THIS IS WHO I AM Summer Institute ©

All information below is copyrighted by Mary Thoma Productions LLC

“THIS IS WHO I AM is an interactive multi-disciplinary program consisting of classes, workshops, talking circles and inspirational speakers for thirty youth ages 10 -17.  TIWIA is designed to introduce these young people to a variety of creative and empowerment workshops led by local artists and others representing a wide range of disciplines related to the dramatic arts and culminating in an original theatrical production written and performed by the participants.  Each participant is guided and directed to share bits and pieces of their personal journey that ultimately becomes a script for the final performance. Workshops include the following areas:  acting, set design, visual art, music, dance/creative movement, American Sign Language, creative writing and inspirational speakers.

THIS IS WHO I AM is an innovative and experiential program using the creative arts as a tool for restoration and reconnection with self, family, community, and God by building a cross-cultural bridge, creating a sense of community, and developing a spiritual foundation thorugh unconditional love and acceptance, active listening, storytelling, teamwork, reflection and cooperation.  This process provides young people with an opportunity for mutual learning and the discovery of a shared identity while providing tools to reframe their experiences and to express themselves in an original theatrical production.

Through the implementation of this project, we hope to develop a community of youth from different populations who have come to know one another not through their stories of separation, but through the shared story of an experience of reconciliation.  As the participants experience restored images of self, community and their understanding of God, they wil be able to become agents of reconciliation reaching out to various fragments of society, and speaking into being a new wholeness: a group of leaders who understand the value of individuals in a variety of social and cultural settings, and who have experienced first hand the power of diversity in concert.” — an excerpt from Mary’s instructional manual on the TIWIA process

Organizations that have participated in THIS IS WHO I AM Summer Institute include:

  • Shreveport Little Theatre
  • The Rutherford House – a residential facility for at- risk youth
  • The Providence House – a residential facility for homeless families
  • Grace Community – A United Methodist Congregation
  • Faith United Methodist
  • The Juvenile Justice System of Shreveport, LA

“We are living art, created to hang on, stand up, forbear, continue, and encourage others. ” – Maya Angelou

Want more information on this powerful program for youth? Would you like Mary to visit your church, house of worship, social service organization or youth program? Contact Me here.