VOCAL THEATER
The ArtSmart Vocal Theater Program is a unique offering, where storytelling and music are used as the framework for mentorship.
Cairah Brown, ArtSmart Student“It felt empowering to do this. I feel like I’m going to have more confidence. Eighth grade is going to be way better now that I’ve done that piece.”
A SMALL GROUP SETTING
Over the course of a 28-week program year, ArtSmart mentors guide groups of three students in creating an original theatrical piece with music and dialogue. Students explore social issues and personal values through team-building activities, and acting and singing lessons. This student-led experience culminates in a unique performance piece that amplifies student voices and explores community issues.
ArtSmart’s unique model integrates traditional arts learning paradigms with expanded approaches to create a comprehensive, data-driven music mentorship framework. We incorporate elements from the Connected Arts Learning Framework, fostering connections between arts learning and other knowledge domains. Our approach draws on the Creative Youth Development Model, emphasizing youth voice, skill-building, and community engagement. We utilize the SMART Goal-Setting Framework to help students set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives. Our programs adhere to the SAFE Practices Model, ensuring activities are Sequenced, Active, Focused, and Explicit in their delivery of skill-building opportunities.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Our programs are designed to benefit the artistic, social-emotional, and academic development of under-resourced youth through the following core objectives:
- Provide Meaningful Mentoring Relationships: Each student benefits from
personalized and culturally-responsive mentorship that provides a safe and
supportive space for creative expression, learning, and long-term stability. - Teach and Practice Goal Setting: ArtSmart guides students through a structured goal-mapping process, equipping them with tools and strategies to excel in all aspects of their lives.
- Engage Student Passion: We actively engage students in their love for music, fueling intrinsic motivation and facilitating holistic learning experiences to unlock their full potential.
- Develop Transferable Life Skills: Students develop skills such as communication, responsibility, teamwork, and creative problem-solving, preparing them for future education and professional success.
- Promote Artistic Development: Students receive ongoing, hands-on instruction from professional artists, cultivating their skills as musicians and performers, and exploring potential career paths in the arts.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Students participate in two on-stage recitals, receive masterclasses from professional artists, and gain access to additional enrichment opportunities.
Mid-Year Studio Performance
Students will practice performing first in front of a familiar group of fellow ArtSmart students and their mentor. Students will receive constructive feedback and support in a safe environment.
End-of-Year Public Performance
Students will perform one to two songs for a public audience. Family and friends are welcome to attend.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
ArtSmart nurtures healthy, meaningful connections with adults at school and provides students with an adult they can talk to when stressed or having problems. Our programs have a staggering impact on student outcomes beyond learning music:
