Representation in Theater Ignites Conversations For Students

Theater has always been a core program at Project Success because we know the world is a better place when creativity is nurtured and every story is represented. These performances inspire dialogue and allow students to have deeper conversations with peers about their identities and societal issues. Theater becomes more than just a show to take in: it broadens your world and connects you to others.  

Live Band From Afghanistan 

This fall, we had the opportunity to bring Edison High School students to a performance of Heart of Afghanistan. This was a performance that hit close to home. The majority of the students were of Afghan descent and many were seeing a full crew of Afghans on stage and playing music for the first time! With the ban of all music by the Taliban, many students had not had an opportunity to experience their own cultural music. But with the help of the crew, they can carry on the torch of Afghanistan’s rich and complex musical heritage. As the music played, the faces of the students lit up! As the show neared the end, students had the opportunity to thank, converse, and connect with the crew in their native tongue.  

These moments are what makes theater experiences so crucial – because representation matters. Giving students a chance to see themselves on the stage through people who look and speak like them can ignite dreams they may never have thought possible, giving them a sense of belonging and inciting conversations they never would have had – this is why we continue to provide free theater experiences.  

Talk Back with the Vietgone Cast  

We also brought Patrick Henry students to the Guthrie Theater to see Vietgone this fall, and they had the opportunity to do a Q&A with the actors after the performance. Questions were raised surrounding the main character’s choice: leaving his family in Vietnam to avoid possible execution and imprisonment after the war or stay in the U.S. and build a new family. These questions sparked a dialogue where students felt safe sharing their own experiences of immigrating to the U.S. and the difficulties of starting over in a new country.   

This led to more questions like “What does it mean to be doing this show?,” “How did you become an actor?,” and “How do you work together as a cast?” Students learned that actors are able to balance their personal and professional relationships separately on stage with the assistance of an Intimacy Coordinator. Their role is to help actors navigate any physical touch on stage so that all actors feel comfortable. Without this exposure to theater experiences and having a safe place for questions, students would not have known that this career existed and could be a possible career choice for them too.  

Providing a space for students to grow and widen their perspectives and a safe environment to have open dialogues is what Project Success strives to do for every student who attends a theater experience.   

For over 29 years, Project Success has been the liaison between theater partners, artists, and schools. Providing invaluable theater experiences to students by working with partner schools to match students with opportunities that align with what they want to see. We continually seek to provide students with meaningful theater experiences that build confidence, empathy, critical thinking, a sense of community, and foster an appreciation for the arts.     

We could not be more thrilled about our adventure last Friday. Our students were over the moon about the field trip and their critique of the film shorts were so fun to hear. They had a great time and were thrilled to have some down time reconnecting and updating each other while we waited for the buses. We are die hard fans of Project Success and sing your praises near and far. Your dedication, professionalism, and generosity are so very much appreciated!

— Teachers: Sheila Willette, Mandy Buzzelli and Teresa Roguski    

All theater experiences are free for students and their families. We remove barriers that prevent anyone from attending because we believe in providing an inclusive theater experience for all – which is why transportation and childcare services are provided. If you need any of these services, please inquire upon registering and we will do our best to accommodate you. Click here to see all theater experiences.