Hollywood Arts provides curriculum-based, dedicated, sequential arts therapy and arts training for homeless, runaway and at-risk youth age 15 and older living either on the streets or in temporary shelters in Hollywood.
Our students are emancipated foster care teenagers, abuse victims and/or runaways.
THEATER PROGRAM -- AGES 18 TO 22
What did you like best about this program? Alejandro: I like how we perform in a group. Matt: The open-mindedness of the instructors. How comfortable they make you. Mike: It was fun. Emmet: I liked everything about the program. I had a lot of fun. I also thank you all for coming and making my night fun. Andre: I love that I can totally be myself and in the same light step out of myself. I'm able to branch out and learn new things about myself. Roshann: The different personalities. Elijah: The experience. Nayla: It teaches you real live events. Jermaine: The chance to flourish as an actor. Charmaine: Acting out scenes.
What did you like least about this program? Alejandro: I don’t like the fact it’s not more than one time a week. Andre: That it is only once a week. Roshann: Nothing. Elijah: Not enough time in sessions. Nayla: Not enough time. Jermaine: It could be more in depth. Charmaine: Nothing.
What could Hollywood Arts do to make this program better? Alejandro: To have props if we need to. Matt: More sessions. Mike: More action, use ratings, critical thinking and what people want. Emmet: Continue the program, I want to stay. Andre: I think multiple days a week. Roshann: Provide snacks/Incentives. Elijah: Continue the program. Nayla: Come more often. Jermaine: Nothing. Charmaine: I love the program.
What new skills about acting did you learn? Alejandro: How to get into my character Matt: How to stand on a stage (projection voices) Mike: That it is not scary to face people. Emmet: I really learn a lot about acting even though it was a short period of time but I sure will have a lot more fun. Andre: So far I learned how to transfer and carry on one mood to a completely different one. Roshann: How to improvise. Elijah: I learn to improve my acting. Nayla: Facial Expressions. Learning. Jermaine: How to share a stage with an actor. Charmaine: Motivation, teamwork.
How has this program helped you in other areas of life? Alejandro: I’m going to go to LA film school to be a producer. Matt: I am more culturally aware. I am not judgmental towards others. Mike: It has helped me have a better understanding of acting. Emmet: This program helped me free my mind tonight because I was a little mad until you all came. Andre: Honestly, it helps me escape my life for a bit. Elijah: Self pride. Nayla: To help me deal with my problems in a good way. Jermaine: Not much. Charmaine: Learn new skills about working with teams and selves.
What have you learned about yourself from participating in this program? Alejandro: I learn that I am an outgoing person and acting is a lot of fun. Matt: That I can be good at something if I apply myself. Mike: That I am more interested in acting. Emmet: I learned that trying something new is not so bad after all. Andre: I learned that I crave attention and love to hear myself speak. Elijah: Who I am. Nayla: To be a better person. Jermaine: That I project anger easier than anything. Charmaine: That I can be anything or person I want to be if I try.
