, 4th Grade class at J. F. Kennedy Elementary School

Reading up on the mission and foundation of the Citi Performing Arts Center has made me 10 times more excited to be working with this organization. This education department has so much to offer to the new un-found artists in the city of Boston. Growing up in the inner city of Boston, I was not exposed to the arts until middle school. I wish I was able to have teaching artists and assistants come into my classroom and expose me to their crafts. Thankfully, I am now a teaching artist assistant, ...

City Spotlights: Making a Difference by Doing What You Love - The Arts!

Posted 10 September 2013 12:00 AM by Sam, 2013 City Spotlights Teen Leader

My experience at City Spotlights was AMAZING!!! It was a very friendly family environment. At City Spotlights there were different performing art specialties such as dance, singing and song-writing and theatre. All the different specialties coming together as one was beautiful and inspiring. City Spotlights showed each and every one of the Teen Leaders that we can express ourselves in many POSITIVE ways. One positive thing from City Spotlights was the Power Lunch Wednesdays, because it was the ...

The Learning Continues

Posted 2 September 2013 12:00 AM by Elle Gomes, City Spotlights Music Teaching Artist

As an artist, I am always finding myself in new situations. I rehearse new repertoire, perform in new cities, collaborate with new people. But this summer, I was faced with an incomparable new experience - working as a teaching artist for the City Spotlights Summer Program. To be honest, I didn't know what to expect. The wonderful thing about working with young artists is that they are never the same as the previous group. When I met the extraordinarily gifted youth of City Spotlights 2013, I w...

My Body is My Instrument

Posted 29 August 2013 12:00 AM by Keyana Jones, City Spotlights Dance Teaching Artist and Flash Mob Choreographer

The goal this summer was for students to tell their stories through movement. In class they were instructed to use their body as an instrument; the same way a guitarist uses a guitar. At first many students did not grasp the concept, and became anxious at the thought of performing movements their body never executed before. I instilled that discomfort meant growth, and you are learning something new; be glade and embrace the challenge. I have learned that dance for some youth is nice and to m...

Learning From the Leaders

Posted 27 August 2013 12:00 AM by Toni Bee, City Spotlights Poetry Teaching Artist

This summer at CPAC has been extra special for I have taught and simultaneously learned. Of course my mission is poetry and urging the unique and artistic grasping of that within young. But much of what I have tried to do is open a different door of thinking. Different defined means ‘out of the ordinary’ and as budding artists the first steps in moving forward in the arts is accepting ones own ‘otherworldliness” if you will. The second step is embracing and even respect...

Surprised by Surprises

Posted 13 August 2013 12:00 AM by Alex Johnson, City Spotlights Teaching Artist

One of the pleasures and challenges is the constancy of the new. No matter what the lesson, who the students, where the class, something new is bound to surprise you as a teacher. So when I took on the job at City Spotlights, with a class called “Teaching as Leadership”, I knew I was in for plenty of surprises. I was teaching a new class, with new colleagues, new students, in a new building. I came in trying to anticipate all the surprises. The funny thing about surprises is that th...

Art Week Blog-Full Steam Ahead

Posted 26 July 2013 12:00 AM by Citi Center ArtWeek Staff

When was the last time you read a headlining article about the arts in your city or town’s local business news outlet? Well, the recent grant from ArtPlace for the launch of ArtWeek in Boston/Cambridge helped us break through the “glass ceiling” when the Boston Business Journal gave the project an important nod of support with its “Forget Restaurant Week – ArtWeek launches in Boston” article in May. Other media also picked up the story – all positive sig...

Beauty Blooming: 1st Day at City Spotlights Leadership Program

Posted 10 July 2013 12:00 AM by Sade Ball, Teen Leadership Council Ambassador and City Spotlights Teen Leader

My first day as a City Spotlights Teen Leader was very intense, especially since I met many individuals with many different personalities. For weeks ahead of my first day, I worked with Rachel and Liberty to come up with a workshop for my fellow leaders. My idea was to play a name game where people would use their name to describe themselves. After that, they had 15 minutes to come up with one 3-minute piece using singing, acting or dancing. It was very hard since I didn't know them. I felt tha...

City Spotlights Teen Reflection

Posted 2 July 2013 12:00 AM by Jade Cheek, Education Department Intern, Teen Leadership Council & City Spotlights Alumnus

Speaking my mind Without really speaking at all Writing out thoughts That soon becomes words Not because I want them to But because they choose to Expressing my heart on paper Forms me a little better My heart, my soul, my mind One word at a time Rhyming or no rhyme The thoughts are all mine Whether they stood out or skated by Swiftly through the narrowness of a line Or plunged through the apprehensive cry I… Still had the time to speak my mind By writing one line acknowledged One clap at...

Opening Possibilities with Temple Dance Fables | Youth Leadership Training

Posted 11 June 2013 12:00 AM by Pampi

I got a tremendous opportunity to work with some of the city’s bright creative and caring youth leaders as the Dance Teaching Artist for Citi Performing Arts Center's Teen Leadership Council's spring vacation program. That vacation week opened the day after the Boston Marathon bombing. The other facilitators and I decided that we had to help teens learn how to dispel fear. As one of the girls shared, that rehearsal room in the basement of the Wang Theatre was their safe space. I decided to...

Rogers Middle School-Target Arts Showcase Soon to Come

Posted 22 May 2013 12:00 AM by Kristen Mazzocchi, Teaching Artist

I can’t believe we are two weeks away from the final performance for the Target Arts Program with the Rogers Middle School! Today we had an extremely productive rehearsal. As one student said, “It is all coming together.” This is one aspect of the performing arts process that does not change. Through hard work, perseverance and a little bit of faith, it all comes together in the end. After twelve weeks of learning about the process of creating, writing and performing, we are p...

Boston Teens Shine Their Light

Posted 15 May 2013 12:00 AM by Liberty, April Vacation Arts & Leadership Training Teaching Artist

The week of April 15th stands out in my mind for more reasons than one. While fear and adversity could be two words that some may use to describe that time, words that come to my mind are hope, promise and strength. Let me fill you in. On Tuesday, April 16th I got the chance to begin work with present and future stars. As Boston asked questions and wondered why, the Teen Leadership Council of the City Spotlights program came together to plan a future where mutual respect, team work and leadershi...

Performing Peter Pan's Magic At the Kennedy Elementary School

Posted 9 May 2013 12:00 AM by Kelly Prestel, Emerson Graduate Intern & Citi Center Teaching Artist

There is always magic in the air when we head to PJ Kennedy Elementary in East Boston. Every time Toni Bee and I enter Ms. Grant-Carter’s second grade classroom, we can feel the excitement bubbling. It’s time to create! We’ve been with our students in Ms. Grant-Carter’s class for many weeks now. Each week, we guide them through new theatre and poetry skills to prepare for our final performance. I’m not sure I’ve ever taught a class with a universal eagerness t...

The J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge 2013

Posted 22 April 2013 12:00 AM by Citi

Citi Performing Arts Center education department’s signature program, the City Spotlights Summer Leadership Program, is honored to be recognized as a 2013 beneficiary of the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge alongside the Emerald Necklace Conservancy. This is the 30th year of the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge, and is the largest road race held entirely within the Boston city limits. Citi Center will have a team of staff members running in the event as well as a tent to learn more about the...

Metropolitans Kick it Off at Abby Lane

Posted 16 April 2013 12:00 AM by Citi

On March 20, the Citi Center development team launched the Metropolitans in an amazing kick-off event at Abby Lane. Guests totaling 80+ enjoyed a signature Metropolitan cocktail, mixed and mingled while generating great ideas for partnerships and support for the Citi Center Education programs, as well as the Corporate Culture initiative. The staff looks forward to many more great Metropolitan meet-ups in our theatres and around the district. Among the crowd were Priscilla Rojas and Caroline Scha...

Join Us for Peter Pan Interactive Readings!

Posted 10 April 2013 12:00 AM by Citi

This Saturday kicks off a week of interactive readings based on the upcoming production of Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan! Become re-energized with the magic of Peter Pan and his adventures through an interactive reading of Flying to Neverland with Peter Pan, led by Citi Performing Arts Center’s Community Artist Fellow, Toni Bee. Each session will run approximately 60 minutes and will include a reading of Flying to Neverland with Peter Pan, an original interactive workshop, and sing-a-long! Work...

March is Youth Arts Month

Posted 25 March 2013 12:00 AM by Citi

Governor Deval Patrick and the Massachusetts House of Representatives have issued proclamations declaring March to be Youth Arts Month in Massachusetts. To celebrate the importance of arts education, Citi Performing Arts Center education department wants to share some of the unique work that is happening all over Boston through our in-school, out of school, and community outreach programs. During February vacation week, Community Artist Fellow Toni Bee ran a Poetry Galaxy Workshop, where teens f...

