Create Now - Programs / performing arts

Click here to learn about our "Create A Mural Now" workshops, where youth work as a team to design and create a mural. The theme can fit your needs. Each project culminates with a party and gift bags for all participants.

Performing Arts - Show Off

Many youth enjoy performing, whether as an actor, dancer or singer. Being in the spotlight gives kids increased confidence and the ability to make instantaneous decisions, especially when they learn how to improvise and to build their skills in related areas, like producing and directing. They develop new techniques and also learn about technology.

Featured Program - Neglected Kids Dance Pain Away

Christina Cannon joined Create Now after her friend recommended us and she had attended our Mentor Appreciation Luncheon last year. We arranged for her to teach her unique “Movement” Dance Workshop at Miriam’s House in Mar Vista, a home for mothers recovering from substance abuse and a refuge for their children to escape chaos and instability. The mothers are given a chance to make serious changes for sobriety. Christina’s workshop was a huge success as it gave these women and their children the chance to bond, and for the kids to blossom through their love of dance and their precious mentor. However, the children that Christina mentored through her dance program were very different from the “normal” kids she works with as a speech therapist. Here’s Christina’s story in her own words:

Kids dancing in a circle Since moving to the greater Los Angeles area, I had a strong feeling that I wanted to volunteer, and reach out beyond my own world. I knew there was an important role for me somewhere in my community, outside of my job as a speech therapist. I just didn’t know what. When I found out about Create Now, I asked them to place me where there was a need. I knew that I wanted to share my knowledge of different forms of physical activity, including yoga, kung fu, capoeira, and break dancing - what I call the “Movement” program. I feel that sharing my passions with others could go a long way and impact people’s lives. Still, I didn’t know where or how I would like to do that.

Featured Program - Homeless Kids Show Off

Los Angeles is considered the “Homeless Capital of America,” with 13,000 homeless children attending LAUSD schools. There are many more kids not attending school; those who have fallen through the cracks in the system. Studies have found that homelessness lowers academic performance, increases the chance of repeating a grade, and reduces high school completion rates. Homelessness also puts children at greater risk of serious physical health problems.

Create Now has partnered with L.A. Family Housing (LAFH) in North Hollywood for a number of years to provide our arts workshops to the 120 children at their shelter. As part of our Show Off performing arts program, we currently have a Singing Workshop, a Comedy Workshop and a Hip-Hop Dance Workshop taking place there, which will culminate with a performance for the entire facility on April 15th called “The Transformers Talent Show,” when the kids will get to perform for the entire facility, plus our special guest, HM British Consul-General in Los Angeles, Dame Barbara Hay..

More Featured Programs

Dance Encourages Foster Girls
Ballet Brings Joy to Abused Kids
From Hollywood to Hollygrove
Fostering Laughter
Dance for Foster Youth