7 Stages Theater
1105 Euclid AvenueAtlantaGA30307
404-522-0911404-522-0913

Program: Freddie Hendricks Youth Ensemble of Atlanta Year Started: 1991 Focus: Multidisciplinary Arts Youth Served: 31 Ages: 7-20 Budget: $42,000 Georgia native and theater professional Freddie Hendricks started his African-American youth theater company in an effort to engage youth constructively. The Freddie Hendricks Youth Ensemble of Atlanta uses theater to help young people explore and express their feelings about the world within them and the world around them. Students audition to join the Ensemble, but admission is based on attitude and potential, rather than demonstrated talent. Working at the 7 Stages Theater on Saturdays throughout the year, and on additional days during the summer, participants attend workshops in theater, dance and music. Using their own words, young people write a script on such issues as child abuse, drugs and youth empowerment. The Ensemble tours its play during the school year to standing-room-only crowds at schools and community venues. "The students are extremely dedicated, and many have stayed with the program the entire 5 years itĚs been in existence," reports Managing Director Debi Frye-Barber. "It was very emotional for many of them when they had to leave the program to attend college." As a result, the youth theater company is training participants in management and is encouraging them to study arts administration or arts law so that they can return and run the Ensemble.