This Dunham Fund grant will provide the start-up funding for iMprov, a theatrical youth training program at the Steel Beam Theatre designed to help each budding actor find his/her own voice (i M)and learn the skills of Comedy Improvisation to express themselves in a compelling and significant way.
A parent campaign, website, and directory of arts programs for youth will be components of the program. The curriculum will include a series of public performance/theater art workshops which will engage middle and early high school students with the topics of anti-bullying and self-image and encourage self-expression through improvisation. The goal of the program is to form a performing troupe(s) to tour schools, youth groups, churches and other venues where the topic of bullying can be addressed with the fresh approach of comedy improv.