"Visual Arts Career Now Possible" Says Hannah

CORCORAN ARTREACH SUCCESS STORY

Fifteen-year-old Hannah C's enthusiasm for art may never have matured into a potential career

path if it weren't for THEARC.

In the fall of 2008, her mother Marcy passed the Corcoran ArtReach classroom at THEARC

on a visit to the Levine School of Music, where her sons take guitar lessons. Marcy introduced herself to instructor Sandra Gobar and subsequently enrolled all of her children in classes for the

spring semester.

Since her first class with ArtReach, Hannah's interest in art has thrived. She received a scholarship to attend the program's summer camp in sculpture and printmaking, studied the work of influential artists and explored a variety of different media.

Gobar's guidance has helped Hannah become a better artist and given her the confidence to pursue art as a career. She hopes to train for a career in architecture or graphic design.

"When I show Ms. Sandra one of my sketches, she will critque it and show me what I need to do to become more proficient," Hannah said. "The Corcoran ArtReach program at THEARC has made the path to becoming an artist clearer; I now see careers in visual arts more within my reach than before."

WHY IS THEARC NEEDED?
Shockingly, the U.S. Census Bureau 2005 American Community Survey shows that our nation’s capital has the highest rate of childhood poverty of any jurisdiction in the United States. Three out of ten children in Washington, DC live at or below the poverty line—.

WHAT IS THEARC?

Ten non profit partners at THEARC have come together under one roof to help children.
Since its opening in 2005, Town Hall Education, Arts and Recreation Campus-THEARC- has become a national prototype combining social, cultural and health services. It is a $27 million 110,000 square foot center on 16.5 acres of land in Southeast Washington, DC. THEARC provides a daily safe haven for the children it serves, with a wide range of arts, educational, recreational, health programs and services. In addition there is a 365-seat theatre (the only theatre east of the Anacostia River) a regulation size gymnasium, computer lab, art gallery, state-of-the-art music and dance studios.

Will you contribute to help each charity fulfill their missions? Just click on the donate button! For more information about THEARC please go to our website http://www.thearcdc.org or you may call 1-202-4-THEARC (1-202-484-3272).

Selected for the 2008-2009 Catalogue for Philanthropy
“One of the best small charities in the greater Washington region”

i Can @ thearc newletter-Producer of Your Own Show

Today you have a special treat in store. The youths in the i Can Workshop @ THEARC Theater created their own newsletter. So each day I will publish an article from it to give you the full flavor of their creativity.

Role Play: I CAN Youth Act as The Producers of Their Own Shows

By: Morgan Clark

One hand in a family size bag of cheetos and the other on the remote control, it's three in the afternoon and the typical young person on summer vacation is just waking up. But, by 3 o'clock THEART @ THEARC students have already been hard at work in and out of the theater.

Every Monday morning, students attend a class titled The Producer's Lens, taught by Kimberly Douglas pictured above. On the first day of class Douglas split up her class into two groups and asked them to think of a production that they wyould like to put on.

One group is producing a karaoke style music concert, featuring the look-a-likes of some of today's most popular hip hop and r&b artists like singer Trey Songz. They will also be holding a car wash to fund their event.

While the other group is producing a play titled "Our D.C." "Our D.C. is a collection of mini-plays, or skits, about the residents of Washington, D.C. It's goal is to show other's that our nation's capital is more than politics and museums.

From house manager to director, these students will be responsible for every aspect of putting on their shows. The show and fundraiser dates have yet to be announced.

WHY IS THEARC NEEDED?
Shockingly, the U.S. Census Bureau 2005 American Community Survey shows that our nation’s capital has the highest rate of childhood poverty of any jurisdiction in the United States. Three out of ten children in Washington, DC live at or below the poverty line—.

WHAT IS THEARC?

Ten non profit partners at THEARC have come together under one roof to help children.
Since its opening in 2005, Town Hall Education, Arts and Recreation Campus-THEARC- has become a national prototype combining social, cultural and health services. It is a $27 million 110,000 square foot center on 16.5 acres of land in Southeast Washington, DC. THEARC provides a daily safe haven for the children it serves, with a wide range of arts, educational, recreational, health programs and services. In addition there is a 365-seat theatre (the only theatre east of the Anacostia River) a regulation size gymnasium, computer lab, art gallery, state-of-the-art music and dance studios.

Will you contribute to help each charity fulfill their missions? Just click on the donate button! For more information about THEARC please go to our website http://www.thearcdc.org/ or you may call 1-202-4-THEARC (1-202-484-3272).

