Contributing to youth development
For those who don’t know, I am a volunteer at All Stars Project. All Stars Project is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting youth development through performance. They create performing arts and educational activities to poor and minority youth around the city. They put on talent shows, community theater performances and they have a program called the Development School For Youth, where they train the youth to enter the workforce. All of this is out of school, so when they’re done for the day in school, instead of doing heaven-knows-what on the streets, they can find solace through performance at ASP.
Now I didn’t know that an organization such as this existed until I was told to go on VolunteerSearch. The moment I saw the posting, I fell in love. I have a huge passion for performing arts. I wasn’t exposed too much to it until very late in my school years, and I didn’t get exposed to theater until I was in high school. I love that ASP is around because they give youth the chance to get heard through performance. Even if it isn’t something that they won’t go into professionally, there are some really talented kids out there.
All Stars isn’t only exclusive to NYC. There are several branches around the US, including Boston, Chicago, and LA. There is one branch in the Netherlands as well. So they are spreading out.
Let’s talk about the Castillo Theatre. The Castillo Theatre is actually located inside the 42nd Street location. Here, they bring to you political theatre, avant-garde, and musical theater. I am a volunteer for the house staff when they have their performances during the weekends. I’ve caught a show, and I was blown away. I’ve made it my point of existence to make it to another (and bring one of my friends along with me).
Every year, they have a fundraiser called the Bowl-a-Thon. I raised money for the Bowl-a-Thon, and I made $101 last year. Not bad for a first year. This year, I want more. Bowling for youth development? Gladly. If you would like to donate to this cause as well, you can make your donation. Donate what you can if you want. If you’re in the NYC area, then we’re always looking for volunteers as well. Especially if you have a passion for the arts, and if you love children, then you’ll fall in love with All Stars as much as I did.
