Grantees

Very Merry Theatre is expanding programming and attracting new participants in the areas of costume design and set design. Historically, Very Merry Theatre programs have focused on the performance side of theatre where children meet weekly to learn story-telling and performance skills culminating in a theatrical production. We aim to expand our offerings to include programming in other creative arts associated with theatrical productions. Specifically we want to offer classes in costume design and set design which would enable interested participants to showcase their creative ideas and learn new skills in the technical arts related to a theatrical production. We also hope this may attract new participants.

Very Merry Theatre is expanding access to theatre arts-based after school and summer camp programming to children in Winooski. Winooski's population of young people includes a high percentage of youth from the global majority. We will extend the collaborative partnership with Winooski Parks and Recreation to offer year round afterschool and summer programming characterized by Very Merry's inclusive approach to developing literacy skills, communication skills and teamwork to children from a range of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

Very Merry Theatre (VMT) provides young people aged 6-18 the opportunity to perform classical works of drama and literature in a traveling theater company and/or through after-school and residency programs. Dedicated to the concept that theatre arts advances children’s literacy as well as encourages collaboration across differences, VMT is committed to providing program access to all interested children, through responsive policies, an active scholarship program, and commitment to overcome logistical limitations.

Very Merry Theatre is establishing a teen youth council to engage in the following diversity and equity activities: a.) Gather feedback from youth in our community about new programming interests with an eye on multi-cultural offerings and organize and sponsor at least three new workshops or events in response to that feedback; b.) Facilitate conversations with youth in the community and community partners to explore ways that VMT can further our commitment to creating a safe space that is anti-racist, inclusive of youth with disabilities and honors gender identity and expression.

The VMT Voices program enriches education for underserved youth in the Burlington community by improving access to arts education through an enhanced scholarship program & through the design and building a sustainable infrastructure to cultivate a truly representative youth leadership ladder.

Provide equipment to the three Village Kids Afterschool Programs and summertime Camp Maple Street to keep children active, both indoors and out for the entire year.

Engage youth in choosing healthy behavior by 1) creating a mentoring initiative of both training existing mentors and providing a Hope Works mentor model at two pilot sites; 2) expand men's youth violence prevention educational workshops into new populations of teen centers; and 3) expand their successful male role model presentations into co-ed and women's groups.

An activity and nutrition education program at the VNA Family Room to help families with young children to develop healthy habits. Families will learn about the importance of nutrition and physical activity through education and planned activities.