Selected for the 2008-2009 Catalogue for Philanthropy
“One of the best small charities in the greater Washington region”

MOVIE TUESDAY @ THEARC THEATER

Kids streaming out of the THEARC Theater Tuesday afternoons to bright colored balloons covering the floor of the lobby and squealing with delight as each of them are allowed to choose one. This is the scene each Tuesday and the brain child of THEARC Theater manager, Robin Harris. Yes, Movie Time Tuesday has become a big hit! With DVD’s donated by the staff the kids so far have enjoyed Kung Fu Panda, Once Upon A Forest and Spirit: Stallion of The Cimarron.


WHY IS THEARC NEEDED?
Shockingly, the U.S. Census Bureau 2005 American Community Survey shows that our nation’s capital has the highest rate of childhood poverty of any jurisdiction in the United States. Three out of ten children in Washington, DC live at or below the poverty line—.

WHAT IS THEARC?

Ten non profit partners at THEARC have come together under one roof to help children.
Since its opening in 2005, Town Hall Education, Arts and Recreation Campus-THEARC- has become a national prototype combining social, cultural and health services. It is a $27 million 110,000 square foot center on 16.5 acres of land in Southeast Washington, DC. THEARC provides a daily safe haven for the children it serves, with a wide range of arts, educational, recreational, health programs and services. In addition there is a 365-seat theatre (the only theatre east of the Anacostia River) a regulation size gymnasium, computer lab, art gallery, state-of-the-art music and dance studios.

Will you contribute to help each charity fulfill their missions? Just click on the donate button! For more information about THEARC please go to our website http://www.thearcdc.org or you may call 1-202-4-THEARC (1-202-484-3272).

Selected for the 2008-2009 Catalogue for Philanthropy
“One of the best small charities in the greater Washington region”

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

The Summer Youth Employment program is in full swing at THEARC and to our great delight the kids enrolled the I Can Workshop at THEARC Theater Program showed their skills by creating the first ever i can @thearc newsletter. So with no further ado in their own words……..

Role Play: I CAN Youth Act as The Producers of Their Own Shows
By Morgan Clark

One hand in a family size bag of cheetos and the other on the remote control, it’s three in the afternoon and the typical young person on summer vacation is just waking up. But, by 3 o’clock THEART @ THEARC students have already been hard at work in and out of the theater.

Every Monday morning, students attend a class titled The Producer’s Lens, taught by Kimberly Douglas. On the first day of class Douglas split up her class into two groups and asked them to think of a production that they would like to put on.

One group is producing a karaoke style music concert, featuring the look-a-likes of some of today’s most popular hip hop and r&b artists like singer Trey Songz. They will also be holding a car wash to fund their event.

While the other group is producing a play titled “Our D.C.” “Our D.C.” is a collection of mini-plays, or skits, about the residents of Washington, D.C. It’s goal is to show other’s that our nation’s capital is more than politics and museums.

From house manager to director, these students will be responsible for every aspect of putting on their shows. The show and fundraiser dates have yet to be announced.


WHAT IS THEARC?

Ten non profit partners at THEARC have come together under one roof to help children.
Since its opening in 2005, Town Hall Education, Arts and Recreation Campus-THEARC- has become a national prototype combining social, cultural and health services. It is a $27 million 110,000 square foot center on 16.5 acres of land in Southeast Washington, DC. THEARC provides a daily safe haven for the children it serves, with a wide range of arts, educational, recreational, health programs and services. In addition there is a 365-seat theatre (the only theatre east of the Anacostia River) a regulation size gymnasium, computer lab, art gallery, state-of-the-art music and dance studios.

Will you contribute to help each charity fulfill their missions? Just click on the donate button! For more information about THEARC please go to our website http://www.thearcdc.org or you may call 1-202-4-THEARC (1-202-484-3272).

Selected for the 2008-2009 Catalogue for Philanthropy
“One of the best small charities in the greater Washington region”

"I Can” Summer Youth Employment Program @ THEARC

The Summer Youth Program has been in full swing for two weeks
now and I promised you an update on the activities. Since pictures
are worth a thousand words, here is a sampling of the activities.





Mr. Emery, building engineer, shows a young man how to roll up a carpet.
From picking up the grounds, painting and learning about theater production, youths in the Summer Employment Program learn various skills at THEARC.











Nolvert, the theater's technical director working with summer youths.

WHY IS THEARC NEEDED?
Shockingly, the U.S. Census Bureau 2005 American Community Survey shows that our nation’s capital has the highest rate of childhood poverty of any jurisdiction in the United States. Three out of ten children in Washington, DC live at or below the poverty line—.

WHAT IS THEARC?

Ten non profit partners at THEARC have come together under one roof to help children.
Since its opening in 2005, Town Hall Education, Arts and Recreation Campus-THEARC- has become a national prototype combining social, cultural and health services. It is a $27 million 110,000 square foot center on 16.5 acres of land in Southeast Washington, DC. THEARC provides a daily safe haven for the children it serves, with a wide range of arts, educational, recreational, health programs and services. In addition there is a 365-seat theatre (the only theatre east of the Anacostia River) a regulation size gymnasium, computer lab, art gallery, state-of-the-art music and dance studios.

