On Saturday, May 7th,  the Social+Community+Engagement Youth Acting Workshop culminated with a public performance at Mariachi Plaza in Boyle Heights. 

The Youth Acting Workshop returned this spring to CASA 0101 theater, led by instructors Corky Dominguez and Kimiko Warner-Turner. This 12-week class of ten young adults, ages 16-21, challenged the students with writing and performing exercises designed to give voice to topics that affect young adults. The curriculum also included elements of acting, movement, voice & diction. “I was struggling a lot with public speaking before CASA. I feel like I’ve come long way since February. That has done a lot for me and my confidence.” -Federico Hamelius, 16.

By the end of the program, students had developed a 45 minute performance piece titled Kids These Days, which showcased their original monologues and skits. The workshop concluded with a private performance for family and friends at CASA 0101 and a public performance at Mariachi Plaza, where students were also presented with a certificate of completion and a stipend to support their participation. “These programs always help me be more open and be more open with my peers as well. I think programs like these are great for young people.” – Jimena Jimenez, 17.

This program was made possible in part by The California Endowment.