DALLAS– Today Dallas Theater Center’s Project Discovery program received the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award from First Lady Michelle Obama. The award recognizes exemplary after-school and out-of-school time programs from across the country and is the highest national honor awarded to such programs. Project Discovery is one of 12 programs to receive the award this year.
“Through these programs, young people are discovering their creative voices, developing a stronger sense of who they are as individuals, and gaining a deeper understanding of the world around them,” wrote Mrs. Obama in the program for the award ceremony. “And, as young people navigate today’s challenges, the programs we are honoring offer safe harbors that cultivate enthusiasm for learning, support academic achievement, and promote college readiness.”
For 27 years, DTC has partnered with area schools to engage students in its productions through a multi-layered, season-long approach. Through Project Discovery, students attend regular evening performances, alongside adult patrons, of each main stage production during the school year. The program introduces students who have little or no experience with theater to the art of theater-making – from playwriting to sword-fighting – and gives them the confidence and experience to perform before their peers and be at home in the theater. Since 1986, Project Discovery has helped over 265,000 students and teachers experience and study the finest in live, professional theater. This on-your-feet pre-show program and post-show discussion with peers and adults is a catalyst for students to explore their role within their community. This program is provided at no cost to participating schools.
DTC Artistic Director Kevin Moriarty says engaging with the work is what theater is all about. “Sometimes, a work celebrates and embraces values you have, and sometimes, it challenges and confronts them. Art is about experiencing other points of view and owning and sharing your response to that,” said Moriarty. “To have a program that authentically provides that experience to young people is really the greatest success of Project Discovery.”
Project Discovery makes theater more accessible to students, regardless of their ability to pay and increases engagement of students in experiences that explore issues using theater as a catalyst. Roughly half of Project Discovery participants will see a professional theater production for the first time while in the program and more than 90% of participants indicate an increased level of confidence in attending theater and sharing opinions about their experience.
Schools interested in becoming a part of Project Discovery can visit DallasTheaterCenter.org for more details on the program and how to apply. Those interested in making a donation to the program can also do so online at DallasTheaterCenter.org or by calling (214) 252-3914.
