There’s a new theater program for kids in Healdsburg. REAP
(Raven Education and Arts Program) operates under the Raven
Performing Arts Theater umbrella to promote youth participation in
and appreciation of theater. Formed just a few months ago, REAP is
run by Matthew and Michele Proschold, both of whom have lots of
experience with both kids and plays. As they explain it, “We
strongly believe in inspiring youth to be the best they can be.
Theater is a collaborative art form that promotes teamwork and
acceptance. It allows for youth to build character and confidence
while instilling a strong work ethic.”
The pair offers workshops that culminate in public performances,
and plays that are cast from open auditions. Their first production
was “A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail,” held at the Raven during
the holidays. Right now the spring workshops are under way, with
summer camp in the works.
Already, Matthew and Michele have created some great moments and
memories. For example, Matthew relayed, “In ‘Winnie the Pooh’
there’s a scene where Piglet has to pop a gigantic balloon on
stage. Try as she might, our young actor couldn’t get it to pop.
She jumped on it over and over finally sending the balloon into the
audience, without missing a beat, and in character she politely
asked an audience member for the balloon, thanked them and then
continued the scene. Most adult actors couldn’t keep their composer
in that situation. It just goes to show how amazing young people
can be when you empower them.”
The plays are not only performed by kids, but also for kids,
which in itself is uplifting. Matthew stated, “It was extremely
moving to see so many children from HES attending their first live
performance. After each show the actors meet the children in the
lobby in costume and make-up…. We firmly believe this gives the
young people attending the performance encouragement to participate
by showing them that no matter your age you can use your voice in a
positive manner. Performing is not just for the select few and
certainly not just for adults. Anyone with a little imagination can
create magic on stage.”
I asked Matthew what happens in the workshops and got an
inspirational earful. “On the first meeting we generally play
getting to know you type games and try to look as goofy as possible
so the kids can get used to the idea that they will not be judged
for using their imaginations. We need for them to know that they
are in a safe environment and that we learn through our successes
and failures and that they are allowed to fail spectacularly
without judgment.”
“We give them responsibility for the project. We don’t give
young people enough credit in this country. If you encourage anyone
to work hard and give them responsibility people will amaze you
with how focused they can be. We have children rehearsing three
nights a week, four hours a night, and then have to beg them to
leave so we can go home.”
In addition to the fees collected from the workshops and summer
camp, the nonprofit organization relies on, in Matthew’s words,
“The kindness of the community and foundations that believe in the
arts.” They’ve been fortunate to receive donations from Overstreet
Foundation for their Literacy in the Arts program, allowing REAP to
bring in more than 400 children to see the “Pooh” production.
Overstreet also funded the distribution of copies of A.A. Milne’s
original Pooh storybook to each of those kids to promote the
importance of language and reading.
So what’s up next? The spring production will be “Alice in
Wonderland.” But where that show will appear is still up for grabs,
since the Raven is fully booked. If you’ve got a space, the
Proscholds would love to hear from you. The Proscholds are looking
for a black box-type space for the workshops and shows so that they
can expand their program and bring in more of the local youth.
You can find out more about REAP at 707-360-8641, or go to
raventheater.org on the web.
Audition dates appear in publications such as Family Life and the
Healdsburg Tribune. The Proscholds believe that by supporting REAP
and other like-minded youth programs, you can help form our next
generation in a positive way. According to Matthew, “We find that
by encouraging children to be the best they can be everyday,
together we are building the foundation of our community and future
with strong, intelligent, and confident citizens.”
Carol (Kiki) Noack, marketing, Raven Performing Arts
Theater.
