CLASSES ENROLLING NOW FOR SPRING 2013!
ARTS TRAINING FOR YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS
San Francisco Running Crew
Our longest-running BTA program is the San Francisco Running Crew (SFRC), which recruits underserved (and generally unemployed or underemployed) San Francisco youth and provides them with hands-on technical training in theater production. Upon successfully graduating, they are placed in internships in professional theaters (including our own Brava Theater Center) and are assisted with obtaining professional employment within the field. Over the past ten years, with funding from the Mayor’s Office of Community Development (MOCD), the San Francisco’s Department of Children, Youth, and their Families (DCYF), and other funders, SFRC has graduated more than 400 participants, 85% of whom have gone on to careers in theater-industry work and in higher education in related fields. Click here for application and information.
Cuicacalli Escuela de Danza
Jesus Cortes, Director
Cuicacalli “House of Culture" is a year-round youth training program, in association with Dancing Earth, the nation’s foremost Indigenous contemporary dance ensemble (www.dancingearth.org). Founded in 2008 by renowned international performer Jesus “Jacoh” Cortes, Cuicacalli is an international, cross-cultural, dance-arts educational institution. Cuicacalli carries strongly its mission: to serve the diverse community of San Francisco with dedication towards excellent instruction, performances and community programs, for intergenerational students, artists and audiences of all backgrounds. Cuicacalli builds communities through dance - expanding, exploring and celebrating the cultural traditions of the Americas.
Loco Bloco
Annie Jupiter Jones, Executive Director
Click here for Spring 2013 Schedule
Loco Bloco was founded in 1994 by community artists and activists of color to provide low-income, minority and immigrant families access to professional level arts education at no cost. Since Loco Bloco’s inception, more than 6,000 youth have benefited from training and performance in high-quality percussion, dance, visual arts, theater arts, stilt walking, civic engagement, youth leadership training and physical and mental health education. Each year, approximately 600 young people between 4 and 18 years of age directly participate in Loco Bloco’s afterschool programs at San Francisco schools and community centers. Loco Bloco performs at San Francisco’s Carnaval Parade and SF Pride Parade and presents a New Work Concert each December.
Central to the Loco Bloco’s purpose and programming is the use of the arts as a tool for the empowerment of youth of color to overcome injustice; to adopt healthy, active lifestyles; to contribute positively to and serve as leaders in their communities; and to embrace, ethnic and cultural diversity. Loco Bloco programs incorporate social, artistic and physical goals, encouraging youth to perceive themselves as direct contributors to their neighborhood’s cultural-wellness and social vitality.
Famooly Productions, Salsa Band Workshops
Jose Leon, Director
Classes held on Tuesdays, 4:30pm
Famooly Productions’ Salsa Band Workshops provide affordable music education for youth in a fun and empowering environment. Through classes and performances, children learn to use their talents to show the community positive directions for youth. Youth as young as 6 years old receive musical training and rehearse and perform with the Salsa Band at a variety of events.
Jose is a San Francisco native, born and raised in the Mission District. Jose has worked for the non-profit community for over 30 years and is well known and respected for his support of youth involvement and empowerment. And was recognized for his achievements, received the Latino Heritage Foundation’s 2011 Arts Award. Jose is a well known musician who has performed with many bands and since the age of twelve. Performing at such a young age inspired Jose to continue teaching music to children of all ages and backgrounds. He has founded 2 youth bands, Futuro Picante and Los Chiles Verdes.