As a single mother on a fixed income, I would not be able to have my children participate in classes without financial assistance. My older daughter has been able to take several dance and art classes. She has learned many dance techniques and has also made many new friends!
~ Josie Wagner, 2024
My family has benefited from the financial assistance program by allowing my children to participate in the plays. I have two daughters—one in 6th grade and the other in 4th. Both girls were able to be in The Little Mermaid, and my younger daughter also performed in 101 Dalmatians. They both enjoyed the experience very much and couldn’t stop singing the songs.
~ Elizabeth Romo, 2024
My family and I are grateful for the affordable learning opportunities at Woodlawn. The programs are unique for what we have available in this local area and all of them support the growth of each child/adult who participates in their programming. We are appreciative of everything Woodlawn has done for our family!
~ Abbie Terry, 2024
What years did you attend WAA?
I attended WAA from 2008-2014.
What program(s) did you participate in at WAA?
I participated in theatre camps/programs and dance.
How did WAA make a lasting impression and impact on you?
One way WAA made an impact on me was simply by being a space where I could pursue my artistic interests. Through the programs I participated in, I learned two important lessons that I still carry with me today:
While these may sound like cliches, I have found them incredibly powerful in helping me overcome any obstacle I encounter, feel confident in myself, and learn to see the joy and humor in life. Moreover, being in a space like WAA, where I was surrounded by people practicing different types of art all the time, really demonstrated to me the significance of art. WAA taught me that art was not only something that I could do, but was also a powerful tool to think critically, learn about myself and understand the dynamism of the broader world. And for this I am incredibly grateful for WAA.
What areas of study did you pursue after your time at WAA?
After my time at WAA, I continued performing in Sterling High School theatre productions, speech and group interpretation. I was a Rotary Youth Exchange Student to South Korea. I then went on to study Global Studies and East Asian Languages and Cultures at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
What are your current arts related job/career?
I am currently a sociology PhD Candidate at the University of Southern California.
Do you feel that your time at WAA is a direct reflection on your current position/career path?
WAA introduced me to worlds outside of the Sauk Valley. From the global art that was displayed in the hallway gallery to the global sounds and rhythms that I was introduced to on the stage and through dance, I can proudly say that WAA ignited my desire to learn about and explore the world. This passion for exploration and learning motivated me to pursue academic research. As a sociologist, I use dramaturgy and performance as an analytical lens to make sense of and understand everyday social situations. Additionally, WAA taught me that art is a medium for understanding broader social phenomena and I heavily incorporate art into the classes I teach and within my research.
Have you reserved your seats yet? Tickets are limited! Available in person at Woodlawn Arts Academy for $50 each (additional $50 for the Art Dash ticket upgrade), cash or check only. Race to Woodlawn to get your tickets today!