Boston University - CSC - Programs - Voices from the Middle

Voices from the Middle is a collaborative theatre project between the Boston University Community Service Center and Donald McKay Elementary School. During this year-long program, our volunteers will guide a middle-school class through the process of producing, writing and performing a topical play, relevant to the challenges they face as America’s young people. In doing so, we will expose participants to the performing arts, thus filling the void left by dwindling theatre programs in the public school system, and, ultimately, empower the social conscious of urban youth through the art of self-expression.

Once a week, a group of volunteers will guide junior high students through the play-writing process. These meetings will take place in three phases – brainstorming, writing and performing.

Volunteers will act as guides for the eighth grade class of McKay Elementary as they brainstorm, write and perform a 30-45 minute play. To do so, they will introduce them to a number of theatre and team-building games and strategies. VFM also infuses social awareness into its activities, encouraging students to research the topics on which they wish to perform and leading them in small discussion groups.

The first part of the year will be spent brainstorming ideas for the play – we will encourage the students to choose a topic relevant to their lives and community, and then help them research the necessary information.

With the idea and general plot in place, they will begin writing various scenes in small groups, supervised by VFM volunteers. Once these efforts are complete, volunteers will assemble the pieces and produce a single, cohesive script. During the spring semester, VFM’s focus shifts to casting, rehearsal and production.

The annual culmination of this program is a performance on the Boston University campus, to which the students’ families, friends and faculty members will be invited!

Please click here to download the Vocies from the Middle Program brochure.

	How do I get involved with VFM?
	At the start of the academic year, applications to VFM will be available at the Community Service Center. This short questionnaire will be used to identify the assets you could bring to the program and the level of commitment you are willing to give. After reviewing all applications, the Program Manager will contact you with a response.

	How is VFM different from Children’s Theatre?
	VFM is different from Children’s Theatre in that CT works throughout the semester to create shows that BU students perform for children, whereas VFM works with students so that they may put on their own show. The two programs cater to different age groups as well - VFM works with middle school students and CT performs for early elementary school students.

	What is the time commitment?
	VFM asks for approximately three hours of your time each week for the entire academic year. One afternoon each week volunteers will spend approximately one hour in the classroom, with another hour allotted for travel to and from McKay. Also, there will be a separate hour-long meeting one night a week to plan for site and discuss the program’s progress. Please keep in mind that this commitment may increase near the close at the school year, as we prepare for the on-campus performance. You may be asked to come by McKay more often, or be available for final preparations the week of the show.

	I don’t know about theatre! Should I apply?
	Definitely! VFM is looking for a well-rounded mix of volunteers, each infusing the program with their own skills and talents. A good attitude, an open mind and a willingness to learn more about theatre arts are more important than previous experience.

For more information on volunteering with VFM, please contact:

Matt O'Connor
775 Commonwealth Avenue
Fourth Floor
Boston, MA 02215
Phone: 617-353-4710
Fax: 671-353-9424
Email: voices@bu.edu

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