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A "Theatrical" Breakthrough
 Jill* was born with a cocaine addiction and
given up for adoption by her birth mother. After years of struggling in
special education, Jill’s adoptive mother wanted her to try theatre,
just to give her a voice. Jill, who is now 11 years old, participated in
three Cultural Arts productions, mostly hidden rolled behind a curtain,
whispering her lines. However, Jill had a breakthrough during a History
play produced by a United Way of Santa Barbara County funded agency. In
this play, she portrayed a female pirate. Jill promise to stay on stage
throughout all her scenes, which she did. However, she created a
character that was mute, this was her way of creating a character for
the play that would not have to speak but could express herself through
signing. The opportunity to use sign language during the play brought
out her “expressive self” and gave her so much confidence.
Because of Jill’s experience and
wonderful growth during her time in Cultural Arts, her teachers have
recommended other children from the same school to take part in the
program as well. Jill’s academic performance has also improved since she
started participating in the Cultural Arts program. Jill looks forward
to having bigger roles in future productions, and enjoys being a leader
with some of her other classmates who are now in the program as well.
*Names have been changed to protect
identities.
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Success Stories