Events: Arizona - Phoenix - Scottsdale

Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona and the Herberger Theater Center are partnering to bring “Road to Resilience,” a theatrical performance created and performed by teens to the public on Saturday, June 30 at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m.  The performance will be held at Heberger Theater Center, located at 222 E. Monroe in Phoenix.  The performance is free, open to the public and suitable for children ages 10 and up. 

Free Arts’ Theatre Camp brings together teens from foster care group homes, homeless shelters and treatment centers.  The young artists write and perform stories from their lives using acting techniques, music, dance, visual arts and spoken word poetry. 

Niya, a 16 year old from Phoenix, is one of this year’s participants. She was first introduced to Free Arts when she, her mom, two sisters and brother were living at the Salvation Army homeless shelter.  One of the shelter workers signed her up for a Free Arts Camp and she was dreading it! By the end of the first week, she was begging the Free Arts staff to accept her into Theatre Camp.  Niya has gained self-confidence and a love for the arts.  She was just offered a full scholarship to attend a performing arts school in Lincoln, NE.  She and her family will be moving there soon.  Niya will be performing four songs (2 originals songs that she wrote and 2 songs she composed the music) and she will also be in the group ensemble.  She’s been a Theatre Camp participant for the past two years and this will be her fifth Free Arts Camp.

“I like watching the transformation of people the best,” said Niya.  “I was really shy and quiet before I came to Free Arts.  When the performers are able to step out of their shells, it’s beautiful to watch.  It shows what art can do.  It gave me confidence and now I love being on stage!”

Free Arts Theatre Camp is one of the programs the recent $2.5 million grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation is funding.  The generous donation was made in July 2017 to purchase the nonprofit’s building and provide initial renovation funding, as well as provide funding to the Professional Artist Series and Camp Program.  

To RSVP for the performance on June 30, visit: https://www.freeartsaz.org/events/. 

About Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona

Founded in 1993, Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona is a non-profit organization that uses the arts to build resilience in children who have experienced the trauma of abuse, neglect, or homelessness. Free Arts programs include creative elements that promote safety, self-expression and a sense of belonging. Free Arts programs are delivered by 900 volunteer mentors and artists who serve more than 8,000 children annually through partnerships with 43 social service child welfare agencies at 100+ sites across Maricopa County. For more information on Free Arts, visit: www.freeartsaz.org.