Mining the Magical Mind

Posted 5 March 2013 12:00 AM by Toni Bee, City Spotlights Artist Fellow

As I jump into being a teaching artist, spring is showing her face in varied ways. The leap of heat in the weather is a signal for me that the ground has loosened from the freeze and NOW it is best time to start digging for precious stones. In a way I see myself as a miner whose mission is to encourage the unearthing of art-stones within the beings of Gems; those Gems are a class full of second graders. In February, “Team Theatre” - Teaching Artists Kelly P., Rachel R. and I - went ...

Target Arts at Rogers Middle School

Posted 26 February 2013 12:00 AM by Kristen Mazzocchi

I just finished watching the latest movie version of Peter Pan in preparation of the Target Arts program starting at the Rogers Middle School next week. The seventh grade students that I am working with as a teaching artist will create their own original performance in 12 weeks and will get to see Peter Pan at the Citi Wang Theatre as part of the program. They will create this original piece using their own writings and ideas, some of which will touch on themes that resonate in the Peter Pan sto...

Theater Education as Healing: Reflections from a Teaching Artist Assistant

Posted 8 January 2013 12:00 AM by Jeremy Gooden

In July of 2012, I served as a teaching artist assistant in the City Spotlights Leadership Program with the Citi Center education department. Due to a devastating personal loss this summer, I made the decision to take some time off from school. When word got out that I would not be returning to campus in the fall, my extended family bombarded me with questions about how my hiatus would affect my education. I answered each question in a manner that would make any politician proud. My responses we...

The Bond

Posted 21 December 2012 12:00 AM by Valerie Stephens, Teaching Artist at Quincy Elementary School Target Arts Program

It’s the second and last performance of the Quincy Elementary School Winter Celebration 2012. We are queued up waiting for our turn, two classes in front of us. It has been an exciting day with the first performance going well, with only the slightest of glitches. Now, we are veterans waiting for our turn on stage with the glib detachment of seasoned professionals. Suddenly, Zach turned to me and, with deliberate seriousness, says “Miss Stephens, are you coming to our class after vac...

Holland Elementary Target Arts Program: A lot of Love, Pride & Empowerment

Posted 17 December 2012 12:00 AM by Jennifer Vento, Target Arts Teaching Artist

“I like myself.” – Keilly “I’m a great kid and a great actor.” - Luis “I learned about listening and doing a play and doing a good job.” – Omar “I’m awesome.” - Briana Less than half an hour after the final performance of their teaching artist residency program, students at the Holland School discovered a new-found belief in themselves. To hear our students express pride, confidence, and pure joy for themselves after perform...

The Suskind Legacy Living On

Posted 28 November 2012 12:00 AM by Corey Evans, Director of Education

As I reflect back on the last few weeks, I am thankful. I know that we were all supposed to be sharing our “thanks” last week, given that it was Thanksgiving and all, but we in the Citi Center Education Department were so busy living in the moment of our “thanks” that it was hard to slow down long enough to really reflect on our thanks. With the amazing celebration of Joe’s 25th Anniversary Gala behind us, I am thankful to work in a place where our President and CEO...

Show Thanks, Be Full

Posted 20 November 2012 12:00 AM by Toni Bee, City Spotlights Artist Fellow

The Holidays are rough for some of us. This time of year emotions slip the slopes of the heart, tearing a salty avalanche down cheek-side. Yup – we all a have valid reasons to be sad – But I have found a perfect elixir for your woe. Being Thankful This week my heart grew a bigger with joy at The Gala at Citi Performing Arts Center - which doubled as a Celebration of Josiah ‘Joe” Spaulding’s 25 years at the helm. So many people showed appreciation to Joe: their pr...

To Look, To Lend, To Learn

Posted 6 November 2012 12:00 AM by Toni Bee

My Mom was a Kindergarten teacher. My Dad, being a wordsmith, still continues to urge me (and my daughter) to devour the dictionary whenever possible. So I should not be surprised to find myself a part of the Education Department at Citi Performing Arts Center. As you see, teaching is in my DNA and some angel must have given me a dose of creativity. Still, I keep on bumping into angels and they linger on the second floor at the Shubert Theatre and in classrooms in the city. Valerie Stephens ha...

Playmaking at the New England Theater Conference

Posted 1 November 2012 12:00 AM by Rachel Rhoades, Education Programs Manager

Last Friday, I had the honor to attend the 61st Annual Convention of the New England Theatre Conference in Natick, Massachusetts. This year’s theme aligned perfectly with Citi Center Education Department’s programmatic focus on social change: Re-Invigorating the Art: Adapting Our Theatre for a Changing World. At the Master Class I attended, Something to Say: Playmaking with High School Students, I met with teachers from throughout the state and exchanged ideas on how to create impac...

Joyful Moments From Holland 2nd Graders

Posted 31 October 2012 12:00 AM by Jennifer Vento, Target Arts Teaching Artist

I'm excited to bring my talent for combining stories, movement, and music into the classroom, and directing young people in making their own theatrical creations. I saw a joyful moment in the classroom last week when our students made individual tableaux, each one freezing with an emotional facial expression and active physical gesture. That showed me they understood the concept of freezing in action and making pictures with their bodies. I am looking forward to using many tableaux in our final ...

From Participant to Teaching Artist Assistant: Reflections

Posted 25 October 2012 12:00 AM by Jeremy Gooden: City Spotlights, Target Arts & Citizen Schools Teaching Artist Assistant

I have been participating in the Citi Performing Arts Center’s education programs for about 8 years now and have held various positions, including high school intern, college intern, and most recently, teaching assistant. This opportunity has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my artistic career. As a teaching assistant I get to work closely with extremely talented teaching artists; apply my music and theatre training on a daily basis; and create artistic pieces with my students...

Get Up/Show Up for Your Favorite Moment

Posted 18 October 2012 12:00 AM by Toni Bee, City Spotlights Artist Fellow

It is the end of week two at Citi Center aka The Wang, Shubert and Emerson Colonial and I am still looking up at the sky. My mind wonders and wanders into a questioning realm and I ask ‘How did THIS happen?’ But I know It happened by my simply showing up. This Friday I have been witness to Teen Council Interviews. All that the Citi staff asked of the teenagers in the Spotlights program to do was / Show up at this time, have a piece to perform I have discovered this summer and now in...

The Celebrity Series Dances Its Way to the Shubert

Posted 17 October 2012 12:00 AM by Citi

For many years, the Citi Performing Arts Center has been proud to host Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater presented by the Celebrity Series of Boston at the Wang Theatre. This year, we are thrilled to welcome four more world-renowned companies to our theatres. Between now and May, the Celebrity Series will introduce Citi Shubert Theatre audiences to some of the most innovative and creative international dance beginning with the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company on October 19. The Lar Lubovitch Dance C...

National Arts Education Week

Posted 10 September 2012 12:00 AM by Citi

September 9-15 is National Arts in Education Week. Since we like to take every opportunity we can to promote arts education, we want to highlight some of our recent programs both in and out of schools in the Boston area. Summer Leadership This summer, the City Spotlights Leadership Program featured 28 Teen Leaders of which 26 live in the City of Boston. Our leaders represent 20 different schools. Most have no formal arts training and little to no arts in their schools. (Click here to see their ...

Matts Summer Internship Comes to an End

Posted 30 August 2012 12:00 AM by Matt Taylor

My summer internship here with Citi Performing Arts Center is unfortunately coming to an end as I prepare to start my senior year of classes. I have to say that working here this summer certainly has flown by and I am sad to see it end; it has been a fantastic experience and I wish I could only continue it longer. I have learned so much, worked with awesome people, and gained insight as to what I may want to do as I approach graduation. Coming into the internship, I was both anxious and nervous ...

Teaching Artists Reflect on City Spotlights

Posted 16 August 2012 12:00 AM by Matt Taylor

Every summer, Citi Performing Arts Center Education Department runs a program for young people from the Boston area where they learn leadership and job development skills though the performing arts. This year, three talented teaching artists worked with the City Spotlights Leaders on music, dance, and acting. Read their reflections below. Lindsey Colelli, Dance Instructor I had the pleasure to work with these amazing leaders on creating movement pieces and learning choreography. Most dance clas...

In Depth The legends of Zelda Symphony of the Goddess

Posted 7 August 2012 12:00 AM by Matt Taylor

Diehard Zelda fan? Just looking for something new and exciting? The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses is your ticket this fall. Experience Zelda with a live symphony orchestra performing the soundtrack from the video game October 18 at the Citi Wang Theatre. The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses is a year-long tour based on their previous endeavor, The Legend of Zelda: 25th Anniversary Concert. The music is arranged by the video game’s music director Chad Seiter, known fo...

