"The Teatro V!da performance was electric, and what is more, the achievement went well beyond the realm of provocative entertainment. Teatro V!da presents a new model for community education and development. The result was a dynamic, fluid, multi-voiced performance in which the audience was challenged to see themselves as empowered agents of change. It is a rare performance that brings together educators, artists, business people, families, and activists from eastern and western Massachusetts, reaching into NYC and as far north as Maine. It is a unique brand of theater that can inspire and charge that diverse audience with the task of moving forward together."
~Dr. Stephanie Athey, Lasell College, Newton, MA.
A letter from Governor Deval L. Patrick sent to our Artistic Director:
"Thank you for your kind letter and for sending me a copy of your book, Bullying. I appreciate all the work you do in Springfield and around the state for our young people, especially those who are victims of bullying. You are an inspiration - keep it up!"
We thank Governor Patrick for making the time to write and send his supportive and affirming words!
"Thank you for your kind letter and for sending me a copy of your book, Bullying. I appreciate all the work you do in Springfield and around the state for our young people, especially those who are victims of bullying. You are an inspiration - keep it up!"
We thank Governor Patrick for making the time to write and send his supportive and affirming words!
" I have learned the true meaning of giving." G. Cifuentes, youth ensemble member
You can also visit us at: www.ignitethemic.org
Here is a review of our work from Mr. Ron Mallis at Goody Clancy: http://www.goodyclancyplanning.com/an-unexpected-discovery-in-springfield/
Now Booking: A Bullying Prevention Performance and Workshop
by youth for youth!
Teatro V!da youth plan, organize, host and produce peer focused events. Photos below: Open Mic at the Springfield City Library, April, 2011. Flyer by one of our youngest members, Delmarina López.
In rehearsal on the steps of City Hall on a beautiful day....
One of our alumnae, Diego Angarita-Horowitz began the first LGBTQA open mic in the history of our city at the Bing Arts center! Bravo to Diego and Nelson Roman who kept it going. SInce then we now have the monthly www.ignitethemic.org a safe and welcoming space for all youth and supportive adults.
Teatro V!da youth ensemble members have organized and host another open mic at the Bing Arts Center (www.bigartscenter.org) for youth ages 12-25 every last Wednesday of the month. Share your talents in a safe and loving environment every last Wednesday of the month:
"Rumors of a New Day" Teatro V!da challenged stereotypes of our city, in this multigenerational, multimedia production that took place at
CityStage, downtown Springfield.
Photos by Kayla Creamer, one of our partners from Amherst Media.
We work hard, play hard-we don't separate work from play. Sometimes it's just about spontaneous joy! Ensemble members rock out at the Springfield Youth Empowerment Network with one of our great city librarians, Doris Madsen.
Rehearsal improvisation: Diego and Ivette
Walking meditation.
Eilish performing at a benefit for Haiti.
Emmy and Caro representing the Dominican Republic at the Sci-Tech International Fair. Below, a music and text performance at the fair by ensemble members working with the Sci-Tech band.
"I've learned more in one cycle of Teatro V!da
than I learned from years of training with other theater programs.
I've learned to be present, not presentational."
-E. Thompson, ensemble member
"It was easy for me to get good grades in school, but what I've learned from Teatro V!da in a few months is more than I learned in the last five years of living and anything else I've done. I am learning what it means to be a professional artist and a thinking person. I am dedicating myself to this work. " E. Cepeda, Ensemble Member
Our stage manager, Diego Angarita-Horowitz edited the two videos below; productions of Amherst Community Television. Below you can see some clips of ensemble rehearsals. Our rehearsal spaces are provided through the generosity the Greater Springfield YMCA and Samuel D. Plotkin Associates, also of Springfield.
Teatro V!da is honored to collaborate with Mr. Gary Bernice and the
High School of Science and Technology Concert Band
HSST International Fair and Benefit for Haiti at the Alumni Club
Below is our first anti-bullying PSA, a tribute to the memory and teachings of Howard Zinn.
"Teatro V!da is the best thing that will ever happen to you."
-C. Rosario, founding ensemble member
"Teatro V!da helps you find your voice. It is the safest place I've ever been." Yolanda S.
“Think Springfield youth are lost? Think again.” ~El Pueblo Latino
"Once again, I left the Springfield Museums transported by the beauty of your creations- the videos, the music, the dancing, and most of all the raw, fierce honesty of the performance pieces and how much it liberates us all to hear them." ~Jennifer Fasulo, NYC Activist and Filmmaker
"I don’t have the words to express how wonderful and how beautiful the performance from Teatro V!da was. My wife and I went away very impressed with the performance. It was a pleasure been part of that day. Thank you for the wonderful work that you do in our community. I am very proud of you."
~Bobby Visael Rodriguez, Chief Diversity Officer, Baystate Health
Lorena Garay, Teatro V!da Artistic Associate