Will you contribute to help each charity fulfill their missions? Just click on the donate button! For more information about THEARC please go to our website http://www.thearcdc.org/ or you may call 1-202-4-THEARC (1-202-484-3272).

Selected for the 2008-2009 Catalogue for Philanthropy
“One of the best small charities in the greater Washington region”

“I Can” Summer Youth Employment Program @ THEARC

This week was the kick off for the Summer Youth Program @ THEARC and this year’s youths will have the privilege of participating in workshops on Communications, Finance and Personal Development. This is a new nine week program for kids ages 14-18 to give them the opportunity to obtain meaningful work experience in the communities where they live. Young people will also attend the following four workshops on:

1. Good Communications
2. Personal Development
3. Financial Responsibility
4. THEARC at THEARC – A unique program that introduces youth to the wonderful world of theater.


As the summer continues I will interview several of our participants and get their input on the employment and workshop programs to make sure we are realizing our goals of:
· Being an employee
· Importance of community pride and social awareness
· Develop levels of self-esteem and integrity
· Learn money management skills
· Enhance their social skills and discover good leadership qualities within themselves

Stay tuned to see if the kids will respond "I Can"!

WHY IS THEARC NEEDED?
Shockingly, the U.S. Census Bureau 2005 American Community Survey shows that our nation’s capital has the highest rate of childhood poverty of any jurisdiction in the United States. Three out of ten children in Washington, DC live at or below the poverty line—.

WHAT IS THEARC?

Ten non profit partners at THEARC have come together under one roof to help children.
Since its opening in 2005, Town Hall Education, Arts and Recreation Campus-THEARC- has become a national prototype combining social, cultural and health services. It is a $27 million 110,000 square foot center on 16.5 acres of land in Southeast Washington, DC. THEARC provides a daily safe haven for the children it serves, with a wide range of arts, educational, recreational, health programs and services. In addition there is a 365-seat theatre (the only theatre east of the Anacostia River) a regulation size gymnasium, computer lab, art gallery, state-of-the-art music and dance studios.

Will you contribute to help each charity fulfill their missions? Just click on the donate button! For more information about THEARC please go to our website http://www.thearcdc.org/ or you may call 1-202-4-THEARC (1-202-484-3272).

Selected for the 2008-2009 Catalogue for Philanthropy
“One of the best small charities in the greater Washington region”

CAMPS @ THEARC

Swimming, Fields Trips & Music Oh My!

Want your children to have an enriching summer experience? Listed below are camps that two partners of THEARC are hosting.

All-Stars Summer Camp at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington starts June 22 and runs thru August 14, 2009, Monday-Friday 7am-6pm. Youth ages: (5-12). Current Membership is required: $25 fee. Cost: $100 per week (1st child), $80 per week (2nd child) and $60 per week (3rd child). Contact: 202-610-9707 for more info.

ATTENTION MUSIC LOVERS!

Summer at Levine @ THEARC ’09 has several camps:

Check out Early childhood & Elementary Music from Babies to 7 year olds. Suzuki Flute on Saturdays and during the week: Traditional Strings, Suzuki Strings, Private Voice, Piano and Winds. For more information please call 202-610-2036 or go to www.levineschool.org/summer
No classes July 3rd & 4th. We offer tuition assistance.


WHY IS THEARC NEEDED?
Shockingly, the U.S. Census Bureau 2005 American Community Survey shows that our nation’s capital has the highest rate of childhood poverty of any jurisdiction in the United States. Three out of ten children in Washington, DC live at or below the poverty line—.

WHAT IS THEARC?

Ten non profit partners at THEARC have come together under one roof to help children.
Since its opening in 2005, Town Hall Education, Arts and Recreation Campus-THEARC- has become a national prototype combining social, cultural and health services. It is a $27 million 110,000 square foot center on 16.5 acres of land in Southeast Washington, DC. THEARC provides a daily safe haven for the children it serves, with a wide range of arts, educational, recreational, health programs and services. In addition there is a 365-seat theatre (the only theatre east of the Anacostia River) a regulation size gymnasium, computer lab, art gallery, state-of-the-art music and dance studios.

Will you contribute to help each charity fulfill their missions? Just click on the donate button! For more information about THEARC please go to our website http://www.thearcdc.org/ or you may call 1-202-4-THEARC (1-202-484-3272).

Selected for the 2008-2009 Catalogue for Philanthropy
“One of the best small charities in the greater Washington region”

FREDERICK DOUGLASS INTERVIEW PT 4

FREDERICK DOUGLASS 1818-1895; ABOLITIONIST, ORATOR AND STATESMAN.