Stay Cool This Summer at Citi Center

Posted 1 August 2012 12:00 AM by Citi

It’s August and summer is nearing the official midpoint. It’s hard to believe that days are getting shorter, back-to-school commercials have invaded our televisions, and bathing suits are 50% off. At the Citi Performing Arts Center, we’ve been well-aware of the rising temperatures, since our Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) system has been undergoing serious repairs. Think HVAC is boring? Well, the next time you are in the theatres you’ll be glad we brought it ...

Citi Center Welcomes a New Intern!

Posted 24 July 2012 12:00 AM by Matt Taylor

Hey all! My name is Matt and I am the new marketing intern here at Citi Performing Arts Center! I am going into my senior year at Emerson College and I am studying marketing communications. I am originally from the Boston area and have a passion for theatre and film. After graduation I hope to find a job in marketing/public relations working with entertainment, whether that be with theatre, film, music, or even sports. So this internship is pretty ideal for me! I’ve been coming in to Bosto...

Zelda Amazes Audiences with a Symphonic Experience

Posted 24 July 2012 12:00 AM by Matt Taylor

Are you a fan of the classic videogame, “The Legend of Zelda?” Do you remember going on quests with the famous title character to Fairy Mountain or Gerudo Valley? Well then, do we have a treat for you! Zelda is back, and in a completely new shape and form – music! “The Legends of Zelda – A Symphony of the Goddesses” is a follow up of the very popular “Legend of Zelda, 25th Anniversary Concert” and is on a yearlong tour. With every performance to da...

City Spotlights Summer Leadership 2012 is Back in Action!

Posted 12 July 2012 12:00 AM by Citi

“You make the world better for yourself by making it better for others” City Spotlights Summer Leader The City Spotlights Summer Leaders are here! Thirty-one students representing 23 schools and 12 Boston neighborhoods and towns have made the theatre their home for the next 5 weeks. Students participate in a leadership training program while learning about acting, singing, dancing and 21st century skills such as creative writing and interviewing. At the end of the program, students...

Bon Voyage!

Posted 27 June 2012 12:00 AM by Coralie Pasero

While I am getting ready for my last day at Citi Performing Arts Center, I am thinking about my times here and how fast it went. No tears, please, no tears… I know that you are going to miss me, but it is time for me to take my bundle of clothes and swim back to France … before my visa expires. Well, actually I am going to miss Citi Performing Arts Center too. It was such a great experience to meet such a great staff and have this opportunity to get professional experience from a...

Part of the Experience

Posted 14 June 2012 12:00 AM by Eric Neill

Growing up with a mother who is a performer and choreographer, I got to see firsthand the hard work it took to put together a performance. From planning what music to use, lights and sounds systems, costumes, auditions, rehearsals, the choreography and etc, it was such a long and well thought out process. The hours and the passion my mother put in to make sure that everything she was a part of was done as close to perfect as possible always amazed me. I thought all of this hard work over a cours...

Employee Spotlight: Anastasia Zay

Posted 7 June 2012 12:00 AM by Citi

While Citi Performing Arts Center’s staff usually stays behind-the-scenes when the curtains rise, this June one of our very own will be sharing the stage with the legendary Earth Wind & Fire. As you might expect, our staff is passionate about the arts and includes many past and present artists—from actors to dancers to musicians and photographers. So when we found out that one of our own, Anastasia Zay, was going to perform with Earth Wind & Fire, we couldn’t resist bra...

Behind the Scenes: Exclusive Interview with the Marketing Team

Posted 1 June 2012 12:00 AM by Coralie Pasero

We talk to you on Facebook, on Twitter, we update the website, create the contests for you to win tickets, we take the pictures, make the Citi Performing Arts Center videos and graphic designs… But we are not only that. We also support other departments. We create group sales flyers for Theater Services team, help the Education department tell their stories, and the development department for galas and membership appeals, and many other things… To sum up, we are the marketing team...

Discovering City Spotlights

Posted 21 May 2012 12:00 AM by Lisa Muise

What are the City Spotlights Programs? I knew that they were arts education programs but at the time that was about all that I knew being new to the organization and juggling several priorities in the Finance department. The students would regularly show up at the theatre for their training sessions and they would usually stop by on their way out to grab some candy and say hello (who am I kidding- it was mostly for the candy). But I must say that they were always a welcomed distraction. The stud...

City Spotlights Spoken Word Project at Dudley Branch Library

Posted 9 May 2012 12:00 AM by Andre Sparrow, Teaching Artist

This will be the 3rd session of the City Spotlights Spoken Word Project that I participated in as a teaching artist. This session was very different from previous sessions in terms of the amount of students that participated, but it was also different in terms of what I saw when we met. The young people who participated this session grew as writers and helped me grow as a writer also. This session brought a little more creativity and fun activities than previous sessions. Because this session to...

Creative Expression at Citizen Schools

Posted 4 May 2012 12:00 AM by NaTasha O'Brien, Teaching Artist

Students are gearing up for the final few weeks of their work, and that means it’s time to take the stage. This week during our session, students were divided into groups depending on their role in the upcoming WOW performance. Dancers took the stage and rehearsed a wonderfully choreographed routine, while poets, and artists worked hard to develop their contributions to the event. These students are finding unique ways to express themselves both as individuals and as an ensemble. Each wee...

Citi Center Hosts Performing Arts Center Consortium

Posted 27 April 2012 12:00 AM by Citi

This week Citi Performing Arts Center is playing host to the Performing Arts Center Consortium (PACC) Development Conference. PACC brings together arts professionals from across the country as well as Canada, England and as far away as Australia, to discuss ideas, best practices and challenges in their respective Centers. Concurrently, Citi Center President and CEO Josiah Spaulding is attending the CEO PACC Conference in Cleveland, Ohio. Like Citi Center, Performing Arts Centers are the beatin...

EdVestors Residency at Madison Park Vocational Technical High School

Posted 25 April 2012 12:00 AM by Citi

We’re nearing the end of our residency, and the usual excitement and stress that comes along with that are abundant! Thankfully, we had zero snow days to be concerned about, but as we all know with high school, attendance can be tough. We’ve had a core group of amazing stars, and I’m very grateful for that! Here are a few updates about the program: We have a finished script! Hooray! We’re going to start recording audio and possible video for our performance We just finish...

Sharing the Arts Experience

Posted 17 April 2012 12:00 AM by Julie Banks

Peter Pan. It was Peter Pan. My dad took me to see the stage adaption of Peter Pan. I was astonished. Peter could fly! Tinker Bell too! There were pirates, Indians and an alligator. I wanted to do it all over again once it was over. And, I got to meet Peter Pan. I couldn’t wait to get back to school and tell my friends about the show. The thrill lie in finding a classmate that had seen it too. Suddenly, there were two kids high on excitement trading “Did you see when…” a...

Social Media at Citi Performing Arts Center

Posted 12 April 2012 12:00 AM by Coralie Pasero

As part of my internship, developing Social Media and new Marketing technologies is one of my tasks. This makes me realize how important and inescapable social media is for an organization like Citi Performing Arts Center. If I am going to talk about Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, I must give you one reason why I think social media are such major tools, and also why I love it: they are the best way for us to communicate with our audiences, to communicate with you. We want to know what you like...

Hip Hop, Theater and Social Change: Week 4

Posted 6 April 2012 12:00 AM by Rachel Rhoades

This week students continued exploring issues of personal agency and worked with the topic of power. Irving students created visual arts pieces while students from the Edwards created skits using breakdance and spoken word. In the picture below, Edwards student Isaiah teaches peers “the jerk,” for which his classmate thanked him at the end of the session during the Community Stew. Apprentices use this closing ritual to extend appreciations to each other, articulate new learning and ...

Citi Center Goes Center Court

Posted 3 April 2012 12:00 AM by Citi

Last week, Citi Performing Arts Center stood at center court at the Celtics game to receive a gift from community partner, the Shamrock Foundation. Board members and arts education advocates Esta Epstein and Beth Nichols were on hand with Chief of Staff Sue Dahling Sullivan to accept the gift in support Citi Center’s arts education programs. Among those cheering in the stands for the presentation and the game, were 20 youth participants from our Exploring Hip Hop program at the Blue Hill ...

Week 3 Hip Hop, Theater and Social Change at Irving & Edwards

Posted 2 April 2012 12:00 AM by Rachel Rhoades

This week the students learned in an even more “hands-on” manner than usual. They toprocked on their feet, spun on the floor- some even learned a new flip or two! A very talented group of teenage break-dancers, led by traditional Cambodian dancer Sam Hor, joined us from the Lowell Community Health Center. They shared not only dance moves, but also moving testimony about how hip hop and the arts provided them with a way to focus their time and energy despite the violence surrounding t...

