An ArtRageous Happening in Historic Bristol on the Delaware
by Cate Murway
The late “Ms. Phyllis” Slattery had a vision.
“There is no greater gift than giving a young person the permission and encouragement to believe in themselves.”
Phyllis A. [Porreca] Slattery, the late BRT Education/ ArtRageous Camp Director.
Activities, especially arts-related activities, are important for so much more than just keeping a child busy. They have been proven to boost a child’s self-image. The arts instill pride and students learn persistence and higher level thinking through imaginative problem solving when they are given the opportunity to spend time to create a completed, invested work of art.
Most often, students highly involved with the arts outperform less-involved peers, even within low socioeconomic groups. Community art programs also help introduce children to new people and new experiences and this attachment encourages them to engage in social and creative activities while feeling part of a larger community.
Phyllis, the visionary behind ArtRageous, developed this summer youth program [ages 7-17 years] as a unique and comprehensive five-week agenda for at-risk youth. For many of our kids, this is their only access to the arts and the only safe outlet for the expression of their hopes and dreams.
This rigorous 9:00AM- 3:00 PM curriculum, held in the Warren Snyder – John Girotti Elementary/ Middle School, teaching basic life skills, increasing self-esteem, and developing critical and creative thinking skills through acting, dance, story-telling and writing, has been instrumental in introducing hundreds of the Bristol kids to the theatre with free, life-changing, life-saving theatre/dance classes. Breakfast and lunch are provided for the students.
Classes are taught by professional teaching artists [1:10 ratio] and the program culminates with a public performance of the students’ achievements at Bristol Riverside Theatre, increasing parent/family participation in the youths’ activities. When a child glances at the audience, he/she wants to see mom or dad or family.
Be sure to pack your camera and a hanky! “This is a camp about success and progress.”
An Evening on the Delaware….save the date!
“An Evening on the Delaware”, a fundraising event in support of the 100% scholarship based ArtRageous, will provide an innovative opportunity for everyone to give a much needed helping hand to this cutting edge BRT program.
Mark your calendars for this tented riverfront event on Saturday, October 24, 2015, starting at 6:00pm.
Your attendance, donation or sponsorship will help to provide the resources and opportunities for the future to grow and thrive.
Engaging in concrete, visually and kinesthetically rich experiences stimulates language development and supports the ability to express ideas with words. A most important lifeline a child can possess is the understanding that being artistic is another way of being very intelligent. Students involved in the arts are four times as likely to participate in a math or science fair, three times more likely to win an award for school attendance, and four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement. The artistically involved student is more than twice as likely to graduate from college [students with a high participation in the arts have a dropout rate of 4%, while peers with a low participation in the arts have a dropout rate of 22%].
Plus, 72% of business leaders confirm that creativity is the number one skill they look for when hiring.
Arts, the ultimate rejuvenator, fill a special niche, enriching the community……a total WIN/WIN program for all!
Any night at the BRT is a fun night but Bristol Riverside Theatre Managing Director, Preston Jameson “Jamie” Gilpatrick IV is particularly enthusiastic about this ‘Business Casual’ “An Evening on the Delaware” open air event planned to be held outdoors by the translucent, frosted glass-like, green spiraling "flame" sculpture in Bristol Lions’ Park on the banks of the beautiful river.
Delicious buffet food will be provided by several local restaurants, including the King George Inn II and Cesare’s Italian Specialties Ristorante. The evening includes outstanding keyboard music, locally distilled Dad’s Hat Rye Whiskey and other libations with a cigar/whiskey lounge, wine, beer and signature cocktails. Popular, eye-catching, high-end Silent Auction items including sports tickets and a dramatic “Wine Grab” [choose a bottle of wine from a tableful] will complement this impactful gala experience.
“Please join us for a fun night, a good time in support of a great cause out on the waterfront. This is a perfect opportunity to emphasize our name Bristol Riverside Theatre.”
The Gold Sponsors are Bird of Paradise Flowers, CBM/Bristol Fuel, J.P. Mascaro & Sons, and William J. Salerno, Esq. Additional sponsorship has been provided by Calm Waters Coffee Roasters, Covenant Bank, Cramer Real Estate, First Federal of Bucks County, Harris Comfort, Philadelphia Trust Company and Princeton Lighting & Sound. “We very much appreciate their support.”
For sponsorship information including program and signage recognition, please call 215.785.6664 x104.
ArtRageous is a life-changing, positive environment experience and your support makes it possible!
Tickets: $75.00/ per person. Or reserve a table for your party of 8 for $600.00.
If you require wheelchair/special needs seating, please contact the BRT Box office at 215.785.0100.
The professional regional BRT, in their 29th season of presenting new and enduring plays and musicals, is the recipient of over 68 nominations for The Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theater presented annually by the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia.
Since 1986, the BRT has consistently brought acclaimed professional theatre and musical productions to Bucks County. The BRT serves as a cultural hub for the community, combining the excitement of a large stage with the intimacy of a 300-seat theater, along with its outstanding lighting and sound technology. What a source of pride for Bristol Borough!
RSVP by October 16th
Bristol Riverside Theatre
PO Box 1250
120 Radcliffe Street
Bristol, PA 19007
215.785.6664 x104
Recommend a “Spotlight”. E-mail vjmrun@yahoo.com
