Girl Be Heard Winter Newsletter: New Programs, Spotlights & More! ✨
Dear Friends,
We hope you have been staying safe and warm throughout this winter season! With a roster of new programs, enthusiastic participants, and a calendar filled with engaging virtual events, Girl Be Heard hit the ground running for 2021 - ready to sharpen and expand our efforts in creative youth development in NYC and beyond.
Your support and energy, from near and far, was an integral force that helped propel us towards success in 2020. Last year presented us with many challenges, but we worked together and did not waver in our collective movement towards social justice and big, impactful change.
Armed with optimism and a commitment to young leaders everywhere, the Girl Be Heard team and ecosystem are building and broadening the essential work needed to develop, grow and amplify the sheer power and voices of youth. We are launching new cohorts for our Weekend Workshops, offering a virtual theatre camp, and much more. Lastly, be sure to stay tuned for our upcoming global advocacy campaign launching for Women's Month in March. We are truly thrilled to share all that we have been up to, and what's in store for the remainder of the year.
As always, we are grateful to have you as part of our ongoing journey. Together we rise.
Warmly,
Chiwoniso and Team Girl Be Heard
Participant Spotlight
Girl Be Heard participants are shining lights - and we are excited to spotlight a few who are currently enrolled in our programming! Our Teaching Artists share some wonderful reflections below:
Aniya Scott (MS 88): From the day she joined in the fall of 2020, Niya has been a force of creativity and positivity in the MS88 after-school class. Rarely seen without a friendly smile, Niya generously shares her evocative poetry and embodies leadership in the way she uplifts her classmates and approaches every challenge with an open, determined mind. -TA Lise
Gabrielle Candell (Brooklyn Prep): Gabrielle is a rockstar at Brooklyn Prep! She's committed, always willing to try new things, and a real team-player. She's also always got my back when I've accidentally disabled our Zoom chats (thank you Gabrielle!). Not only that, but Gabrielle is a visual artist herself and an encyclopedia about all things K-pop. I can't wait to see all the amazing things she continues to do, and I'm grateful she's a part of the BP ensemble. -TA Adriana
Mariama Diallo (Sunday Workshop Manhattan): From Agents of Change camp to the Manhattan Sunday Workshop, Mariama has been an absolute superstar in our Girl Be Heard community. Her knowledge, affirming presence and positive energy make her a delight to work with. Not to mention her hilarious commentary and facial expressions during improv activity. All the air horns for Mariama!!! -TA Ashley & TA Kelcey
Unplugged: At Home Recap!
Thank you so much to everyone who joined us on Sunday, January 31st for Girl Be Heard's Virtual Unplugged: At Home show! Our talented participants engaged the audience by sharing original animations, songs and monologues centered around themes of identity and leadership. Girl Be Heard staff and Teaching Artists are incredibly proud of these artivists' work and we can't wait to watch them reach new heights in the next stages of their journeys.
Virtual Spring Break Theatre Camp
Come explore what feminism means to you through theatre! Our Virtual Spring Break Theatre Camp will be taking place March 29 to April 2! In this Girl Be Heard intensive, campers will have the opportunity to learn more about feminism and the iconic womxn leaders who have made history through improv (middle schoolers) and scene exploration (high schoolers). Apply by March 15!
Improv Yourself, Ages 13-14
Mar 29 -Apr 1 at 10:30AM-12PM EST
What's Your Scene?, Ages 15-18
Mar 29 -Apr 2 at 2-4PM EST
Camps will take place on Zoom. Special consideration will be given to BIPOC applicants. Questions? Email Lise@girlbeheard.org
Upcoming Be! Workshop Series
Our interactive Be! Workshops will be back this spring season! Join us on Mondays during April 12 - May 17 for exciting virtual workshops featuring dance, art, wellness, and much more. Further details to come.
GBH Fall 2020 Be! Workshop with professional dancer and Broadway star GiaNina Paolantonia.
Weekend Workshop Auditions!
Auditions are still open for Girl Be Heart's staple education program, Weekend Workshop! You can learn more and send in your audition in just a few simple steps on our website at girlbeheard.org/audition. We are excited to see what our participants will create this school year during our virtual programming efforts!
We're On TIKTOK!
Performance, spoken word, and viral internet challenges. Click here to join us on TikTok to keep up with our GBH members, get inspired, and gain access to exclusive content on our newest social platform.
GBH Merch Is Here!
Looking for a way to stay inspired on the daily? Check out our Girl Be Heard Merch Shop. Participants whose designs are used on our merch items receive a portion of every sale! All other proceeds go towards supporting our youth arts education programming in schools and community centers in NYC and beyond.
Building Youth Resilience & Staying Connected
We are honored and grateful for all of the support received from near and far throughout this very uncertain time. While we continue to expand in the virtual space, we invite you to help us stay as committed and connected to our youth as possible.
Small gestures like joining our monthly donor program or amplifying our work on social media allows Girl Be Heard to continue youth programming throughout NYC and beyond, thus transforming lives through social justice theatre-making and the arts. Learn more about our programs in our latest sizzle reel above!
Resources for Process + Reflection
Read
Are You Alone or Alonely? by Virginia Thomas, Ph.D.
Can Y'all Please Learn How to Use POC? by Casira Copes
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison