Jessica here. I want to tell you a little bit about why we choose to raise money during the Marathon for our Summer Camps and Kids Classes.
Let me start with Adam (name changed to avoid embarrassing teen-agers.) When Adam’s mother first called me she let me know that her 9 year old son was painfully shy, there was no way he would get on stage for the final performance, and he might just come for a few weeks and then drop the class all together.
On the first day of the class he kept his head down and let his shaggy mane of hair hide his face. He avoided the other kids, and you could barely hear him speak. But the games intrigued him, and even though he was hesitant and constantly worried about getting it right, even so, Adam is a kid and kids want to play.
So Adam learned to have fun in the games, he got better at them and even had some that he liked. He was still hesitant and looked to me constantly for approval, but he was coming out of his shell some. Most of the time when the other kids would ask him something or make a joke to him his eyes would widen in surprise and it would take him a good long time to answer. After a few weeks, he would still look startled, but then he would start to smile when he answered, and he answered more quickly.
On our final performance day he was obviously very nervous. He had asked to be only in games that involved all the kids so he wouldn’t have to do anything alone. His mother whispered to me before the show started that she was amazed that he was going to “try it.” Adam didn’t just try it, Adam pulled it off. He wasn’t the most sparkly star on the stage, but he held his own and didn’t look terrified, a major accomplishment for him. After the show his face beamed proudly as his whole family gathered around to hug him.
The next semester he came in ready to play. He jumped into the games and didn’t worry so much about getting them right. The other kids started inviting him to their birthday parties and play dates. By the end of the semester he didn’t just show up on stage, he shone. He was funny, smart as a whip, and had a beautiful slow delivery that left the audience in stitches. His mom had tears in her eyes when she thanked me at the end of the show.
Adam only stayed with us for 2 years — his music became more and more important to him. Last I heard he was joyfully playing and singing in talent shows and for family gatherings. But I feel strongly that those 2 years were something special for him and for me as one of his teachers.
Adam’s story is the story of the shy kid who comes into themselves through improv. There are other stories about loud kids who learn control, tense kids who learn how to relax, attention seekers who learn to finesse their way to the spotlight, and just plain old kids who get to play and have fun on stage because that is awesome and fun.
All of these kids need improv regardless of their parents income level. I want every kid to be able to explore and learn and play no matter what challenges they might have at home. This year my goal is to offer a spot in class or camp for every child who wants it.
And that is why I suggested that we use the Marathon to raise funds for the Hideout Youth Program. So, come see a show and change a kid’s life.
A portion of all Marathon ticket sales goes towards scholarships for kids who can’t afford classes. Buy tickets here.
You can also just donate directly by clicking the orange button.