Born into slavery in February of 1818 on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, his future was as bleak as any slave before him and he suffered great pain and indignity.

QUESTION: Why Didn't Slaves Fight Back At Their Owners?

Mr. Douglass' answer: At this distance of time, it may seem odd that the slave did not try to fight back. The truth of the matter is that there were many slaves who did not fight back. Many of them were killed; many of them were banished into the south-into the deep south-those states of Florida, Louisana, Mississippi. But perhaps the main reason slaves did not fight back at their owners was because they felt that it was futile to do so. The slave-owners had guns, not only the whips. So out of a sense of fear slaves sometimes found other ways to fight back at their owners than just rebelling. Many times slaves would adopt a kind of "slow-down." They would act as if they didn't understand what directions they were being given by the overseers; they would act "stupid;" they would act "dumb;" they would act as if they couldn't understand what the owner or the slave overseer was trying to make them understand. The reason for that, it is my belief, is that slaves instinctively understood that the most important thing as a slave was to stay alive. I recall my Grandpappy Isaac telling me that if a slave was dead, he could not do anything, but that every day a slave was alive was another day that a slave might find some way in which he could escape from slavery."

ASK FREDERICK DOUGLASS A QUESTION!

To honor his legacy, a life-like animation, set in an exact replica of Douglass' study in his Anacostia home was created for THEARC and is available to the community. Interactive performances are also possible where the animation will answer questions from the audience! More than two hours of Douglass' famous speeches are recorded in varying lengths, complexity and programmed with coordinated body movements. The end result is dramatic and awe inspiring!


During Black History month Mr. Douglass’ answers to the pre programmed questions will be posted in THEARC blog.

For more information please email info@thearcdc.org or call 202-4-THEARC or 202-484-3272.



Selected for the 2008-2009 Catalogue for Philanthropy
“One of the best small charities in the greater Washington region”

AN INTERVIEW WITH FREDERICK DOUGLASS PT 3

FREDERICK DOUGLASS 1818-1895; ABOLITIONIST, ORATOR AND STATESMAN

Born into slavery in February of 1818 on the Eastern shore of Maryland, his future was as bleak as any slave before him, and he suffered great pain and indignity.

QUESTION: Did you see a lot of families broken apart when you were a slave?

Mr. Douglass' answer: "Yes, many. Because you must understand that keeping families broken up was the main technique by which the slaveowners were able to maintain their control over the slave. If we recognize that it is in our families that we begin to develop a sense of our own individual identity and if we don't have that family then we cannot form that identity. And of course, when we have no control over who we are-when we have no sense of who we are-then, we basically listen to what anyone tells us to do. And so, I can say, yes I saw many families broken apart, because I saw many slaves and many of them had no sense of who they really were."

QUESTION: How did slave-owners prevent escapes and rebellions?

Mr. Douglass' answer: "Well, through fear... through creating a reign of terror. The fact that a slave could get whipped just by giving a glance that was misinterpreted by the overseer or the slaveowner-it caused the slave not to want to do anything, except what he was being asked or told and commanded to do.

QUESTION: Was there any point (any specific instances) where you were about to give up?

Mr. Douglass' answer: One instance was when I was living with Edward Covey, the slave-breaker. During those first months with him, when he was whipping me - it seemed like almost everyday - I felt as if my life had no purpose, no significance, and I was about ready to give up.
But somehow everyday came, and everyday I was awake, and everyday there...it seemed like it might be a possibility that I might not be whipped, and as a result there might be a chance of something better happening.

ASK FREDERICK DOUGLASS A QUESTION!

To honor his legacy, a life-like animation, set in an exact replica of Douglass' study in his Anacostia home was created for THEARC and is available to the community. Interactive performances are also possible where the animation will answer questions from the audience! More than two hours of Douglass' famous speeches are recorded in varying lengths and complexity and programmed with coordinated body movements. The end result is dramatic and awe inspiring!

For more information please email info@thearcdc.org or call 202-4-THEARC or 202-484-3272.

Selected for the 2008-2009 Catalogue for Philanthropy
“One of the best small charities in the greater Washington region”

AN INTERVIEW WITH FREDERICK DOUGLASS PT2

FREDERICK DOUGLASS 1818-1895 ORATOR..ABOLITIONIST..STATESMAN

Born into slavery in February of 1818 on the Eastern

shore of Maryland, his future was as bleak as any

slave before him, and he suffered great pain and indignity. But Frederick Douglass found a way out, and he led the way for others. As a child he learned to read and discovered the power of the written and spoken word. As a young adult, after escaping slavery, he used that power to fight for justice and equal opportunity.

