With a goal of reaching select Fairfax County Public Schools, Acting for Young People presents a new, tuition-free program: TIME TO SHINE. The program, designed to empower students through access to arts education, increase their self-confidence and become leaders among their peers. It is our hope that the students will use this opportunity to enhance their performing arts skills while also feeling like a star in real life.

 

objectives

Beginning in September 2018, AFYP has offered TIME TO SHINE at two Title I schools per year.  Steadily expanding the TIME TO SHINE program to additional schools is a primary goal of AFYP.

Our teachers reinforce lessons taught by school counselors designed to strengthen social skills and lead students through acting exercise and activities. Students in our TIME TO SHINE program build skills such as:

Life skills:

  • Working as a team to achieve a goal

  • Conflict resolution

  • Critical thinking

  • Increased self-confidence

Performing arts skills:

  • Acting on stage

  • Characterization

  • Public speaking

  • Creative Thinking

  • Improvisation

  • Singing & dancing

Students enrolled in TIME TO SHINE after-school programs will:

  • Participate in a theater program they would not otherwise have access to

  • Learn valuable communication skills

  • Strengthen literacy skills by working on their class script

  • Improve social-emotional skills through character and ensemble activities

  • Spend time with theater professionals and teaching artists, increasing the positive role models in their lives

  • Present their work to friends and family at the culmination of the session

  • Receive a snack before class and additional snacks to take home each day of class to assist with food insecurity

 

Faculty

Our TIME TO SHINE faculty is carefully selected from AFYP’s team of Teaching Artists with an emphasis on experienced and empathetic teachers. Our faculty is made up of working professionals in the DMV theater industry who are constantly honing their skills through their creative endeavors and bringing those skills back to share with our students.

 
“I learned to always use my heart, take action, and use teamwork.”
— Fall 2018 "Time to Shine" Student

Students at Dogwood Elementary reflect on their experience of performing for friends and family.

Students at Brookfield Elementary prepare for their final presentation at the end of their first 8-week “Time to Shine” program.

 

Acting for Young People’s non-profit programs are made possible with the support of: