ABOUT PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
“Project Spotlight was definitely a milestone in my life. The diversity and people it exposed me to both inspired me as an artist and as a human being.” - Youth Performer
Project Spotlight is a unique community service program for young aspiring performing artists offered by ENCOMPASS. This annual summer program uniquely blends performing arts, human relations training and volunteerism. Project Spotlight culminates in a large-scale benefit performance that raises funds for and awareness about ENCOMPASS’ work to spark compassion, personal responsibility and an appreciation of differences among California teenagers.
Each spring, ENCOMPASS holds auditions, leading to the selection of 12 of the most talented aspiring actors, dancers, filmmakers, vocalists, musicians, and other performing artists in the greater Los Angeles area (see audition information below). Selected youth work with a professional director, producer and playwright during the 10-day Project Spotlight program to infuse their individual performances into an original production that explores contemporary social issues—and the ways they relate to youth artists.
During these 10-days of performance rehearsal and dialogue, Project Spotlight uses professional facilitators to challenge participants to explore and discuss important social topics such as diversity, inclusion, prejudice and social change. The program provides young artists with a platform to express their personal stories and unique perspectives on these issues. These conversations offer participating youth a better understanding of ENCOMPASS—and each other—as they prepare for the annual culminating performance.
Project Spotlight closes with a benefit performance consisting of solo acts chosen by the young artists, woven together by original material produced during the 10-day preparatory program. The benefit performance provides young artists with a platform to express their unique stories and perspectives on the issues explored during the dialogue sessions. Proceeds support ENCOMPASS’ work to spark compassion, personal responsibility and an appreciation of differences among California teenagers. Certification of community service is available among completion of the program.
2011 PROJECT SPOTLIGHT CAST
Jason Adachi, Age 17
Jake Bautista, Age 17
Hope Flores, Age 16
Maricela Guardado, Age 17
Andrew Hwang, Age 15
Ian Iwataki, Age 17
Tiffany Jackson, Age 15
Alberto La Torre Jr., Age 19
Brennan Louie, Age 18
Yesenia Martinez, Age 17
Ingrid Measures, Age 16
Chloe Miller, Age 18
Riley Miner, Age 16
Joelle Roup, Age 15
Scott Thomas, Age 16
Michelle Washington, Age 18
2010 PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Location: StillSpeaking Theatre
Monday, June 28th | 9am – 5pm
Tuesday, June 29th | 9am – 5pm
Wednesday, June 30th | 9am – 5pm
Thursday, July 1st | 9am – 5pm
Friday, July 2nd | 9am – 5pm
Monday, July 5th (Holiday – No Program)
Tuesday, July 6th | 9am – 5pm
Wednesday, July 7th | 9am – 5pm
Thursday, July 8th | 9am – 5pm
Friday, July 9th | 9am – 5pm
2010 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Location: StillSpeaking Theatre
Saturday, July 10th | Cast called 9am – 7pm
• Performance 1 | 1:30pm – 3pm
• Guest Reception | 3pm – 5pm
• Performance 2 | 5pm – 6:30pm
* All Project Spotlight audition, program and performance dates are subject to change. Please check back for the most up-to-date schedule.
2011 AUDITION SCHEDULE
The 2011 Audition schedule has not been released yet. If you would like to be contacted once auditions are announced, contact Skyler Jackson at skylerjackson@encompass.org.
