Demetrius is a part-time sound technician at THEARC and is about to turn 18. He lives with his mother, stepfather, five sisters and one brother in southeast DC. “Dee” loves music – particularly gospel and R&B --and dreams of a career as a professional theater technical director. His story is emblematic of so many who visit and participate in the programs and services of THEARC.
During a school field trip to THEARC two years ago, Dee participated in a multi-medium educational seminar taught at THEARC Theater, the only theater of any kind located in southeast DC. At the seminar Dee was the only person to take up the offer of THEARC Theater’s technical director-- to be mentored in theater technical management.
The first thing Dee and his mentor focused on was his failing grades. With his mentor, Dee pulled up his grades and was able to graduate in 2007 from HD Woodson High School in southeast DC.
As an intern at THEARC Theater, Dee learned how to set up sound systems and mix the set-up with different instruments for various bands. At live concerts he learned how to use different microphones for different instruments, mix sounds together, adjust sound equalizers during concerts and record music to CDs. “It’s hard to record to a CD, as you must capture each instrument” says Dee when asked about the challenges of his role.
After his graduation, Dee was offered employment at THEARC Theater as a production assistant by Building Bridges Across the River (BBAR), the nonprofit organization that built THEARC and now leads the collaborative of nonprofit agencies based at THEARC, as well as manages THEARC Theater
This success encouraged Dee to apply to The Art Institute of Washington and work toward an audio production degree. Sadly, after one semester he had to drop out due to financial problems. However, Dee still dreams of pursuing a career as a sound technician and is saving his earnings from his new paid position at THEARC so he can resume his studies.
Dee is a good news story—and THEARC has more good news to share. Simply put, by offering opportunity and exposure to programs and services not previously available, THEARC offers hope and opportunity to the young people of southeast DC and is rebuilding this long-challenged area one young person at a time.
THEARC is a state-of-the-art campus, managed by nonprofit organization BBAR, which, along with its nine nonprofit partners—including The Washington Ballet, The Corcoran Gallery of Art and the Levine School of Music, to name a few—provides cultural and social services for at-risk children and youth.
THEARC 365-seat theater is the only theater of any kind east of the Anacostia River, where families can come together for recitals, graduations, town hall meetings and dance, music and stage performances. THEARC campus is a stunning example of what works to help children and families break the cycle of poverty.
You can help change the lives of local young people in need right now. Please support Building Bridges Across the River at THEARC by clicking on the donate button.
You can also contribute by calling 202-4-THEARC (202-484-3272). Building Bridges Across the River at THEARC is a member of the United Way #8884 and the Combined Federal Campaign #97182 of the National Capital Area.
Building Bridges Across the River at THEARC has also been selected to the 2008-2009 Catalogue of Philanthropy as one of Washington DC’s best small charities. In these challenging economic times, it’s nice to know that your donation will be put to good use, as BBAR has been selected for the Catalogue of Philanthropy based on its merit, impact, financial transparency and cost effectiveness.
Together we can keep the good news coming. For Dee, and for thousands of youth and children in need. Thank You & Best Wishes for a Very Happy Holiday Season!
During a school field trip to THEARC two years ago, Dee participated in a multi-medium educational seminar taught at THEARC Theater, the only theater of any kind located in southeast DC. At the seminar Dee was the only person to take up the offer of THEARC Theater’s technical director-- to be mentored in theater technical management.
The first thing Dee and his mentor focused on was his failing grades. With his mentor, Dee pulled up his grades and was able to graduate in 2007 from HD Woodson High School in southeast DC.
As an intern at THEARC Theater, Dee learned how to set up sound systems and mix the set-up with different instruments for various bands. At live concerts he learned how to use different microphones for different instruments, mix sounds together, adjust sound equalizers during concerts and record music to CDs. “It’s hard to record to a CD, as you must capture each instrument” says Dee when asked about the challenges of his role.
After his graduation, Dee was offered employment at THEARC Theater as a production assistant by Building Bridges Across the River (BBAR), the nonprofit organization that built THEARC and now leads the collaborative of nonprofit agencies based at THEARC, as well as manages THEARC Theater
This success encouraged Dee to apply to The Art Institute of Washington and work toward an audio production degree. Sadly, after one semester he had to drop out due to financial problems. However, Dee still dreams of pursuing a career as a sound technician and is saving his earnings from his new paid position at THEARC so he can resume his studies.
Dee is a good news story—and THEARC has more good news to share. Simply put, by offering opportunity and exposure to programs and services not previously available, THEARC offers hope and opportunity to the young people of southeast DC and is rebuilding this long-challenged area one young person at a time.
THEARC is a state-of-the-art campus, managed by nonprofit organization BBAR, which, along with its nine nonprofit partners—including The Washington Ballet, The Corcoran Gallery of Art and the Levine School of Music, to name a few—provides cultural and social services for at-risk children and youth.
THEARC 365-seat theater is the only theater of any kind east of the Anacostia River, where families can come together for recitals, graduations, town hall meetings and dance, music and stage performances. THEARC campus is a stunning example of what works to help children and families break the cycle of poverty.
You can help change the lives of local young people in need right now. Please support Building Bridges Across the River at THEARC by clicking on the donate button.
You can also contribute by calling 202-4-THEARC (202-484-3272). Building Bridges Across the River at THEARC is a member of the United Way #8884 and the Combined Federal Campaign #97182 of the National Capital Area.
Building Bridges Across the River at THEARC has also been selected to the 2008-2009 Catalogue of Philanthropy as one of Washington DC’s best small charities. In these challenging economic times, it’s nice to know that your donation will be put to good use, as BBAR has been selected for the Catalogue of Philanthropy based on its merit, impact, financial transparency and cost effectiveness.
Together we can keep the good news coming. For Dee, and for thousands of youth and children in need. Thank You & Best Wishes for a Very Happy Holiday Season!
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