Young Audiences’ Winter Spotlight to be held on December 11

Over 300 students from ten area schools have been selected to perform at the sixth annual Young Audiences’ Winter Spotlight on Wednesday, December 11 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts, 1419 Basin Street in New Orleans.  Generously sponsored by Amerigroup, the event is free and open to the public. Donations to support future programs can be made at the door and at www.ya4la.org. Seating is limited and is on a first-come, first served basis.
 
The students will perform African and Brazilian drum and dance, modern and hip-hop dance, ballet, steel pan, and creative movement.  There will also be marching bands, choirs, dramatic performances and a student film. The performances will showcase some of the most talented children in our city.
 
"Our programs provide a safe haven for students and an affirmative way of expression, surrounding and engaging them in positive arts education. The Winter Spotlight allows our city to see the amazing things our children are doing,” said Jon Cosper, Young Audiences Director of After School and Summer Programs.

The one-night only performance will feature student performances from eleven Young Audiences after school programs in Orleans and Jefferson parish.   Featured schools include: Mahalia Jackson Elementary, Dwight D. Eisenhower Academy, West Jefferson High School, Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary, Lincoln Elementary School for the Arts, McDonogh #32 Literacy Charter School, Morris Jeff Community School, Martin Behrman Academy, Sojourner Truth Neighborhood Center, SciTech Academy and Young Audiences Charter School.
 
Since our inception in 1962, Young Audiences has adapted and evolved to serve the ever-changing needs of students in the community. Today they employ over 250 professional, local artists who impact over 80,000 students in Louisiana through performances, residencies, and extended learning programs. According to external evaluations, students enrolled in Young Audiences after-school sites have shown higher test scores, better attendance and fewer disciplinary referrals that their non-participating peers.
 
This will be the debut performance for students from Young Audiences Charter School which opened In August 2013.  Young Audiences Charter School is a tuition-free public charter school, open to every child in Jefferson Parish and located on the Westbank. Registration is now open for the 2014-2015 school year.