Two words: Community Engagement. Here at Metropolis, it’s somewhat of our sweet spot.

You may immediately imagine a (pre-pandemic) lobby full of patrons talking before a show or a full theater laughing together, but there are so many other ways in which we bring people together.

In fact, part of our School of Performing Arts is dedicated to community engagement, and it’s not new. For over 10 years, we’ve had a relationship with Clearbrook – a local organization committed to being a leader in creating innovative opportunities, services and supports for people with disabilities.

It’s a relationship we’ve maintained even through “shelter at home” orders with weekly Zoom lessons and even a Zoom performance showcase. As we’ve all experienced, necessary precautions taken in light of the pandemic can be very isolating over time. Maintaining social interaction, along with challenging oneself to learn something new, is key to positive mental health.

I am so grateful for our school staff and community collaborators who re-imagined traditional classes in an online format that kept students engaged, built connections and encouraged learning.

With the Arlington Heights Senior Center, we are currently hosting Acting Through Life, Crescendo Chorus as well as group Intro to Ukulele lessons – all online! Not only have our students met new friends, but many were excited to learn Zoom for the first time, enabling them to further connect with friends and family.  As one student said “Being in this class makes me feel alive.”

I want to mention Flourish in the Footlights which runs October to April in collaboration with Arlington Pediatric Therapy and Friends of Children in Therapy. It’s a group theater class for individuals with special needs ages 13 and older that fully produces a show on our stage. Students create the script and feature songs with lyrics re-written to match the story.

Here’s what “flourish” parents, Chris and Greg Buchberger, had to say “Our two adult children with special needs have been a part of the Flourish in the Footlights program since it began 18 years ago, and we can’t imagine life without it. The program is the highlight of their year every year and they have benefitted from it in countless ways, as have we.”

And really, that’s at the heart of what we do and what we believe. That the arts and arts education benefits everyone, in ways we cannot begin to measure. It connects us to one another through our emotions, by our shared experiences and in our vulnerability. This has never been felt more deeply than during this time.

I hope we can continue to provide support and relief for you as you have for us.

Sincerely,
Brookes

P.S. Have an idea for an online class for a small or private group? Interested in an online workshop for your school or scout troop this Fall? Contact Abby Vombrack by email or call her at 847.607.1676.