QUESTION: How did you eventually escape from slavery? Did you devise a plan or scheme or did you just one day decide to go?

Mr. Douglass' reply: "I escaped from slavery on the 3rd of September of 1838, from the city of Baltimore. And I could not have done it without the very very strong support and guidance of Miss Anna Murray, who shortly after my escape agreed to become my wife. On the 14th of September of that same year (1838) we were married. So, it was not just one day I decided to go; we planned for several weeks. And in fact I might say that I had been planning an escape from slavery or at least I had the desire to escape from slavery from the moment I realized that I was a slave."

ASK FREDERICK DOUGLASS A QUESTION!

To honor his legacy, a life-like animation, set in an exact replica of Douglass' study in his Anacostia home was created for THEARC and is available to the community. Interactive performances are also possible where the animation will answer questions from the audience! More than two hours of Douglass' famous speeches are recorded in varying lengths and complexity and programmed with coordinated body movements. The end result is dramatic and awe inspiring!


Come see Frederick Douglass answer your questions this week at THEARC for Black History Month! Performances are Tuesday and Wednesday and are open to the public.

For more information please email info@thearcdc.org or call 202-4-THEARC or 202-484-3272.

WHY IS THEARC NEEDED?

Shockingly, the U.S. Census Bureau 2005 American Community Survey shows that our nation’s capital has the highest rate of childhood poverty of any jurisdiction in the United States. Three out of ten children in Washington, DC live at or below the poverty line—.

WHAT IS THEARC?

Ten non profit partners at THEARC have come together under one roof to help children.
Since its opening in 2005, Town Hall Education, Arts and Recreation Campus-THEARC- has become a national prototype combining social, cultural and health services. It is a $27 million 110,000 square foot center on 16.5 acres of land in Southeast Washington, DC. THEARC provides a daily safe haven for the children it serves, with a wide range of arts, educational, recreational, health programs and services. In addition there is a 365-seat theatre (the only theatre east of the Anacostia River) a regulation size gymnasium, computer lab, art gallery, state-of-the-art music and dance studios.

Will you contribute to help each charity fulfill their missions? Just click on the donate button! For more information about THEARC please go to our website http://www.thearcdc.org or you may call 1-202-4-THEARC (1-202-484-3272).

Selected for the 2008-2009 Catalogue for Philanthropy
“One of the best small charities in the greater Washington region”

AN INTERVIEW WITH FREDERICK DOUGLASS PT1

Frederick Douglass 1818-1895

Born into slavery in February of 1818 on the Eastern
Shore of Maryland, his future was as bleak as any slave
before him, and he suffered great pain and indignity.
As a young adult, after escaping slavery, he used that
power to fight for justice and equal opportunity.

QUESTION: How were you caught when you first tried to escape from slavery?


Mr. Douglass' reply: "The first attempt that I had made to escape occured during my second year of living on the farm of Mr. William Freeland. I was going to escape with four of my friends on that plantation but we were betrayed. There was a fifth person who was joining us by the name of Sandy Jenkins. I'm not sure - in fact, none of us would be willing to admit at all - that we thought that Sandy, as close a friend and brother as he was to us, that he would have betrayed us. But, I believe that if he did not, then the truth is, perhaps our behavior - we seemed at times to be a little too joyous, a little too happy - that our behavior was just a little different from what it had normally been. And of course slave masters and slave owners were very very very watchful. And anytime they saw behavior that they thought was at all different it aroused their suspicions. So I would be willing to say that perhaps we created a certain amount of suspicion within the mind of Mr. William Freeland. And also there was the possibility that someone, hopefully not, but perhaps it was Sandy Jenkins did in fact betray us."


YOU CAN ASK FREDERICK DOUGLASS A QUESTION!

To honor his legacy, a life-like animation, set in an exact replica of Douglass' study in his Anacostia home was created for THEARC and is available to the community. Interactive performances are also possible where the animation will answer questions from the audience! More than two hours of Douglass' famous speeches are recorded in varying lengths and complexity and programmed with coordinated body movements. The end result is dramatic and awe inspiring!



“One of the best small charities in the greater Washington region”

WASHINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL for GIRLS

Small school + Parental involvement =
success for young girls

SISTER MARY AT
WMSG'S 10TH

YEAR CELEBRATION!

“If kids are even barely passing and we can connect with their parents, we take them,” says Sister Mary Bourdon in an article recently featured in The Washington Post. “We want the school to get inside the girls so they are not living in two worlds,” Bourdon says. “They get teased in their neighborhoods for wearing the uniform and carrying the books….” Washington Middle School for Girls is one of the ten non profit partners located at THEARC where Sister Mary is a familiar face.

