During these summer months, Rehearsal for Life has kept busy (see below) with the behind-the-scenes work needed to get us all stage-ready for the fall, when our Urban Improv, Youth Unscripted, and Freelance Players programs return to our students in virtual spaces. We have taken time to reflect on ways we can continue to support equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in our programming and the spaces we impact. And we are looking forward to continuing to serve our students, and to help them feel safe, be creative, express themselves, and explore social-emotional learning amid the many uncertainties of the day.
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Even when Senior Program Manager Jamie Ullrich briefly steps away from her computer, she makes sure to leave someone (Lily!) in charge.
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As we move towards great connectivity, we invite you to join our new Executive & Artistic Director Elena Velasco every second Friday morning, starting August 14, for a Zoom coffee hour. Send us an email if you'd like to take this chance to meet our new leadership, offer your feedback on our programs, and help bring Elena into our community.
In these changing times, we recognize the strengths of our relationships with each other, and the importance of coming together, however we can — and will.
Until then! đźŽ
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Become a part of our Freelance family! For over 40 years, Freelance Players has brought original musical theater, creative expression, and loving community to the young people of Greater Boston. Now we're doing it virtually! Learn more about our plans for fall 2020, check out last spring's virtual productions, and register for the fall TODAY. đźŽ
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Urban Improv Can't Wait to See You!
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#TBT (#ThrowbackThursday) to our spring video series, in which we explored our Urban Improv program model, featuring students' and teachers' voices alongside those of our teaching artists. Our community is our inspiration — let it be yours in this short video about the impact that Urban Improv has on our students.
As we reconnect with our Boston Public School partners and with educators, families, and learners far and wide, Urban Improv is prepared to provide the next level of support this fall for all students who need us to make this school year safe, accessible, and equitable for everyone. đźŽ
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Rehearsal for Life’s mission is to “strengthen young people’s social and emotional skills for every stage of life, through dialogue, creativity, and performance.” In June, then-Executive Director Francie Karlen issued a heartfelt statement in response to the impact of systemic racism, bringing to our collective attention the need to address institutional and societal inequities. We are now internally examining how our organization can become more equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible, and acknowledge where we have fallen short in the past.
Change requires action — action that come from individual endeavors as well as community engagement. In this seminal moment, we must hold ourselves accountable and commit to a re-examination of our deeds beyond statements. As noted by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, author of Stamped from the Beginning and How to Be An Antiracist, such change "requires persistent self-awareness, constant self-criticism, and regular self-examination."
To this end, in each of our monthly newsletters going forward, Rehearsal for Life will offer "From Insight to Action" — a space that centers the work of thought leaders, guiding us to activate these practices at home, at work, and in shared spaces. We invite our community members to join us in the work of anti-racism, equity, diversity, inclusion, and access.
Together, we will shape our community into a place where our values meet our vision. We thank you for your energy, faith, and action.
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The conversation of race can be challenging for adults, and yet we know that children are subject to the same realities and awarenesses that surround us. In a recent interview with children’s author Renée Watson and anti-racism scholar Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, NPR’s Nicole King explores ways that adults can discuss race and racism with children: How Can Parents Make Their Kids Understand How To Be Anti-Racist?
Share this seven-minute listen with your family and friends, and open the conversation with the young people in your life. đźŽ
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Support Our Students
Your generous contribution today helps us continue to grow and serve our students, who need our support now more than ever. Thank you for supporting the young people of Boston and beyond at this crucial time.
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Like and follow us for updates and inspiration — and share widely with friends, family, and educators near and far!
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