NEWS

New Grant “Kicks” YDO Performing Arts into Next Gear

04.01.24

Over the past year, student interest and collaborative opportunities have allowed new performing arts programming to blossom at YDO.

First, in partnership with Phillips Academy in Andover (PA), we launched a strings program for LPS students in elementary school. YDO Kids are now taking violin, cello, piano, or harp, taught by PA student volunteers on the Andover campus. Second, we worked with local educator Genithia Hogges to found the Merrimack Valley Youth Choir, in part, to fill a gap in school-based music offerings between elementary and high school levels. This past summer, after a decade of partnership with the Performing Project, YDO incorporated the musical theater program fully into our organization. As a result, we turned a two-week summer theater intensive into a six-week offering integrated into YDO Summer and culminating in a production of The Lion King, Jr.

These new offerings would not be possible without the generous support of philanthropic supporters. In December, we welcomed the It Kicks! Foundation to YDO’s community of donors. The Foundation, formed by Energy North, has made a sizable investment in our performing arts programing and, at the same time, invested capital support for improvements to our 6th floor event space, where we host performances to celebrate our students and community. We are incredibly grateful to the It Kicks! team for their partnership and look forward to sustaining these and new opportunities for our kids!

[picture above are the cast and staff of Alice in Wonderland, Jr. (2024)]