Washington Middle School for Girls is Recruiting New Students

for the 2008-2009 school year. If you know a sixth-grade child who can benefit from what the WMSG has to offer please have the family contact Sister Mary at 202-678-1113. The Washington Middle School for Girls offers a solid and holistic education in the Catholic educational tradition, featuring intellectual challenge, respect for diversity, and support for the spiritual, social and emotional growth of each student. More information about the school is available at http://www.thearcdc.org/partners/middleschool.asp.
Washington Post Metro columnist Marc Fisher has an in depth interview with Sister Mary in his article Turn Around Starts With Students.

Ten non profit partners at THEARC have come together under one roof to help children.
Your donations help each charity fulfil their missions.

Selected for the 2008-2009 Catalogue for Philanthropy
“One of the best small charities in the greater Washington region”

.

HOPE LIVES ON! CONGRATULATIONS PRESIDENT OBAMA!

Pictures of then Senator Obama's visit to THEARC. Become a member of THEARC for free! WHY IS THEARC NEEDED?

Shockingly, the U.S. Census Bureau 2005 American Community Survey shows that our nation’s capital has the highest rate of childhood poverty of any jurisdiction in the United States. Three out of ten children in Washington, DC live at or below the poverty line—.

WHAT IS THEARC?

Ten non profit partners at THEARC have come together under one roof to help children.
Since its opening in 2005, Town Hall Education, Arts and Recreation Campus-THEARC- has become a national prototype combining social, cultural and health services. It is a $27 million 110,000 square foot center on 16.5 acres of land in Southeast Washington, DC. THEARC provides a daily safe haven for the children it serves, with a wide range of arts, educational, recreational, health programs and services. In addition there is a 365-seat theatre (the only theatre east of the Anacostia River) a regulation size gymnasium, computer lab, art gallery, state-of-the-art music and dance studios.

Will you contribute to help each charity fulfill their missions? Just click on the donate button! For more information about THEARC please go to our website http://www.thearcdc.org/ or you may call 1-202-4-THEARC (1-202-484-3272).

Selected for the 2008-2009 Catalogue for Philanthropy
“One of the best small charities in the greater Washington region”

MUSIC, MENTORING & MAGIC @ THEARC THEATRE

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!

RUTHIE FOSTER ROCKING AND ROLLING @ THEARC

The benefit concert with Ruthie Foster was a great success! Playing to a full house Ruthie made us laugh, cry and shout with joy while we were joyfully clapping our approval. She connects to the audience with her life stories and folk style playing. As in past shows, students from Howard University ushered. No where in the city is there a group of polite, fine young men and women who perform their duties with such grace.


WHY IS THEARC NEEDED?

Shockingly, the U.S. Census Bureau 2005 American Community Survey shows that our nation’s capital has the highest rate of childhood poverty of any jurisdiction in the United States. Three out of ten children in Washington, DC live at or below the poverty line—.

WHAT IS THEARC?

Ten non profit partners at THEARC have come together under one roof to help children.
Since its opening in 2005, Town Hall Education, Arts and Recreation Campus-THEARC- has become a national prototype combining social, cultural and health services. It is a $27 million 110,000 square foot center on 16.5 acres of land in Southeast Washington, DC. THEARC provides a daily safe haven for the children it serves, with a wide range of arts, educational, recreational, health programs and services. In addition there is a 365-seat theatre (the only theatre east of the Anacostia River) a regulation size gymnasium, computer lab, art gallery, state-of-the-art music and dance studios.

Will you contribute to help each charity fulfill their missions? Just click on the donate button! For more information about THEARC please go to our website http://www.thearcdc.org/ or you may call 1-202-4-THEARC (1-202-484-3272).

Selected for the 2008-2009 Catalogue for Philanthropy
“One of the best small charities in the greater Washington region”

THE FUN JUST WENT ON AND ON FOR COMMUNITY ARTS DAY!

My grandchildren and I started the day with the Romanian Tandarica Puppet Theatre version of The Goat with Three Kids. I enjoyed the performance as much as my grandchildren! They both agreed the performance was terrific. Then it was off to story telling with Adrej Rosman Roza and Lila Prap. The feature story Oscar Detective and Why Crocodiles Cry entertained my grandson Brendan and made him laugh. My budding artist granddaughter (age 8) literally had to be dragged from the Corcoran Verbal Collages and Printing Out Loud workshops.

The face painting was a great hit for young and old along with the balloon artist.
We capped off the day with a special performance of Word-Beat in THEARC Theater.
Levine School of Music’s unique duo Word-Bear Artists Tom Teasley (global jazz percussionist) and Charles Williams (vocalist/actor) performed inspirational texts accompanied by inventive percussive rhythm and melodies.

WHY IS THEARC NEEDED?

Shockingly, the U.S. Census Bureau 2005 American Community Survey shows that our nation’s capital has the highest rate of childhood poverty of any jurisdiction in the United States. Three out of ten children in Washington, DC live at or below the poverty line—.

