Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County
1401 N.E. 26th StreetFt. LauderdaleFL33305954-537-1010954-537-1070

Program: Creative Arts Unit Year Started: 1994 Focus: Theater Youth Served: 30-45 Ages: 12-18 Budget: $116,000 Realizing that sports, games and computer programs did not meet the needs of all Broward County's young people, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County created a musical theater program for youth. Program auditions are held each January at participating Boys and Girls Clubs, which are located in high-risk neighborhoods. Selections are made on the basis of interest and commitment as well as talent. For 14 weeks, the participants are transported to the Creative Arts Unit--at first, 3 afternoons; later, 5 days a week. They begin the process by brainstorming for a theme dealing with critical issues in their lives. Themes to date have dealt with inner-city violence, teen pregnancy and domestic abuse. After the theme is picked, each person chooses a character; then an outline for the scene is created. The participants divide into small groups based on their areas of interest, such as dialogue, music or set construction. At the end of each session, participants' work is coordinated into a single show, which, after many weeks of rehearsal, is performed at a major theater. The 1995 play Cry No More was seen by audiences totaling 1,800. In the fall of 1995, a new segment was added to the program-coaching in acting, voice and diction and performance skills.