For over ten years, Downbeat 720 sponsored by the City of Santa Monica cultural affairs division has been running an open-mic for high school youth. Twice a month, high school students from all over the city arrive at the historic Miles Memorial Playhouse in Reed Park near downtown Santa Monica. They sign up to perform their poetry, songs, acting, comedy, dance, etc. They walk up to the stage with their journal, their guitar or sometimes just their nerves and they receive positive, honest feedback. Here’s a small example of how students react to our program:
“I really appreciate the services that you and the Downbeat crew have consistently provided for the local kids. Learning first-hand about the other ‘distractions’ that my generation are getting into gave me a renewed reverence toward the haven and oasis of the arts that you’ve created and I’m grateful that I’ve been able to experience it as many times as I have. Thank you for creating a welcoming and healthy atmosphere for the local kids and for proving that good people really do exist in the world.” –Reggie Pascual, Santa Monica High School student
With that in mind, for the first time, Downbeat 720 is offering a four-week Summer Arts Academy for 8th-12th graders. It will start on July 9th and end with a culminating performance on August 4th. We have brought together an amazing team of professional artists who will work closely with the students, helping them improve their talents as performers.
If you are interested in participating or having your child participate, all of the details can be found at www.downbeat720.com.
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