Using the arts to change young lives

For nearly 75 years, a little girl named "Annie" has stolen our hearts an stage. But in one production in East St. Paul, the famous storyline takes a backseat to its cast of real-life characters. Casches Jones has always seen himself in lights, "I'm gonna be a movie star." But when Casches joined a theater group called the Young Artists Initiative, he started seeing himself in a different light. He says, "Here I can have lots of fun, be myself let loose and run around somewhere, and make lots of new friends."

But providing a safe haven for kids is just the beginning. The Young Artists Initiative's "open arms" policy makes theater and arts accessible to every child, regardless of background or economic status. It's run by volunteers, and families pay what they can, no questions asked.

Ben Lacina is a St. Paul teacher who co-founded the group. "We don't care who you are, we don't care where you come from. We care that you want to do this and we're here to help show you how it's done."

As a result, the kids come from all walks of life, most of them probably never crossing paths, otherwise.

Marais Wakem says, "It's very diverse. It makes other people feel comfortable when they come to join." Another member, Connor Hendrix says, "They take people who have never met each other before and by the end of the workshop or the play they're best friends."

But more than friendship, the kids are building life skills like teamwork and confidence, right before their parents' eyes.

"This was a safe place for him to be so if things were kind of tough during the regular school day, as you can see he's not having any problems with self-expression in the evenings at play practice," Sharon Hendrix says.

Parent Jim Nienaber adds, "It's extremely supportive. He has a great time and frankly lives for it."

It also gives kids a chance to focus on their strengths. 12-year-old Zander Sellie has Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism.

"It's like I'm constantly thinking about one thing and I just want to get one thing done," says Sellie.

His detail-driven mind is perfect for his role as stage manager. "I'm always pretty much organized and making sure people are doing what they're supposed to be," Sellie adds.

As for the productions themselves, they've quickly become known, not only for their quality, but their heart.

"The arts do change lives and they enrich your life and that's why we're all here to bring that out of them to an audience," says co-founder Lacina.

For more information on the group, click here

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