Citizen Schools Hip Hop Apprenticeship Update

Posted 28 March 2012 12:00 AM by NaTasha O'Brien

WE DID IT! Our group was finally able to take all of their excitement, energy and GREAT ideas, and focus them in on a specific and positive theme for our WOW! For the past two weeks we have been reviewing the basics of hip-hop and theater, now, we will be able to begin applying them! Students worked in groups to discuss what it means to persevere. They created posters reflecting what characteristics one must possess, and what hardships they might encounter. All-in-all, the students were very for...

Sliding Into a Musical Career

Posted 26 March 2012 12:00 AM by Ronald G. Vigue

So there I was, in the fourth grade, being handed a musical instrument, made of brass with a long slide. It looked pretty and complicated or perhaps pretty complicated? At that time, I wasn’t sure which. For sure, it wasn’t the one I wanted to play. I wanted the alto saxophone. Perhaps the single, most coolest instrument in the world! If I remember correctly, my decision to pursue the saxophone had nothing to do with anything musical, but more with how it could help me impress the fo...

Opportunities to be an Artist

Posted 20 March 2012 12:00 AM by Ruth Mercado-Zizzo

I don’t remember when I watched a show in a theatre for the first time. What I do remember is the first time I designed my own comic strip and played the piano (1st grade), the first time I wrote a play (5th grade), the first time I acted on stage (6th grade) and the first time I stage managed (10th grade). The arts were just a natural part of my life, and I am fortunate to have attended schools where the arts were a given part of the curriculum and to have parents and a family heritage wh...

March is Youth Art Month!

Posted 19 March 2012 12:00 AM by Citi

By proclamation of Governor Deval Patrick, March is Youth Art Month—described by the National Art Education Association as “an annual observance each March to emphasize the value of art education for all children and encourage support for quality school art programs.” In celebration, Mass Cultural Council and Creative Minds Unleashed! is currently showcasing examples of youth work on its online e-Showcase. Click here to see all of the entries, including three original songs wri...

Edwards & Irving Middle Schools Hip Hop, Theater and Social Change: Week 2

Posted 16 March 2012 12:00 AM by Rachel Rhoades

Apprentices at the Edwards joined in artistic collaboration as they began writing their own songs in small groups. They experienced the beginnings of that most mysterious, exciting creative process in working together to form the foundational beat before experimenting with rhymes to compose lyrics. At both schools, students explored their unique qualities through creative writing, which left them with a vivid reminder of their personal strength to return to when facing difficult choices. The Irv...

Exploring Hip Hop at Orchard Gardens K-8 School Begins

Posted 14 March 2012 12:00 AM by NaTasha O'Brien

We kicked things off to a great start over at the Orchard Gardens K-8! This week, I was introduced to ten of my seventh grade students, and they’re fantastic!! Many of the students already know one another, so team building and relationship exercises are going to come very naturally within the group. We began exploring how to use our own bodies as instruments to express theatricality through vocalization and movement. As an exercise to encourage openness and creative exploration of self, s...

Edwards Middle School & Irving Middle School Hip Hop, Theater and Social Change Apprenticeship With Citizen Schools: Week 1

Posted 12 March 2012 12:00 AM by Rachel Rhoades

The Edwards sixth graders were more than ready to take positive risks and jump into the Hip Hop, Theater & Social Change apprenticeship! They identified courage, respect and teamwork as the values we should hold onto as a blossoming ensemble. A particularly inspiring moment came from one student who expressed anxiety about displaying a dance move for our Name and Gesture icebreaker. The group encouraged her and offered ways to help ease her nerves; we decided to have her wait until last. Whe...

Broadway In Boston's Season Announcement Introduced us to Joey, The Mormons, and so much more!

Posted 9 March 2012 12:00 AM by Coralie Pasero

Last Monday the Citi Performing Arts Center team went to the Broadway In Boston season announcement at the Opera House. After having struggled to create a path through the crowded hall, we finally got to the theater to watch the trailer of the upcoming shows for the 2012/2013 season. We saw the announcement of War Horse, Jersey Boys, Memphis, Sister Act, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, Tuck Everlasting and Mary Poppins… But anyway, for this occasion I would like to talk about two of those sho...

Our Newest Philanthropic Leaders Take a Dome Tour!

Posted 7 March 2012 12:00 AM by Citi

What goes on when the lights are out? Last week, Citi Performing Arts Center’s next generation of philanthropic leaders, The Metropolitans, got the opportunity to see. A hundred feet above the stage, the group of eight went behind—or rather, above—the scenes, climbing narrow ship ladders, navigating tight quarters, and clamoring across the catwalks, all for chance to take in the view from four stories above: Taking this unusual tour of Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre, ...

BYCF Flash Mob Performers Have Summer on the Mind

Posted 1 March 2012 12:00 AM by Citi

On February 22, over 900 audience members and participants gathered at Emmanuel College Jean Yawkey Center for Boston Centers for Youth and Families (BCYF) annual Boston Rock It event. Organizations from throughout the city previewed their summer programs and encouraged youth to sign up and be active over the summer. In the cheering section for these youth performances were celebrity guests--Captains and flight attendants from sponsor Jet Blue, Wally the Green Monster, Slyde from the Revolution ...

Target Arts in the Classroom

Posted 23 February 2012 12:00 AM by Abe Lateiner

My name is Abe Lateiner, and I’m a middle school English/ESL teacher at the Tobin K-8 School in Roxbury. From the beginning of January until February vacation, I had the pleasure of hosting a Target Arts teaching artist in my ESL classroom. I had been trying to teach theater before the residency, but had been limited by my lack of experience. Carol, my resident theater teaching artist, came in and got kids up and on their feet, learning theater the best way there is: by doing it! Through ...

Citi Center Marketing Intern Goes Musical

Posted 22 February 2012 12:00 AM by Coralie Pasero

It has been now three weeks that I am part of the Citi Performing Arts Center. Time flies… Last week I went to the Addams Family Musical, which was an interesting experience for me. To be honest, this is the second real “Broadway” musical I have ever seen in my life. I only have seen Avenue Q in London two years ago, and I loved it. What I enjoyed about the Addams Family musical are the staging and the decors which were dark and almost disturbing, but the contrast with the hum...

Students Speak Their Mind at the City Spotlights Spoken Word Project

Posted 21 February 2012 12:00 AM by Citi

Last Wednesday, the City Spotlights Spoken Word Project wrapped up its second session at the Dudley Branch Library. Participants developed spoken word, storytelling and performing arts skills while exploring hip hop culture. Eighteen students completed the session, which ended with an inspiring final performance featuring the students’ original poetry and a full audience. Click here to view some of the students' moving words. This week, many of the teens will be back at the Library during ...

Target Arts Spring Session Comes to a Close

Posted 15 February 2012 12:00 AM by Citi

Target Arts Residencies wrap up this week at the King School and the Tobin School. During the residency, students and teaching artists focused on “No Snap Judgments,” a program created by The Addams Family Musical Tour, to promote acceptance and respect by celebrating what makes us unique and what brings us all together. Students and teachers had the once in a lifetime opportunity to meet cast members and then see them onstage, when they attended The Addams Family at Citi Shubert The...

Love is in the Air at Citi Performing Arts Center

Posted 14 February 2012 12:00 AM by Citi

It’s Valentine’s Day, and Citi Performing Arts Center is celebrating love at the theatre…and not just onstage! In the past, the Citi Wang and Shubert Theatres have played Cupid for many romantic moments, from first dates to legendary proposals—who could forget this one at the Elvis Costello concert, and most recently on stage after a performance of Radio City Christmas Spectacular. And every year dozens of eager brides work with our events team to create their special da...

The Bostonian Adventures of the Citi Performing Arts Center marketing Intern

Posted 8 February 2012 12:00 AM by Coralie Pasero

For the next 5 months, Citi Performing Arts Center will follow the Bostonian adventures of Coralie, our new marketing intern from Avignon, France. Follow her travels right here on the Citi Center Blog. My first day in Boston, my first days at Citi Performing Arts Center…what an experience! It would take too much time to tell you every detail but I will give a short overview. When I arrived, I felt very confused: even though I love your accent, do you realize how fast you speak, people fro...

Did You Know? Fun Facts About the Citi Wang Theater

Posted 7 February 2012 12:00 AM by Citi

No matter how often you visit the Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre, from ushers who consider it a second home to out-of-towners visiting for the very first time, its magnificence takes you by surprise every time. In all its incarnations over 86 years—movie palace to Broadway beacon to concert venue—the Citi Wang Theatre remains a cultural landmark in Boston for good reason—and here are five: The Citi Wang Theatre has been called by several names over the years. Origina...

Back to Back rock Stars Left their Mark at Citi Wang Theater

Posted 1 February 2012 12:00 AM by Citi

Fans flocked to the Citi Wang Theatre Jan. 26 & 27 to bask in the rockstar glow of Kelly Clarkson and Lenny Kravitz. Kelly’s Stronger Tour pulled in a sold out crowd on Thursday thrilling diehard fans who sang along to every song, and the next night, Lenny Kravitz kicked off his Black and White America tour with a bang. After their Boston stops, both Clarkson and Kravitz are now headed to Indianapolis. Kelly Clarkson, the inaugural winner of American Idol and now well-established pop ...

