Barrio Stars: Where any kid can be a star!
In every level of the Barrio Stars program, we aim to nurture literacy, cultural competence, and confidence to help strengthen our communities.
Fall, Spring, and Summer Camps
During the week-long Fall and Spring camps, middle school students at beginning and intermediate levels use their skills to dive deep into Barrio Starsβ principles of confidence, team-work, and cultural pride. During the week teaching artists lead students in games and activities that lead up to a final performance for the community. In just one week students memorize and perform an entire 50 minute long production with costumes, props, lighting, sound and set. The bonds they make during this one week are strong enough to last a lifetime.
During our summer session, high school students get an inside scoop into the professional world of theater. Through this 4-week long intensive with skill-building workshops by UA Theater students and award-winning industry professionals, students produce a full-length play or musical. This month-long program promotes college readiness and paths to careers in the Theater. Barrio Stars who participate in this program also get opportunities to assist students at the middle school level.
Quote from Spring Camp Parent:
βI am blown away by the quality of this program. The organization, the communication, the quality of the performance and theater education – so much more than I expected. My daughter’s confidence improved and she made new friends, both of which are especially critical at this age!β
With the help of Principal Josephine Lane, Barrio Stars is currently at Wakefield Middle School with an after-school theater club! There, students meet two days a week to learn the basics of theater through improv games, bonding activities, and the creation of a semesterβs end performance. The club is open to all grade levels 6th-8th, and provides a safe environment where students are encouraged to use their creativity to build confidence and long-lasting relationships.
In-School Programs
Through the support of Pueblo High School faculty and staff, Barrio Stars has a year-long residency inside Puebloβs Advanced Drama class. There, students build upon their skills with in-class and after-school performances, writing workshops, and technique training. Many students have opportunities to step into leadership roles as Directors, Designers, and Stage Managers.
At every level, we strive to build long-lasting relationships with students and their communities using the building blocks of creativity, confidence, and culture to succeed.
βIβve never been so open about myself and I feel so safe and welcome to be authentic.β
Barrio Stars students
βI enjoyed absolutely everything about it, the people, the knowledge, the learning, the space and our instructors were so joyful and amazing to learn fromβ
Interested in signing up your star for one of our camps or just want a little more information? Please reach out to Education Coordinator, Clarrissa Rodriguez at clarrissa@borderlandstheater.org.
Funding for Barrio Stars comes from the Greater Santa Rosa Neighborhood Foundation, H Eugene and Ruth Jones Charitable Fund, Tucson Core Fund, Van Woert Family Fund at the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona.; The Marshall Foundation; and The Mc Millan Foundation.