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Our Programs

AIR offers several visual and performance arts options throughout the year so that each teen can discover her own unique talents and abilities as she explores her artist within. AIR staff, professional artists, and mentors work with teens on developing their artistic abilities so that they may grow in confidence and learn to thrive as young women. Additionally, the relationships that teens build with one another keep AIR teens coming back, program after program. As always, programs are free of costs to participants and their families, and transportation from schools to program sites can often be arranged. Please see below for current 2012 programs. For more information please call (603) 433-4278 or email us at info@artsinreach.org.

During the school year:

Winter/Spring on AIR:
Offers a minimum of 50 placement opportunities for local teenage girls. During the winter and spring months, AIR offers two vacation programs and one after school program. In each program AIR combines group mentoring with artistic activities creating an environment where teens learn to utilize the arts as a way to express themselves and work through challenges. Teaching artists and adult mentors help build confidence, self-esteem, and healthy social skills in teens while working on group performances and art projects. This winter and spring, we explore the thematic platform, The Mosaic Woman, during which we examine ideas such as: unity in diversity, community action, and the many facets of womanhood.

  • AIR DIVAS AT THE MIC: February 27-March 2, Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
    One of our two vacation programs, AIR DIVAS AT THE MIC focuses on music, singing, style and performance. This week long intensive program is open to beginner and intermediate singers who are looking for an opportunity to grow in confidence and build their performance skills. Teens work together in a warm, supportive environment with former Broadway performer, Susan Lamontagne, to prepare various pieces of contemporary and Broadway music showcased in a final performance. The program culminates in an original showcase that celebrates each teen’s newly discovered talents and abilities. If you’ve set your sights on Broadway, plan to audition for local gigs, or if you just love to sing you heart out, AIR DIVAS AT THE MIC is for you! Program is open to 18 participants, ages 13-18.
     
  • THE PHENOMENAL WOMAN PROJECT: March 5-April 13, Mondays & Wednesdays, 4:00-6:00pm
    Back by popular demand, our six-week after school celebration of The Phenomenal Woman Project! This unique program utilizes poetry-writing, visual art, and meet-and-greets with creative female professionals to help empower AIR teens as they set positive goals for their future. This year we will hold a Q&A forum with AIR teens and female professionals at The Music Hall, Portsmouth. Teens will discover their voice through poetry writing and poetry reading as well as get creative in free style art construction. Teens will engage in group discussions that explore what it means to be a young woman in today’s world, as they connect with teens from other countries through the “With Open Minds” organization in Manchester, NH. Teens will explore new ways to learn and grow together alongside AIR staff and local female mentors. The program will culminate in a final poetry reading performance with local musicians as well as the publication of an original AIR chapbook showcasing the teens’ original poetry and art. Program is open to 16 participants ages 13-18.
     
  • AIR DIVAS ON THE STAGE: April 23-April 27, Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-3:00 pm 
    One of our two vacation programs, AIR DIVAS ON STAGE provides AIR teens a chance to create an original show in just five days as they channel their skills in writing, dancing, and acting. Led by AIR programs director, Shannon Marshall, teens will enjoy all aspects of composing and performing a show for family, friends and community. AIR teens have the opportunity to meet and work with local performance artists as well as with fellow teens who have an interest in the stage or the behind-the-scenes action of theatre. The week-long vacation program culminates in an original showcase that celebrates each teen’s newly honed skills in acting and dancing. Whether you’re new to the stage, or a seasoned performer, AIR DIVAS ON STAGE is a fun and empowering experience for all! Program is open to 18 participants ages 13-18.

Fall on AIR:
Offers 42 placement opportunities to young women. Three programs, each with a different concentration in theater or dance, begin in October and run for eight weeks into December. The Fall on AIR programs culminate in one combined showcase that is presented to family, friends, and the community in December. The winter showcase publicly recognizes and applauds the young women’s talents, growth and accomplishments made during the semester. Fall on AIR will continue to explore our new thematic platform that begins summer, 2012, Woman: Revealed.

  • Theatre On AIR: October 8-December 8, Tuesdays &Thursdays, 4:00-6:00 pm
    Participants explore several performance genres such as improv, musical theatre, performance art and storytelling. The program provides a creative, supportive environment that encourages girls to develop their individual writing and performance skills. Through engaging theatre activities and a collaborative scriptwriting process, each girl’s idea, voice, and vision is incorporated into the final production. Exploration of physical expression, vocal strength, and character development are integrated into the curriculum. Whether you see yourself on Broadway in the future, or would just enjoy being part of a fun, supportive drama club, give Theatre on AIR a try! Program is open to 16 participants ages 13-18.
     
  • Dance On AIR: October 8-December 8, Mondays &Wednesdays, 4:00-6:00 pm
    Beginner and intermediate dancers explore several dance styles such as hip hop, musical theatre, jazz, lyrical, and creative movement. Dance instructors work with participants to choreograph original routines, and the girls are encouraged to reach beyond their perceived limitations to discover their creative potential. Journaling sessions and themed discussions on health and body provide opportunities to reflect on contemporary teen issues. Expressive movement, self-exploration, and healthy risk-taking are integrated into the dance curriculum. Program is open to 16 participants, ages 13-18.
     
  • Advance Dance on AIR: October 8-December 8, Once a Week, 6:00-8:00 pm
    This smaller group is perfect for teens who have had past dance experience and whose skills in ballet, lyrical and jazz have progressed and advanced. These dancers also have the opportunity to become “apprentices” and help with choreography as well as provide extra tutor time to their peers. Program is open to 10 participants, ages 15-18.

Summer AIR:                                  

AIR SummerWorks: Monday, July 9- Friday August 17 offers a minimum of 48 placement opportunities to young women. In 2012, the summer programs will launch a new theme, Woman: Revealed during which teenage girls will break down barriers and negative stereotypes of the female and define their own authentic
selves while challenging the one-dimensional idea of beauty. A final performance and exhibition that brings all programs within SummerWorks together will take place at the end of August. The SummerWorks series includes the three following, two-week installments:

 

  • ArtWorks: July 9-20, Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-3:00 pm                    
    Teens and local artists will focus on creating an incredible visual community arts piece which illustrates the Woman: Revealed theme! Despite being guided by staff and artists, teens will develop their own style as they enjoy the creative process and share their individual art with new AIR friends, and mentors. During ArtWorks 2011 twenty girls collaborated on painting a mural in Portsmouth, NH. This summer teens will work together to create another community piece of art as well as showcase individual works during the final Woman: Revealed showcase in August. Program is open to 16 participants, ages 13-18.
     
  • SongWorks: July 23-August 3, Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
    Teens will write original songs and record them at a professional recording studio! Professional musicians and songwriters will work with teens on developing methods of songwriting and vocal strength while exploring a variety of musical genres. AIR teens will collaborate in small groups to create their own original songs and each girl will learn techniques in songwriting that will encourage her to continue writing music and lyrics on her own. An AIR CD will be produced featuring the original group songs written and recorded by teens and will be released during the Woman: Revealed showcase in August. Program is open to 16 participants, ages 13-18.                                                                                                
  • TheatreWorks: August 6-August 17, Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
    Teens star in the world premiere of a play that they pen! Developing skills in acting, dancing, and writing, under the guidance of professional performance artists, girls learn how to pull an entire original show together will fellow AIR teens. Participants explore how to dramatize their own creative writings and express their life experiences on stage through poetry, music, and monologues. Exploring different styles of theatre and dance, TheatreWorks teens will create an original production performed in an outdoor venue during the Woman: Revealed showcase in August. Program is open to 16 participants, ages 13-18