The Spirit of Dr. King

Posted 30 January 2012 12:00 AM by Maurice Parent, Teaching Artist, Target Arts Residency at King K-8 School in Dorchester

Walking into the halls of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. K-8 school in Dorchester, you can’t help but feel the presence of Dr. King himself, encouraging you to try your best and work as hard as you can. Maybe it’s from the many paintings and quotes on the walls or the beautiful, newly finished murals painted by students and Heidi Schork from the Mayor's Mural Crew, in the auditorium but Dr. King’s spirit is strongly felt. However, beyond its beautiful layout, you can feel Dr. K...

Caption This Contest-Fester at the Movies

Posted 26 January 2012 12:00 AM by Citi

Tell us what’s going on in this creepy and kooky cartoon by Charles Addams! Daily winners will receive The Addams Family CD sampler and one grand prize winner will receive 4 tickets for their freaky family to see The Addams Family Musical at the Citi Shubert Theatre. Thanks to all of our contest participants for your kooky captions! The winner for this cartoon is Julia! Congratulations to Megan for winning the grand prize – 4 tickets to a performance of The Addams Family Musical. Wi...

Caption This Contest-Addams Family at the Box Office

Posted 24 January 2012 12:00 AM by Citi

Tell us what’s going on in this creepy and kooky cartoon by Charles Addams! Daily winners will receive The Addams Family CD sampler and one grand prize winner will receive 4 tickets for their freaky family to see The Addams Family Musical at the Citi Shubert Theatre. **Thanks to all of our contest participants for your kooky captions! The winner for this cartoon is Marybeth Crowley! Congratulations to Megan for winning the grand prize – 4 tickets to a performance of The Addams Famil...

Reflection of an Education Department Intern

Posted 23 January 2012 12:00 AM by Elizabeth Scott

Hi my name is Elizabeth, and I am an Education Department Intern through the Youth Option Unlimited Program. I am going to tell you all about how much I like/loved working at this program and what I learned. First off I really like working at this program. It brought me out of my shell because when I first started working here I was very shy and quiet until I got to know people and got used to them. I started talking more letting myself come out and that’s where all the shyness stopped. I ...

EdVestors Residency Continues at Madison Park Vocational Technical High School

Posted 19 January 2012 12:00 AM by Citi

To get back into the swing of Spring, read a message from a teacher and teaching artist at Madison Park Technical Vocational High School. Priya Tahiliani, Creative Writing Teacher This is my second year working with the Education Department at Citi Performing Arts Center. After a successful six-week long program last year, I was thrilled to find out that through EdVestors the program would be returning to my Creative Writing class this year and that they would be spending the entire year with u...

Citi Center Education Programs Are Ready For Spring

Posted 13 January 2012 12:00 AM by Citi

After a restful break, the Citi Center Education Department is back in action. Both the Target Arts and City Spotlights Spoken Word Projects kicked off this week in schools in Dorchester and Roxbury and Dudley Branch Library, respectively. This session Target Arts will focus on a performance curriculum surrounding the upcoming Addams Family Musical, and the “No Snap Judgments Program.” In addition, local performer and Boston Public School teacher Lisa Bello will perform songs for Tar...

They're Creepy, Kooky, and Heading For Boston

Posted 5 January 2012 12:00 AM by Citi

As you may have heard, The Addams Family Musical closed on Broadway at the end of 2011. But not to fear, the new and improved tour has been making waves across the country. Read the reviews from New Orleans, St. Louis, Charlotte, and Tampa! Critics and audiences alike are raving about The Addams Family Musical! In November, Citi Performing Arts Center hosted their annual gala with an Addams Family theme. Guests dressed up in their creepy couture and danced the night away while making donations ...

Hello Internet Bloggers,

Posted 3 January 2012 12:00 AM by Corey DePina

Hello internet bloggers, My name is Corey DePina and this year I had the opportunity to work with the City Spotlights Leadership Program as a teaching artist and man what a treat it was.. We had 8 weeks to write, produce, rehearse and perform an original show. Meeting one day a week.. I know it sounds crazy right? Our first plan of action was to see what the students were good at and what ideas they had when they thought about what performance they would want to produce. After a little group bui...

A Very Rockette Christmas At the Citi Wang Theater

Posted 21 December 2011 12:00 AM by Citi

It just isn’t Christmas without the Radio City Christmas Spectacular! At each performance, the Rockettes, with help from Santa, weave a story of family and belief in the magic of Christmas that every family will enjoy. Since the premiere, we have had amazing response from audience members through social media. We hope that your family will get the opportunity to see this American classic. From the Citi Performing Arts Center family to yours, we wish you a Happy Holiday and New Year. Here ...

City Spotlights Leaders Showcase Their Original Work

Posted 19 December 2011 12:00 AM by Citi

"I Wanna Go Back" By Taylor, City Spotlights Leader I wanna go back Back to when I could see color I wanna go back Back to when love was something we can feel inside And never lose pride I wanna go back To the life I knew we had And take all this hurt and pain And make that our past Chorus: I can see grey in a young girl’s eyes And the tears behind a young boy’s eyes I can feel the burn behind each person’s lies I wanna go back to when I didn't have to say goodbye I w...

City Spotlights Leadership Program - Reflections From a Teaching Artist

Posted 15 December 2011 12:00 AM by Jeremy Cohen

Gettin bloggy wit it! Often what passes for knowledge in an education seminar seems far removed from the reality of the classroom. For years I'd heard about 'Asset-Based Instruction' and 'Culturally Responsive Practice', two concepts that basically translate to: respect the knowledge students bring with them into the classroom and let it help guide instruction. Sounds nice in theory, but putting it into practice is another matter. Why? For starters, striking the right balance between student-dir...

Macy's Community Night At Radio City Christmas Spectacular

Posted 13 December 2011 12:00 AM by Citi

Thanks to Macy's generous support of the SpectrumBoston Ticket Access Fund, Citi Performing Arts Center welcomed 50 youth and families to a special performance of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular on Sunday. Each of our guests received a Macy's gift bag with festive treats and a ticket to the show the Patriot Ledger is praising as "fresh and full of energy." Thank you to Macy's for introducing this beloved holiday tradition to new families! A quote from Macy's ticket recipient North End Agai...

Exploring Hip Hop: Who Am I?

Posted 6 December 2011 12:00 AM by Citi

Congratulations to Orchard Gardens K-8 School in Roxbury for the recent recognition in Boston Herald. Citi Performing Arts Center is proud to be a part of the Orchard Gardens community and its success through Citizen Schools by offering performing arts apprenticeships. This Spring, we are excited to expand our partnership, working in three schools including Orchard Gardens, as well as the Irving Middle School in Roslindale and Edwards Middle School in Charlestown. Below are reflections from Orc...

Post Program City Spotlights Leader Reflection

Posted 6 December 2011 12:00 AM by Derrick, City Spotlights Leader

Hi, my name is Derrick and I am 18 years old. My experience in the City Spotlights Leadership Program was the most amazing experience in my life. When I first came to the Citi Center, I froze up after I had seen so many in one program. At first, I thought I was the only guy there and I nearly freaked out, but soon after I saw more guys come in, and happened to get acquainted with one of them. Besides the fact that the friends I made were the most talented, gifted and chill people I know, I had f...

Reflections From a Teaching Artist

Posted 5 December 2011 12:00 AM by Maurice Parent

During my residency at the David A. Ellis School, I am reminded of the freedom of youth. I feel that as artists much of our training is spent learning how to recapture that joy, spontaneity and freedom of expression that children have in abundance. I feel I’ve grown as a person, performer and teaching artist through my work with the combined 4th grade classes. In emphasizing to them the importance of teamwork and respect of your fellow performers, I am reminded of how important t...

Target Arts Fall Session Comes to a Close

Posted 2 December 2011 12:00 AM by Citi

Throughout the Fall Semester, Citi Performing Arts Center in partnership with Boston Public Schools implemented a multilayered in-school performing arts residency program funded by Target, Inc.. Combining school residencies conducted by professional teaching artists with a special guest artist performance and the professional production of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan on Boston’s City Hall Plaza, Target Arts reached 2 schools through input on selection from the Boston Public Schools Arts ...

Staffers Deck the Halls

Posted 2 December 2011 12:00 AM by Citi

Citi Center staff, led by decorator-extraordinaire, At Your Service by Jon Mongeau (who was also responsible for the backstage makeover for the recent Addams' Family Gala) decorated the Wang Theatre Grand Lobby last week in preparation for the holiday season and the arrival of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The spectacular space looks even more glamorous festooned with wreaths, lights, and glittering decorations. View photos of the decorated Grand Lobby here and don't forget to get your t...

