SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT THE MANTON AVENUE PROJECT…

"Working on my Manton Ave project with my playwright, fellow actor and director was one of the most rewarding and exciting performance opportunities of my life. The team of MAP collaborators that works together to help articulate and stage the vision of these young playwrights do so with such care, kindness and enthusiasm that it inspires you as a performer to be at your very best. You can not beat sharing in a process with the boundless creativity of a young mind unrestricted from the self-imposed limitations and restrictions we adults grow into. MAP collaborators amazingly and simultaneously combine theatre, literacy-learning, self-confidence, imagination, reading, writing and teamwork in building performances with children."
- Steve Kidd, actor, educator

"I hope that potential funders realize and appreciate the importance of the arts with regard to education--especially considering the recent elimination of so many arts programs! People look at THE MANTON AVENUE PROJECT and understand that it introduces young students to the arts and helps to reinforce literacy training through reading and writing. What some folks may not consider is that the simple act of writing a play and writing out a full narrative helps children explore current issues, develop problem-solving skills and invest in team-building. The program also instills a sense of power and confidence in its participants, for the young playwrights are not only given the opportunity and time to articulate their ideas, they are able to watch a community of artists and audience members embrace them. Also, the opportunity to play George Washington's dog Lucky (a previously overlooked American Hero) was something I shall always cherish!"
- Casey Seymour-Kim, actor

"I have been an avid Manton Avenue Project fan, religiously attending MAP performances since the first one in the black box theater at Brown. I love the work that you do, and feel honored to participate in the process at shows. I am excited to be able to donate money towards your good work this year. Can't wait for the next performance!"
- Sarah Bernstein, long-time audience member

"I have worked twice with Miss Jacqueline Ibarra, one of the very original MANTON AVENUE artist kids. I was first paired with her for the initial round of summer plays during which: she created two characters and a plot, together we wrote dialogue for them, and then we drew out of a hat to determine which we would play. At that point, despite her two previous experiences in playwriting, Jackie was still quite shy in group settings. She'd come alive when we were alone, but the first time we had to perform in front of the small group of actors and playwright peers, Jackie told me that she didn't have butterflies in her stomach - she had elephants. Less than a year later, Jackie and I were paired together again to perform in an adult written show for the first MANTON AVENUE PROJECT Benefit. The evening of the performance, Jackie and I stood backstage, preparing to go in front of an audience. This time I said to her, joking, "Did you leave your nervous at home, Jackie?" "Oh no," she replied, "I left it at my cousin's house." Then that formerly shy chica - whose nerves had evolved from elephants to items left metaphorically at the house of a family member - stepped out on stage and delivered a fabulous performance in front of many people in fancy clothes."
- Alexis Scott, actor

"Going to a Manton Avenue production is a truly unforgettable experience. As a working artist in the theatre and dance community in Rhode Island I have been truly touched by watching my colleagues play vegetables, grammar symbols, insects and a slew of other wonderful creations that the MAP kids come up with. The Manton Avenue Project is bound to churn out several future theatre artists that will take their craft to new heights because of what people like Jenny Peek have given them."
- Tim Rubel, Producing Artistic Director, THE THEATRE EXPANSION

"If I look back on my life and try to pinpoint the things that have helped me get through the hard times, more often than not, it's art - a film, a play, a story, a dance. Therefore, we can't underestimate the effect this work has on the wellbeing of the MAP participants - adults and children alike - in the short term and over the course of their lives."
- Leigh Medeiros, artist, filmmaker, MAP dramaturg/director

"MAP is such a fusion of fabulous opportunity for new and seasoned artists. I am so grateful that this "avenue" exists for anyone to travel."
- Jayna Klatzker, MAP actor and audience member