Who is the founder of Daedream?
The founder is Kimberly Francis, a certified former teacher in the New Haven Public School District in Connecticut. This is the 37th year that the program has been in service to the cast, families and community. She is also the current executive director and overseer of the Leadership Team, all of whom have grown up in the program and are now young adults. The program was started to provide New Haven students in all grades with positive after-school programming, give arts instruction free of charge and also offer a venue in which to express themselves through artistic expression and working with youth. Over the 37 years, the Executive Director has put in over 30,000 after school and weekend hours, the majority of which have been volunteer, and she has passed this on to her staff. The majority of the staff has at least 50% time spent on a volunteer basis.
The founder is Kimberly Francis, a certified former teacher in the New Haven Public School District in Connecticut. This is the 37th year that the program has been in service to the cast, families and community. She is also the current executive director and overseer of the Leadership Team, all of whom have grown up in the program and are now young adults. The program was started to provide New Haven students in all grades with positive after-school programming, give arts instruction free of charge and also offer a venue in which to express themselves through artistic expression and working with youth. Over the 37 years, the Executive Director has put in over 30,000 after school and weekend hours, the majority of which have been volunteer, and she has passed this on to her staff. The majority of the staff has at least 50% time spent on a volunteer basis.
What is the philosophy of the program?
Altruism is the heart of progress. Investing in people is the currency that will make you emotionally, mentally and spiritually wealthy. Those things together produce the ability to achieve, create and share positivism with the arts as the vehicle. Currently Daedream offers instruction in hip-hop, acro, ballet, tap, contemporary and dramatic arts all instructed by former cast members who are now high school or college students who return year after year to remain as part of the staff and performer list. This year, we are hoping to achieve our own non-profit status. We develop character through a love for the arts.
Altruism is the heart of progress. Investing in people is the currency that will make you emotionally, mentally and spiritually wealthy. Those things together produce the ability to achieve, create and share positivism with the arts as the vehicle. Currently Daedream offers instruction in hip-hop, acro, ballet, tap, contemporary and dramatic arts all instructed by former cast members who are now high school or college students who return year after year to remain as part of the staff and performer list. This year, we are hoping to achieve our own non-profit status. We develop character through a love for the arts.
What are the main goals of the Daedream Theater Arts Company?
- to provide rigorous, professional-caliber arts instruction free of charge for youth participants (dance, vocal performance, stage tech, theater and dramatic arts)
- to provide positive school support, academic tutoring and social development for participants, assist with high school transition and assist with college readiness and application process
- to provide the greater community with a production that features positive themes and a family-friendly, entertaining event.
- to provide mentorship opportunities for underserved youth
- to foster a sense of family, community and belonging among participants and instructors (who are all former participants who have grown up in the program).
- to foster creation of the arts among participants (costume design, set design, choreography, script writing)
- to strengthen social unity by offering cast members of any age, gender, ability and cultural background opportunities to interact, collaborate, create and produce artistic presentations.
- to maintain sustainable and positive partnerships and collaborations across the community
- to provide opportunities for employee readiness and possible employment
Do you have testimonials from people who have been involved?
Yes. We have a large number of constituents, and here is a cross-section of their thoughts on the program:
Yes. We have a large number of constituents, and here is a cross-section of their thoughts on the program:
Former dance instructor, then 8th grader, and current college junior, Aicha.
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Paul, parent of two cast members.
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Deandre, 18 year veteran, dance instructor, choreographer and co-director.
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Daedream did a lot for me; it made me realize that you have to cherish everything in your life, whether its good or bad, and always have a positive outlook. It brought me to discover my real passion, and that is dance as a way of helping in the community. Without Daedream and the guidance of the Daedream family, I don't what I'd be doing right now. Daedream made me better my character and helps me mentally, spiritually, and of course, physically. As I always say, it's where the magic happens.
~Kevin, former dance instructor, choreographer and co-director. |
Why does the staff spend so much time with this program when they could be doing other things?
All staff members are connected by the belief that being important in the life of children, or a child, is an element that helps secure school success, which leads to self-actualization, and eventually, the ability to "give back." The staff reports a family-like atmosphere in which they feel they can "make a difference" and share the joy of artistic expression with all participants, while encouraging them to do well in school, employment and positive life choice-making.
Where can we see you in action?
Here are a few places you can view videos of our work and message:
http://daedreamnh.weebly.com/blog/category/appearances
http://instagram.com/daedreamnh
http://facebook.com/daedreamnh
http://daedreamnh.weebly.com/vid-snips.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSb7Rjrfvz0
https://youtu.be/q1_PCHRY6uo
More to come!
You also can see us at our yearly production, This year, currently titled, "The Answer," date to be announced.
Here are a few places you can view videos of our work and message:
http://daedreamnh.weebly.com/blog/category/appearances
http://instagram.com/daedreamnh
http://facebook.com/daedreamnh
http://daedreamnh.weebly.com/vid-snips.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSb7Rjrfvz0
https://youtu.be/q1_PCHRY6uo
More to come!
You also can see us at our yearly production, This year, currently titled, "The Answer," date to be announced.