Citi Center Welcomes Radio City Rockettes and Globe Santa

Posted 30 November 2011 12:00 AM by Citi

This week the Citi Performing Arts Center welcomes the Radio City Rockettes to the Wang Theater! In addition to the regular cast members, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular has several members of the animal family who appear throughout the show. "The Living Nativity" features two camels, four sheep and a donkey. Citi Center is also proud to support the 56th annual Globe Santa Fund Drive, a Boston Globe project that serves to provide thousands of children in hundreds of underserved families wit...

Citi Awarded Facilities Project Grant

Posted 28 November 2011 12:00 AM by Citi

Citi Performing Arts Center was proud to be a part of the celebration last week when Governor Deval Patrick awarded $7.4 million in Cultural Facilities Fund grants to the Massachusetts' arts and culture sector. Citi Performing Arts Center is one of the 54 organizations receiving grants to support building projects for nonprofit arts, heritage and science organizations. Citi Center will receive a $250,000 grant from MCFF to repair and replace theater infrastructure, including the HVAC system in t...

City Spotlights Leadership Program: Reflections From a College Intern

Posted 23 November 2011 12:00 AM by Jackie Brayman, Education Intern

Being a part of the Citi Center's Education Department and working so closely with all of the City Spotlights Leaders has given me what I've been tirelessly searching for in regards to my college and post-college careers. I am a junior Marketing Communications major at Emerson College here in Boston and while the arena of Marketing Communications has always interested me, there was one thing that was holding me back from finding a true passion for it. That one thing was meaning. T...

City Spotlights Leadership Program: Who Am I and How Do I Want To Be Remembered?

Posted 22 November 2011 12:00 AM by Citi

The following are samples of creative writing done by our Fall 2011 City Spotlights Leaders on the topic: Who am I and how do I want to be remembered? Amariah, City Spotlights Leader I’ve always been told I’m the type of person who seems unpredictable at first and “unreadable” in a sense. I actually agree with this statement because I feel like I act way different around a person when I first meet them than when I get to know them. And maybe it’s just a ha...

EdVestors Residency at Madison Park Vocational Technical High School

Posted 21 November 2011 12:00 AM by Citi

We're a few weeks into our residency at Madison Park Vocational Technical High School in Roxbury and things are getting exciting! With only an hour a week, something as simple as learning names can take time. Nevermind trying to convince a group of teenagers to trust you enough to let you guide them through some very unfamiliar territory. That being said, we're having a blast. The students are imaginative writers and have already gotten to know each other ten times better through their writing e...

Citi Performing Arts Center Inducted Into Palladium Balanced Scorecard Hall of Fame

Posted 16 November 2011 12:00 AM by Citi

On November 9, staff travelled across the country to San Diego, where Citi Performing Arts Center was inducted into the Palladium Balanced Scorecard Hall of Fame as the very first non-profit arts organization. The award recognizes Citi Center's use of the Kaplan-Norton Balanced Scorecard to achieve breakthrough business results. What is the Balanced Scorecard? The Balanced Scorecard links strategy to operations to drive business outcomes through the simple premise that "what gets measured is wha...

Target Arts Residency At Ellis Elementary

Posted 11 November 2011 12:00 AM by Phillip Bergman, Teaching Assistant

Today marks the end of our third week of instruction at the David A. Ellis Elementary School in Roxbury, MA. Over the last three weeks, teaching artist Maurice Parent and I have faced our own unique set of challenges and successes teaching a class of 30 fourth grade students including a small group of Special Education students. For the majority of the students, their exposure to the arts is limited to what’s on telivision, the internet, and top-40 radio. Most of the students have never se...

Citi Performing Arts Center Education is Everywhere!

Posted 11 November 2011 12:00 AM by Citi

CITI PERFORMING ARTS YOUTH ALUMNA SPEAKS AT THE ANNUAL GALA Takara Hamilton, 18, with her mother Stacey Watson at the Gala City Spotlights Leader Takara Hamilton spoke at the Addams Family Gala about what Citi Performing Arts Center means to her. In her speech, Takara explained that at first, “I didn’t want anything to do with [the program], and any chance I could take into getting out of being here, I’d take it.” Her mother Stacy felt that it was important for Takara to ...

85th Anniversary Gala Wrap-Up

Posted 7 November 2011 12:00 AM by Citi

This past Saturday was the Citi Performing Arts Center's 85th Anniversary Addams Family Gala. The Wang Theatre stage transformed into a spooky and delightfully sinister macabre mansion. Guests at the event were dressed to impress in creepy couture ranging from suits and gowns to masks and full costumes. During cocktail hour guests enjoyed a backstage history of the Wang Theatre themed ambiance and were welcomed to the Wang Theatre stage by our City Spotlights Leaders with a flash mob dance to Th...

Behind the Scenes: Citi Center Staff Tour Wang Theater Dome

Posted 2 November 2011 12:00 AM by Citi

This week Director of Theatre Operations Eric Neill took Citi Performing Arts Center's newest employees and interns on a walking tour of the iconic Wang Theatre dome. Staff climbed up into the pinnacle of the theatre and explored behind-the-scenes of how the dome itself is constructed and maintained. This exclusive look into a space that is highly inaccessible required staff to crawl under low beams, around tight corners, and down steep ladders deep into the structure of the theatre. From the h...

City Spotlights Leader Takes Center Stage

Posted 31 October 2011 12:00 AM by Citi

“I accomplished being more open with people through the arts… I achieved it by stepping out of my comfort zone and talking to others… I want people to know they I want people to know they shouldn't give up on their dreams.” –Jimmy Nguyen, City Spotlights Leader In October, the Boston Globe's front page featured the amazing transformation story of one of Citi Performing Arts Center's talented City Spotlights Leaders. We hope you will read the article, watch the vid...

The Wang Theater Welcomes Radio City Christmas Spectacular

Posted 28 October 2011 12:00 AM by Citi

The smell of snow is in the air and here at the Wang Theatre we are gearing up for our winter season and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, coming to our stage for 50 dazzling performances from December 2 – 28. Through this spectacular production, the Radio City Rockettes will dance their way through an awe-inspiring journey with brand new scenes, an array of glamorous new costumes, energetic choral singers, dramatic lighting effects and a 50 foot LED screen to display breathtaking new ...

Exciting Events At the Citi Performing Arts Center

Posted 26 October 2011 12:00 AM by Citi

Among the many exciting musical acts this fall, the Citi Performing Arts Center has been busy hosting a variety of other events. Here’s a look at who’s been sharing our stage this fall: Winning the Customer at Citi Center: Citi Performing Arts Center was excited to host Lou Imbriano, former Chief Marketing Officer of the New England Patriots, author of Winning the Customer, and member of Citi Center’s Board of Overseers, as the keynote speaker for a recent Boston Arts Mar...

Facilities Update

Posted 21 October 2011 12:00 AM by Citi

Facilities Update: Have you noticed anything different about Tremont Street this week? Progress is being made on both the Shubert Theater façade and parapet restoration and Wang Theater louvers projects this week as cranes were spotted on the plazas of each theater (three at the Shubert alone!). Both projects are on schedule and completion is anticipated within the next six weeks. This Friday the Shubert Theater will also begin load-in for Boston Lyric Opera’s Macbeth. Giuseppe Ve...

85th Anniversary Gala

Posted 19 October 2011 12:00 AM by Citi

Citi Center’s 85th Anniversary Gala, hosted by the cast of The Addams Family, is less than a month away! Proceeds from the evening benefit our award-winning arts education programs, the preservation of our historic theatres, and reserves for mission sustainability. Since opening to audiences in 1925 as the Metropolitan Theatre, The Wang Theatre has developed from a movie “cathedral” and home to vaudeville musicals to host of the spookiest shindig this fall.Upon arriving at 0001...

City Spotlights Leadership Program Reflections on Family and Community

Posted 18 October 2011 12:00 AM by Kerrin, City Spotlights Leader

Kerrin, City Spotlights Leader Family is all I have Forever in my heart Never looking back It’s here, when my days get cold Never getting old I love my family From the bottom of my soul. Oye, City Spotlights Leader My family means a lot to me. They are always there when I need them, they set me on the right track, and they encourage me. Without my family I would literally be nothing. Everything I do, I do it for them, God, and myself of course. I am so happy that I...

Target Arts Residency At Ellis Elementary School in Roxbury

Posted 17 October 2011 12:00 AM by Maurice Parent

Teaching Artist Maurice E. Parent is excited to begin a six week residency at the Ellis Elementary School in Roxbury. Here are Maurice's plans for the residency: I am overjoyed to be working with the Ellis School fourth grade class through the Target Arts Residency Program and especially excited to structure the class around the upcoming production of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan. This production seems to be a new, inventive and vibrant retelling of the classic story so many of us know and...

City Spotlights Leaders and Alvin Ailey Move In Sync

Posted 7 October 2011 12:00 AM by Citi

Our education department has been drumming away as part of City Spotlights Leadership Program! We’ll hear more from our 30 Leaders on the Blog with their insights and experiences, so check back frequently for updates! Need some inspiration to get moving this weekend? Check out this blog post from Alvin Ailey Dance Theater: As part of our year-long commitment to foster better health, we’re featuring an array of fitness techniques for you to try. This month, Jonathan Lee discusses the...

Leaders Meet With Board Member Esta Epstein

Posted 5 October 2011 12:00 AM by Citi

Today our 30 City Spotlights Leaders met Esta Epstein, a member of the Citi Performing Arts Center Board of Directors and co-chair of the Education Committee, to learn about Citi Center’s nonprofit mission, and what a nonprofit board member does (other than sit in a lot of meetings!). Esta spoke about how she helped lobby for the anti-bullying legislation that passed in the Massachusetts State House last spring and the teens chimed in about their role as leaders in prevent bullyi...

EdVestors Program Begins at Madison Park Technical Vocational High School

Posted 5 October 2011 12:00 AM by Carol Smolinsky, Teaching Assistant and Magalie Neff, Teaching Artist

Carol Smolinsky is the Teaching Assistant for the Edvestors Program this year. She has worked with our programs extensively in the past year. She is an excellent Teaching Artist and actress in area theatre for young audiences. I’ve been a Teaching Assistant with the Education Department since fall of 2010. In that time I’ve worked with elementary school through high school aged youth and a couple of community groups of all ages. The amount of knowledge, confidence, and skil...

Citizen Schools Arts Program

Posted 3 October 2011 12:00 AM by Citi

Through a longer learning day (+3 extra hours), Citizen Schools students take part in apprenticeships that reinforce their classroom learning. Citi Center is in good company—other local partners such as MIT Urban Planning, Boston Public Health Commission, Junior Achievement, and many others, are presenting apprenticeships on topics that range from weather and pollution to film-making to even sports management. Citi Performing Arts Center’s Manager of Performance Programs, Ramona Lisa...

Back to School With Citi Spotlights Leaders

Posted 28 September 2011 12:00 AM by Citi

School is officially back in session and so are our teen leaders. As the fall session of the City Spotlights Leadership Program launches this week with 30 leaders, half of whom are returning participants, we hope the next 8 weeks inspire the teens to discover their unique and creative confidence. Take a look back at this summer’s impact for a preview of what to expect this fall: By The Numbers: • Our 31 City Spotlights teen leaders represented 7 Boston neighborhoods, 5 surroundin...

City Spotlights Leadership Program: Reflections on Week 5

Posted 21 September 2011 12:00 AM by Citi

Kimetra, City Spotlights Leader I love this program. It was great working with everyone! My favorite part was the FLASHMOBS and the Street Theatre tour, even though I got lost! The end performance was great and I’m sad that it’s over! Clytie, City Spotlights Program Apprentice On the day of our final show, we did a dance and I messed up so bad that I cried. But then someone asked me if I had fun and I said, “Yeah.” They asked, “Why are you crying...

Quick Snaps: The Rockettes Visit Jackson-Mann Community Center

Posted 16 September 2011 12:00 AM by Citi

The Radio City Rockettes stopped by Jackson-Mann Community Center in Allston to answer quesions, teach a kick line and sign autographs for 35 youth, ages 6-16. It may only be September, but we think it's never too early for a little holiday spirit!

City Spotlights Leadership Program: Reflections On Week, 4 Part 2

Posted 14 August 2011 12:00 AM by Ela, City Spotlights Leader

Ela, City Spotlights Leader Excited for flash mob tomorrow, it’s going to be a long day, plus it’s going to rain. Out of my comfort zone completely unaware of how fast the time is going by and soon you won’t be there Now a united front, a great big family Will our paths cross in the future? Will we meet again? It’s almost unreal how fast we’ve grown Unknown, City Spotlights Leader She has a way of carrying herself positively no matter what. She’s there wh...

City Spotlights Leadership Program: Reflections on Week 4, Part 1

Posted 12 August 2011 12:00 AM by Kariana, City Spotlights Leader

Kariana, City Spotlights Leader The skies are clearing and the sun is back to stay, to light my way. But, the forecast is a train wreck and cloudy skies for you. While I make things right, you can only run and tell, how I only did you wrong. I hear what they say, and I know you do, too. It’s time to stop playing the victim and move on, too. “I’ll love you forever” didn’t last that long. But I don’t care, I’m standing strong....

City Spotlights Leadership Program: Reflections on Week 3, Part 2

Posted 4 August 2011 12:00 AM by Ela, City Spotlights Leader

Ela, City Spotlights Leader We come from different backgrounds, we come from everywhere. But we’re all here for one reason and one reason only: to perform. Our love of performance binds us better than anything ever could. In just 3 short weeks, we’ve become a family. Where will we go when we part? The memories made will stay forever in my heart. Ashanti, City Spotlights Leader I feel very fortunate to have this job because it is getting me closer to my dreams. My favorite part ...

City Spotlights Leadership Program Reflections on Week 3 Part 1

Posted 3 August 2011 12:00 AM by Jimmy, City Spotlights Leader

The program so far is going great. I’ve made friend with just about everybody, and I realize I’m a better dancer than I thought. Even though I’m getting better at dancing, I still stumble a lot and forget the steps, but I’m able to get back on track, so it’s okay. Some of the things could be very tedious, but it’s worth it since it’s gonna make me a better star. Follow your dreams, be who you want to be. As hard as it seems, you just got t...

Just a Moment to Think

Posted 3 August 2011 12:00 AM by Aaron, City Spotlights Leader

I find myself alone sometimes, I’ve learned to live with it. Alone means peace Less stuff to deal with Less people to take care of Alone means more time to find what I want Who I want Where I want to go in life But alone, really means just that: Just one, no one else No one to compare notes with Or ask for help It’s like a journey with no resources I’ve learned that this , ain’t nothin’ Compared to what loneliness meant to me years ago Nothin’ This is just a...

Party Rockin' Across Boston

Posted 2 August 2011 12:00 AM by Citi

The City Spotlights Leadership Program celebrated National Dance Day on Friday, performing blazing hot choreography from So You Think You Can Dance all over Boston and Cambridge. National Dance day is a grassroots initiative that encourages the nation, young and old, to get out there and get moving! Fans throughout the city captured video of the Leaders bringing their fierce energy and swag to the streets—from Park Street, to the Prudential Center, to Harvard Square—and some were eve...

City Spotlights Leadership Program: Reflections on Week 1, Part 2

Posted 20 July 2011 12:00 AM by Danny, City Spotlights Leader

Danny, City Spotlights Leader "I'm the greatest star, I am by far, but no one knows it." "Can't regret, won't forget; what I did for love." "I'd be right here to say: it’s okay, you were just born that way." Only being 3 days into the program, I’m already having trouble making up my mind, especially choosing the groups. A part of me wants to be in each one. As long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to make it big, be accepted and be loved. When it comes down to it my dreams/c...

City Spotlights Leadership Program: Reflections on Week 1

Posted 18 July 2011 12:00 AM by Citi

Simmone, City Spotlights Leader First day came and went, so did day two. Now we’re on day three and there are many to look forward to. We’ve all been through hard work and sweat—dancing, singing acting, and it’s so worth it. It’s great to actually know a few things because if I didn’t some things would be really hard to do. Everyday we’ll experience something else some will need practice, practice, practice including myself. I’m...

City Spotlights Leadership Program Auditions

Posted 23 June 2011 12:00 AM by Ramona Lisa Alexander, Manager of Performance Programs, Education Department

What a great summer we have ahead of us. In addition to being the Manager of Performance Programs I am also working as the lead Teaching Artist for the summer program. So far I’ve gotten a chance to witness firsthand the extremely talented youth that live right here in our city. Auditions for the Leadership Program were intense. Over 60 young people came to showcase their talents and, let me tell you, competition was fierce! One young man came in with a comedic spo...

EdVestors Arts Expansion Final Showcases

Posted 20 June 2011 12:00 AM by Citi

The EdVestors Arts Expansion is a year-long musical theatre residency program funded by a grant from the Boston Public Schools Arts Expansion Initiative funded by EdVestors. For the 2010-2011 school year Citi Performing Arts Center worked with students and teachers at Snowden International High School in Back Bay and Odyssey High School in South Boston. The program served 100 students in grades 9-12, conducting two 30 week artist residencies around musical theatre at each school. Weekly instruct...

