AWAKEN YOUR heART — Anti Gun Violence Culmination Event
The news is rife with increasing occurrences of gun violence in schools throughout the US. No one has provided an effective solution to these incidents that are often perpetuated by young people who feel isolated and out of touch. In the vein of proposing a potential answer in the form of encouraging young people to unite with a supportive community through the arts, Sundog Theatre is holding a free event June 9 from 1–4pm at the St. George Theatre called “Awaken Your heART”. #ArtHealsNYC
Sundog’s “Soundtrack of Life” program has aided Curtis, McKee, and other Island high school students to become recording artists by using music and spoken word to heal conflict and avoid gun violence by writing “music with a message” and recording it to inspire others. In addition, the Theatre’s arts education school programs help young people connect to themselves and the world around them through theatre, dance, music, and art.
Uniting around this effort are Deputy Borough President Ed Burke, Councilwoman Debi Rose, District Attorney Michael E. McMahon, and Assemblyman Matthew Titone. Each has a unique body of knowledge that addresses the problem and will speak at the program.
As the recipient of the Anti-Gun Violence/Art a Catalyst for Change citywide initiative and the Island’s onlyprovider of this program through Councilwoman Rose, Sundog is holding this free event which also features a live DJ, giveaways, performances, healthy snacks, and engagement activities for children. Participating community service organizations include Illuminart, SI Art Lab, SI Youth Justice Center, True 2 Life, SI Partnership for Community Wellness, Projectivity, and others.
Founded in 2002, Sundog Theatre has been presenting original and contemporary theatre for 16 years. The arts company is unique on Staten Island in offering arts-in-education programs in theatre, music, dance, and art for Kindergarten through high school in NYC schools and community-based organizations. In addition, Sundog offers acting classes year-round for young people and tours educational productions throughout the year.
Programs enhance education by encouraging cognitive thinking, creativity, and innovation as well as promoting exercise, teamwork, and enhanced imagination.
For more information, visit www.SundogTheatre.org or call 718–816–5453.