WHAT IS THEARC?

Ten non profit partners at THEARC have come together under one roof to help children.
Since its opening in 2005, Town Hall Education, Arts and Recreation Campus-THEARC- has become a national prototype combining social, cultural and health services. It is a $27 million 110,000 square foot center on 16.5 acres of land in Southeast Washington, DC. THEARC provides a daily safe haven for the children it serves, with a wide range of arts, educational, recreational, health programs and services. In addition there is a 365-seat theatre (the only theatre east of the Anacostia River) a regulation size gymnasium, computer lab, art gallery, state-of-the-art music and dance studios.

Will you contribute to help each charity fulfill their missions? Just click on the donate button! For more information about THEARC please go to our website http://www.thearcdc.org or you may call 1-202-4-THEARC (1-202-484-3272).

Selected for the 2008-2009 Catalogue for Philanthropy
“One of the best small charities in the greater Washington region”

JAZZ LIVES AT THEARC THEATRE!

Thru Nasar Abadey’s Legacy Band

Did you know that in jazz the first instrument introduced is the voice ? Second is the horn, which imitates the voice and plays melody. Then next is the piano as an accompanist (support), which keeps the harmonic form and melody with chords. The bass is a rhythm instrument that provides the “bottom” with low notes and a feeling for the song’s structure while the drums provide timing, rhythm and momentum with a steady beat.

Today at THEARC Theatre children were given a lesson in jazz history and African American culture. The students are then taken on a journey starting in New Orleans traveling up the Mississippi, on to Chicago and New York. A variety of Jazz music, which originated in cities and towns along the way, is demonstrated by playing songs, both new and familiar.

The Legacy Band members are Nasar and Kush Abadey on drums, Caleb Lopez on saxophone, Janelle Gill on piano, James King on bass and Michael Thomas on Trumpet.
Everyone had a wonderful time!

WHY IS THEARC NEEDED?
Shockingly, the U.S. Census Bureau 2005 American Community Survey shows that our nation’s capital has the highest rate of childhood poverty of any jurisdiction in the United States. Three out of ten children in Washington, DC live at or below the poverty line—.

WHAT IS THEARC?

Ten non profit partners at THEARC have come together under one roof to help children.
Since its opening in 2005, Town Hall Education, Arts and Recreation Campus-THEARC- has become a national prototype combining social, cultural and health services. It is a $27 million 110,000 square foot center on 16.5 acres of land in Southeast Washington, DC. THEARC provides a daily safe haven for the children it serves, with a wide range of arts, educational, recreational, health programs and services. In addition there is a 365-seat theatre (the only theatre east of the Anacostia River) a regulation size gymnasium, computer lab, art gallery, state-of-the-art music and dance studios.

Will you contribute to help each charity fulfill their missions? Just click on the donate button! For more information about THEARC please go to our website http://www.thearcdc.org or you may call 1-202-4-THEARC (1-202-484-3272).

Selected for the 2008-2009 Catalogue for Philanthropy
“One of the best small charities in the greater Washington region”

Greg Blackmon & Dunamis Ministry @ THEARC!

Desk of Greg Blackmon & From the Dunamis

Hey Family,
Well, GOD has given us an opportunity to gather together in His name to minister to Him once again.
We are glad to announce that Greg Blackmon & Dunamis will be ministering in concert, lifting up the authoritative name of Jesus!

This service will take place at the Arc Theatre, 1901 Mississippi Ave, SE Washington, DC, 20020 on Saturday, October 18th at 6:00p.m.

There will be dance ministry and other artists ministering as well. It is going to be a great event in the Holy Ghost, so don’t miss this!

If you are coming from outside the DC area and would like to stay over, we have secured a great rate for you at the Hampton Inn & Suites at the National Harbor. What better way is there than relaxing before and after the service on the banks of the Potomac River! For more info or to make a reservation go to: http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/groups/personalized/WASOXHX-DUN-20081018/index.jhtml

So please join us on that evening, and let’s celebrate our King together.

WHY IS THEARC NEEDED?

Shockingly, the U.S. Census Bureau 2005 American Community Survey shows that our nation’s capital has the highest rate of childhood poverty of any jurisdiction in the United States. Three out of ten children in Washington, DC live at or below the poverty line—.

WHAT IS THEARC?

Ten non profit partners at THEARC have come together under one roof to help children.
Since its opening in 2005, Town Hall Education, Arts and Recreation Campus-THEARC- has become a national prototype combining social, cultural and health services. It is a $27 million 110,000 square foot center on 16.5 acres of land in Southeast Washington, DC. THEARC provides a daily safe haven for the children it serves, with a wide range of arts, educational, recreational, health programs and services. In addition there is a 365-seat theatre (the only theatre east of the Anacostia River) a regulation size gymnasium, computer lab, art gallery, state-of-the-art music and dance studios.

