20 Years on Auburn Avenue!
On May 9, 2003, Imagination Stage moved from two small, compromised spaces into our beautiful home on Auburn Avenue.
Celebrating 10 Years of Theatre for Change at Imagination Stage
More than 40 years ago, Imagination Stage began its work in Bethesda to empower all children through the performing arts. Ten years ago, we developed a new set of programming designed to bring our skill and passion directly to young people and communities where it was desperately needed–that was the beginning of Theatre for Change.
Using theatre productions and educational workshops to bridge cultural divides and lift up underrepresented voices, our Theatre for Change program explores complex social justice issues to help build a new generation of compassionate, collaborative children who are capable of changing the world. The program launched in 2015 with an after school group of English language learners and partnerships with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and the Montgomery County Health and Human Services Department.
Residencies under this program have included:
- Workshops using theatre as a tool to bridge relationships between police and youth
- Residencies through Health and Human Services with newcomer youth in Montgomery County as part of our ¡Óyeme! (“Hear me”) program
- Voices Beyond Bars workshops for systems-involved young people
Theatre for Change has grown from reaching an after school group of 13 young people to touching the lives of 25,000 youth, educators, their families, advocacies, and policymakers. The program has been praised by students, teachers, parents, and school administrators; one principal said Theatre for Change “sparked an interest in civic agency in our kids … [It] shows them [that they] do not have to be an adult for this issue to, (1) affect [them] or impact [them], or, (2) for [them] to impact it.”
We are looking forward to celebrating this growth at our annual gala, and we invite YOU to join us! The event will take place at the Andrew W. Mellon auditorium in downtown DC (with a stunning view of the National Mall!) on Thursday, March 20.
At this event, we will present the Imagine Award to long time supporter and collaborator, José Antonio Tijerino honoring his extraordinary work, dedication, and service on behalf of our region’s young people. Antonio is president and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF), a national nonprofit focused on education, workforce, social impact and culture through the lens of leadership. Under his leadership, HHF has been honored by The White House, US Congress, Fortune 500 companies, other nonprofits, and the Government of Mexico. Antonio is executive producer of the Hispanic Heritage Awards at the Kennedy Center and has served in executive roles at Fannie Mae Foundation, Nike, Burson Marsteller, and Cohn & Wolfe.
Join us March 20 at the Mellon auditorium for a spring fling themed, cocktail-style party that will celebrate the success of Theatre for Change and all our vital work across the DMV with live performances, fundraising, and dancing to the musical stylings of Imagination Stage’s very own DJ Anderson!
Get your tickets and learn more about sponsorship opportunities
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