Hip Hop Gold At Orchard Gardens K-8

Posted 11 May 2011 12:00 AM by NaTasha O'Brien, Teaching Artist

This week at Orchard Gardens K-8, students were really shaking things up. As the WOW draws near we are really getting into gear to amp up the seventh grade performance! Students worked with an outstanding choreographer to develop a unique dance sequence to be performed. But that’s not all, not everyone is a dancer, so another group has been working on another form of self-expression in the form of creative writing and spoken word, while yet another works to create beautiful visual imagery ...

The Journey Never Ends

Posted 24 April 2011 12:00 AM by Phellip Fonseca, City Spotlights High School Intern

The journey never ends. That is something I learned throughout the course of this program, life is a never ending realization of oneself. There's always work to be done, someone to be helped, a change to be made. In the early stages of the program things were awkward, being the latest intern to come in things were a little shaky. At times I felt like I had to earn my stripes with the group. However as days progressed it dawned on me how silly that was. “Here I am with a group of other teen...

An Accidental Family

Posted 22 April 2011 12:00 AM by Luana Eugenio, City Spotlights High School Intern

My name is Luana Eugenio, but you may call me "Lulu". I am 16 years old and a sophomore at Boston Latin School. To sum up who I am and my personality, I am a fun, loving, happy Goofball. I have been dancing and modeling for a very long time, however I have always loved theatre and the joy it brings me. Being a High School Intern for the Citi Performing Arts Center Education Department has allowed me to show what I can do, help other people learn their abilities, and most importantly, it has give...

City Spotlights

Posted 12 April 2011 12:00 AM by Antonelli Mejia, College Intern

My experience at the Citi Performing Art Center Education Department has been a wonderful one so far. I have learned so many things in a little time. For example, when I chose to participate in a Master Class, I never thought it would help me as much as it actually did. In other words, working with the program for the first time was more than what I expected it to be. Recently, I have been awarded with the opportunity to work as an Education Department Intern. I work with the City Spotlights pro...

Waiting For My Life to Start

Posted 1 April 2011 12:00 AM by Zena Harris, City Spotlights High School Intern

Hi, my name is Zena Harris and I go to Boston Arts Academy for Theatre. I have been into the arts all of my life because my family was always in to and doing the arts all the time. So I just really grew up to love it. I have participated in Citi Performing Arts Center Education programs for 2 years and I love it every time. I do it because I meet people that have the same love for the art. When we come together we make the most fun out of it and that’s when we have...

Target Arts

Posted 8 February 2011 12:00 AM by Carol Grossi Smolinsky, Education Department Intern

I’ve been interning with Citi Performing Arts Center’s Education Department since September of 2010, mostly with the Target Arts Program as an Assistant Teaching Artist. I have to say, the experience has been like none other. I’ve been involved in the Wicked, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and Shen Yun Performing Arts residencies, and each one focused on a very different theme in the classroom. I’ve assisted high school seniors in devising their own performance about i...

Highs and Lows

Posted 20 January 2011 12:00 AM by Citi

In the fall of 2010, a group of seniors from teacher Priya Tahiliani’s writing class at Madison Park Technical Vocational High School participated in the Target Arts Program. Together as an ensemble, they created a moving piece about individuality and the struggle that sometimes surrounds it. Their piece is quite fittingly titled "Highs and Lows." Below are some examples from their script that really stood out to their audience of teachers and peers. MY PRIDE by Tory Young My name, it mean...

EdVestors Program

Posted 20 December 2010 12:00 AM by Jessica Harms, Teaching Artist at Odyssey High School

Walking into Odyssey High School for the first day of our Artist-in-Residency program, we had no idea what to expect. It was long before we, as teaching artists, realized that we were working with a great group of kids. Everyone jumped in with both feet and got started singing and dancing to songs like “Seasons of Love” and “Luck Be a Lady Tonight.” At first many students were nervous trusting us as new teachers, and were scared to perform in front of their peer...

Nutty Nutcracker

Posted 17 December 2010 12:00 AM by Jessica Harms, Teaching Artist

Story Saturdays - December 11, 2010 And then the Nutcracker pulled out his light saber to defeat the Mouse King! May the Force be with you, Nutcracker! Wait, that’s not the version you know? Yeah, yeah, technically you are right. In the real Nutcracker story there is no Force and there are no light sabers. But there are many twists of this holiday classic, and one such adaptation, “A Nutty Nutcracker Christmas” by Ralph Covert and G Reilly Miles, was used in Stor...

Master Class - Healthy Relationships

Posted 14 December 2010 12:00 AM by Haji Shearer, Teaching Artist

The Shubert Theatre; a beautiful place to conduct a Healthy Relationships Master Class for the Citi Performing Arts Center’s young adult interns and participants. When I arrived some of our participants were helping to hang holiday ornaments. Helpful, cheerful, artistic young people, this was going to be a treat! We had about a dozen youth sitting in a half circle in the Shubert's ornate lobby a half hour later. My wife, Radiant Jasmin, and I started the workshop with a...

Hip Hop Master Class

Posted 9 December 2010 12:00 AM by Alejandro Hernandez, All Star Intern

Being an intern at the Citi Performing Arts Center Master Classes is one thing I enjoy, and gain much experience from. The classes broaden my horizons, and expand my creativity to new levels. As a performer I love the spotlight. My talent is mainly focused on my singing, and dancing is not my expertise. When we were told that our Master Class was a hip hop class I instantly became nervous and reluctant. The teaching artist Wyatt Jackson was very knowledgeable i...

Plant the Seed

Posted 7 December 2010 12:00 AM by Lucy Ye

Cross-posted from Covering the Mic Youth Leadership Network. As I interviewed Derrick Ashong at the Citi Performing Arts Center, Derrick managed to continuously wow me with his beliefs and words of inspiration. Having been through an array of experiences, Derrick had an incredible sense of duality and perception of how the world can change for better. Derrick hoped to “convey to the students here their ability to also take that seed of desire to make the world better for themselves and for...

One Week

Posted 22 November 2010 12:00 AM by Maria Vivas, All Star Intern

One week. It only took one week for the All Star Interns to not only learn about the various business aspects of theatre, but also to have a clear focus of our lives. As an All Star Intern, I was amazed by how much our weekly intensive helped focus my life in the performing arts, and outside of the theatre. Being a senior in high school, life has been pretty hectic and we never have enough time to reflect and focus. With the guidance of theatre expert Akiba Abaka I discovered my goal in the arts...

Last Day at Jeremiah Burke H.S.

Posted 9 November 2010 12:00 AM by Anne Ruthmann, Teaching Assistant, Target Arts

It’s amazing what can happen in just six weeks. Today was my final day at Burke High School and I’m really going to miss the students. On Tuesday they performed their own original pieces for the 9th grade students, teachers, some BPS administrators, and some Citi Performing Arts Center staff. Students who wouldn’t even get ON the stage just to sit in a circle with us six weeks ago were up on stage reciting their own poetry, acting out scenes, and expressing their thoughts on tr...

Master Classes

Posted 9 November 2010 12:00 AM by Antonelli Mejia, Master Class participant

It has been a great experience for me to be in the Master Classes at Citi Performing Arts Center. I have learned so many things so far, such as a hip hop routine and how to relax myself before an audition or any other moment that can bring tension to my body and mind. I also learned about some theater scenes, and the most important, how to use my voice to connect with the audience. My favorite master class was the third one (voice). This afternoon I was very tired, and after all this proces...

One Day at Jeremiah Burke H.S.

Posted 1 October 2010 12:00 AM by Anne Ruthmann, Teaching Assistant, Target Arts

A few eyebrows were raised when I mentioned that I’d be working with students in Dorchester at Jeremiah Burke High School for the Target Arts Program. What I found was a friendly and welcoming environment as soon as I walked in the front door. No metal detectors, no armed security guards, just a simple table with a few ladies and a sign in sheet. I signed in, stopped in the office to find out where the auditorium was, and headed down to our “spot.” The art d...

It's a Flash Mob...and You're Invited!

Posted 3 July 2010 12:00 AM by Education Intern

Thursday, Aug 12 at 12pm Citi Performing Arts Center interns will be organizing a Flash Mob Dance. We are doing a flash mob dance in front of Copley Library. For those who don't know here is a definition of a flash mob dance: The concept is fairly simple - you secretly gather a group of people, choreograph a routine, and pick a public place, at a specific time. All dancers are dressed to blend into the crowd, as otherwise "ordinary" people. When the music starts, a single dancer or two emerges ...

An Artist's Journey

Posted 2 July 2010 12:00 AM by Education Intern

When I got to the orientation session for the 2010 C.P.A.C. summer high school internship, I thought to myself, "I'm so old!" I wondered how my journey would be shaped by undergoing such an apparently strenuous process with high schoolers. However, by the end of the first week, my worries quickly melted away. Throughout my artistic journey I have been surrounded by people who were focusing on technique, and script analysis, and character development. Although we discuss all those topics during t...