Will you contribute to help each charity fulfill their missions? Just click on the donate button! For more information about THEARC please go to our website http://www.thearcdc.org or you may call 1-202-4-THEARC (1-202-484-3272).

Selected for the 2008-2009 Catalogue for Philanthropy
“One of the best small charities in the greater Washington region”

A JOYFUL NOISE!

On September 26-28, 2008 Friday ,Saturday 7:30 p.m. and Sunday 3:00 p.m. Roll On! Productions presents a musical celebration of the life of Langston Hughes at THEARC Theatre, 1901 Mississippi Ave, SE, Washington, DC. Call (202) 368-2404 for more information visit http://www.rollonproductions.com/

Hughes, who claimed Paul Lawrence Dunbar, Carl Sandburg, and Walt Whitman as his primary influences, is particularly known for his insightful, colorful portrayals of black life in America from the twenties through the sixties. He wrote novels, short stories and plays, as well as poetry, and is also known for his engagement with the world of jazz and the influence it had on his writing, as in “Montage of a Dream Deferred.” His life and work were enormously important in shaping the artistic contributions of the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s. Unlike other notable black poets of the period—Claude McKay, Jean Toomer, and Countee Cullen – Hughes refused to differentiate between his personal experience and the common experience of black America. He wanted to tell the stories of his people in ways that reflected their actual culture, including both their suffering and their love of music, laughter, and language itself.

Langston Hughes died of complications from prostate cancer in May 22, 1967, in New York. In his memory, his residence at East 127th Street in Harlem, New York City, has been given landmark status by the New York City Preservation Commission, and East 127th Street has been renamed “Langston Hughes Place.” Bio information provided by http://www.poets.org/

WHAT IS THEARC?

Ten non profit partners at THEARC have come together under one roof to help children.
Since its opening in 2005, Town Hall Education, Arts and Recreation Campus-THEARC- has become a national prototype combining social, cultural and health services. It is a $27 million 110,000 square foot center on 16.5 acres of land in Southeast Washington, DC. THEARC provides a daily safe haven for the children it serves, with a wide range of arts, educational, recreational, health programs and services. In addition there is a 365-seat theatre (the only theatre east of the Anacostia River) a regulation size gymnasium, computer lab, art gallery, state-of-the-art music and dance studios.

Will you contribute to help each charity fulfill their missions? Just click on the donate button! For more information about THEARC please go to our website http://www.thearcdc.org/ or you may call 1-202-4-THEARC (1-202-484-3272).

Selected for the 2008-2009 Catalogue for Philanthropy
“One of the best small charities in the greater Washington region”

• LIVING HISTORY at THEARC FREDERICK DOUGLASS PROGRAM

Frederick Douglass the internationally acclaimed abolitionist, orator and statesman, made his home in Washington, DC's Ward 8 for nearly 20 years. As a prolific writer, his body of work remains available today. Born into slavery February of 1818 on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, his future was as bleak as any slave before him as he suffered great pain and indignity. But Frederick Douglass found a way out and led the way for others. As a child, he learned to read and discovered the power of the written and spoken word. As a young adult, after escaping slavery, he used that power to fight for justice and equal opportunity.

ASK FREDERICK DOUGLASS A QUESTION!

To honor his legacy, a life-like animation, set in an exact replica of Douglass' study in his Anacostia home was created for THEARC and is available to the community. Interactive performances are also possible where the animation will answer questions from the audience! More than two hours of Douglass' famous speeches are recorded in varying lengths and complexity and programmed with coordinated body movements. The end result is dramatic and awe inspiring!

MAKE THIS A MEMORABLE TREAT FOR YOUR STUDENTS!

The cost for a performance is based on the number and length of speeches given plus, if applicable, the question and answer period. School groups will receive a Study Guide/Activity packet per child according to grade level at each performance.

THEARC THEATRE

is a true community 365 seat theatre (the only theatre east of the Anacostia River) that was created to fill a performing arts void to enrich the lives of the residents. With the belief that the arts are the foundation of community development, THEARC Theatre pledges to be an outstanding vehicle for community playwrights, producers, directors, technicians, designers, actors, dancers, and musicians. THEARC Theatre has the capability to show full screen movies so this intimate venue is perfect for most theatrical performances and organizational meetings.

If you would like to help THEARC Theatre fulfill their mission just click on the donate button! For more information about THEARC please go to our website http://www.thearcdc.org/ or you may call 1-202-4-THEARC (1-202-484-3272).

Selected for the 2008-2009 Catalogue for Philanthropy
“One of the best small charities in the greater Washington region”