People often ask me why?
- Why don't you take the summer off?
- Why do you pour all of your energy into young people?
- Why do you hire interns for key positions?
- Why do you take on new challenges each summer?
- Why do you and Marty spend your time and money on Activate?
These are good questions. When we began back in 2011, there was not another summer program quite like ours in the area. We wanted to provide opportunities for school-aged students to grow in the arts through an intensive camp experience. We also wanted to give opportunities to young adults including college students who wanted a chance to learn how to create excellent theatre.
We have grown from a single two-week camp to a three show season over the years and are thrilled to offer two musicals this summer and a Shakespeare comedy (new challenge)! In seven weeks we will produce three shows. Two of the shows this summer are directed by 2018 college grads!! This kind of summer stock isn't uncommon in the theatre world. It is very uncommon, however, to attempt this with children, volunteers, and young adults without enough professional credits to land leadership roles in professional theatres.
When I think of taking a summer off, it is appealing. If I were to take the time off, those who know me best know I would have a pile of delicious fiction stacked up next to me with a bowl of popcorn, M&Ms, and a Diet Pepsi. I could. Sometimes I think I should. But...
I am not called to sit in the summer. I am called to invest. I am called to invest in children. To invest in young people. To invest in this community. To invest in the arts. To invest in NCWC (why else would I be an adjunct for eight years?!?!). If I do not invest where I am called to invest how could I ever expect others to invest as they are called?
Our amazing interns this summer are called to invest in children. They bring their gifts and work ridiculous hours for less than minimum wage. True--they leave with some hefty credits to add to their resumes, but that is not how they are able to succeed. They are following their call. They are investing.
Our stars are called to invest their gifts in a place that strives to provide positive and excellent theatre experiences in an inclusive environment. They give up summer vacation time to make that investment.
What are you called to invest in? If you are sitting in the theatre reading this you are currently investing in the arts and young people through your presence tonight! We thank you for that and our hope for each of you is that you continue to invest where and when you are called to invest.
Thank you for being here! Thank you for supporting the investment Activate makes in the next generation of artists and educators!
And please....ENJOY the SHOW! Danelle Cauley
