A Letter from our leader
When I was younger, I was never able to ask a question in class. I could only talk to a few adults, and I wasn't a fan of class presentations. One summer, my mother enrolled me into a theatre camp. That was the day my life changed forever. I was introduced to the stage. The lights, the sounds, and the feeling of a performance. I became a different person, much more outgoing, much more amiable, and more comfortable in my own skin. I found out who I am and what I want to be. I have been inseparable from the stage ever since.
In today's society, children are not exposed to the theatrical arts enough. Many children think theatre is just Shakespeare and dusty old costumes. When children aren't able to experience theatre first hand, they don't continue support of theatre or other arts. Theatre can encourage students to be comfortable speaking in front of audiences or other students. Public speaking is a skill that is very rare in today's society, and teaching it at a young age makes students much more confident in their abilities.
Through teaching, I have seen many other students benefit from the power of theatre. Before my eyes, children have come out of their shells and grown into something they never would have become without theatre. However, due to socioeconomic problems, availability, and other difficulties, theatre is not available to every student. This program strives to allow students to not only find out who they are, but to also express it openly and not be ashamed.
Thank you for your support of this program, and feel free to contact me with any questions!
Best Wishes,
Mickey Sloat
In today's society, children are not exposed to the theatrical arts enough. Many children think theatre is just Shakespeare and dusty old costumes. When children aren't able to experience theatre first hand, they don't continue support of theatre or other arts. Theatre can encourage students to be comfortable speaking in front of audiences or other students. Public speaking is a skill that is very rare in today's society, and teaching it at a young age makes students much more confident in their abilities.
Through teaching, I have seen many other students benefit from the power of theatre. Before my eyes, children have come out of their shells and grown into something they never would have become without theatre. However, due to socioeconomic problems, availability, and other difficulties, theatre is not available to every student. This program strives to allow students to not only find out who they are, but to also express it openly and not be ashamed.
Thank you for your support of this program, and feel free to contact me with any questions!
Best Wishes,
Mickey Sloat
Explanation of our name
In theatre, we use the term "Don't Upstage Yourself" to remind us not to turn our backs on the audience and to stay facing forward. In this program, the meaning is almost the same. Through this program, we are empowering students to never turn their backs on who they are and to embrace their bright futures. By developing confidence in who they are and who they aspire to be, students can face forward.