I Was Once You & You Will be a Better Me is a three-part project that will use various art forms (poetry/monologues/performing arts/music/film) to bridge the gap between parents/guardians/grandparents and their children/grandchildren. The goal of this project is to develop a better relationship between them and hopefully the community where they live by learning what each other values about themselves and each other. Sessions will be held at the Columbus Metropolitan Shepard Branch Library from March 2nd to May 25th, 2024, on Saturdays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 P.M.  There will be a free community event and reception in June so that the participants can perform and share their creative work with family and friends. 

*Participants must live in the Northeast Area of Columbus, Ohio which includes Zip Codes: 43211, 43219, & 43224.  Youth need to be between the ages of twelve (12) and eighteen (18) years of age.

 This project is made possible by the Greater Columbus Arts Council Neighborhood Arts Community Grant that was awarded to Julie Whitney Scott, playwright/poet/director/actor who is the lead Teaching Artist and developer of this project. There will also be local Columbus artists assisting Julie as special guests in areas of their expertise. 

The first session (March) participants will learn the basic of storytelling through using different art forms. This will help them discover and express their similarities, differences and feelings about each other using the art form of their choice.

 The second session (April) will teach the basics of writing a monologue/poem/song and have the participants focus on using what was learned about each other in the first session to share through writing a joint monologue/poem/song together. 

The third session (May) will be finalizing and rehearsing the participants final artistic creation that they will perform for their community.

 At the free community event there will also be live music, food and service vendors who will provide vital information about resources that are available for adults and youth/teens.

 Each participant who completes the entire program and performs will receive a certificate of completion, and a stipend for their performance as artists in the community.

 *Space is limited to twenty-four (12 pairs) participants. Registration is from January 1st to January 31st, 2024.  Follow the steps below if interested and/or share with someone that you know who may benefit from connecting with their teenager in a special way.

 I Was Once You & You Will be a Better Me Registration Steps.

Step 1: Complete this free registration form.  Step 2: Adult/Youth video interview scheduled and attended. Step 3: Notification of acceptance or denial to participate based on interview. (This is the first round so there will be other opportunities to participate in this program throughout the year.)