YouthWorkSTREAMS
The graphic features several photos of students in performance at BAX’s YouthWorks festivals with program information for 2021. The caption text reads: “Calling young artists ages 8-18 to develop original performance work during Spring Break (March 29 – April 2)! YouthWorkSTREAMS in a FREE Program.”
“YouthWorks gives me a chance to be myself and to create
something like nothing else.”
-YouthWorks Participant
“YouthWorks has given my son a community of artists who nurture and appreciate him.”
-YouthWorks Parent
“I am always struck by the transformative journey I witness in the work and the young artist when I see their ideas fully developed into a staged work.”
-Donna, YouthWorks Director
2021 YouthWorkSTREAMS Program Overview
BAX’s free annual YouthWorks festival invites young artists to develop original performance work in dance, theater, spoken word poetry, and more with support from volunteer professional artist coaches.
Due to COVID-19, for 2021, we have reimagined our YouthWorks festival as YouthWorkSTREAMS, which offers young artists (ages 8-18) two distinct participatory STREAMS (or cohorts) as detailed below. The performance development process will take place over a consolidated period during spring break week (March 29-April 2) with support from select coaches and include additional pre- and post-program support.
Live/In Person Performance Cohort
In person pod groups or individual artists will develop original performance material over the course of 5-7 days in BAX’s studios receiving direct support from coaches (professional volunteer artists). Live/In Person Works-In-Process should be approximately 3-5 minutes in length. Should anything change in regards to COVID-19 health and safety, we will make the necessary programmatic changes, including moving both programming streams to virtual, and will stay in close communication with participants and families.
Digital Performance Cohort
A digital performance track in which small groups or individual artists will develop original performance material live on zoom, receiving support from a digital performance coaches (professional volunteer artists) as well as post-production editing support (professional volunteer artists and digital performance editors). Digital Works-In-Process projects should be no more than 5 minutes in length.
YouthWorkSTREAMS participants are highly encouraged to participate in a (Re)Imagining Performance in the Age of Covid Zoom Workshop facilitated by BAX staff, on Wednesday, March 24 from 5-6:30pm. The Live/In Person and Digital Performance cohort will see their work presented as part of a live streamed work-in-progress YouthWorkSTREAMS Showcase on Saturday, April 10th and possibly Sunday, April 11th (exact times TBA the week prior).
This year’s program will be co-lead by Kelindah Schuster (they/them; BAX Technical Director & Teaching Artist) and Ashley Thaxton-Stevenson (she/her; BAX Senior Manager of Education Programs), with support from Lucia Scheckner (she/her; BAX Director of Education and Artist Programs), and Coaches (professional volunteer artists).
And, for creative, young artists interested in an independent project:
Join us in celebrating BAX’s 30th anniversary with RECIPE CONTRIBUTIONS
An infinite number of young artists are invited to submit an original “recipe” to contribute to the Virtual Gallery of BAX’s “a recipe for 30 years” project, in response to the prompt Recipes for Creation.
To celebrate BAX’s 30th anniversary—a celebration of arts and artists in process—we are creating a recipe book to create exchange between BAX communities. These could be family or personal recipes for foods and drinks, or artistic recipes for performance and art making—anything goes!
To learn more and submit a recipe, visit bit.ly/baxrecipecall.
How Do I Get Involved?
BAX offered a YouthWorkSTREAMS Info Session on Wednesday, January 27 from 5:30-6:30pm. Young artists and families learned more about the program and had the opportunity to ask questions.
Interested young artists/ensembles will submit a brief Project Proposal indicating their interest, ideas, and participatory “stream” preference. Written, voice recorded, or video submissions will be accepted. BAX will host an Info Session about the program on Zoom to share more program details, review selection criteria, and to answer any questions.
Need support on the Project Proposal? Sign up for Project Proposal “Office Hours” to talk through your specific ideas with BAX staff during at 15 minute appointment on Zoom.
Accepted young artists, families, and volunteer coaches for the Live/In Person Performance and Digital Performance will be required to attend a mandatory interactive orientation (Saturday, March 20, from 1-3pm) to learn more about the program and begin the creative process within their stream.
2021 YouthWorkSTREAMS Dates
Zoom Info Session – Watch the Info Session Recording Online!
Wednesday, January 27 from 5:30-6:30pm
Digital Proposal Office Hours
Wednesday, February 3 from 5:30-7:00pm RSVP for a 15 minute slot
Live/in Person Proposal Office Hours
Wednesday, February 10 from 5:00-6:30pm RSVP for a 15 minute slot
Project Proposal Forms Due
Friday, March 5 at 5:00pm
Mandatory Zoom Orientation
Saturday, March 20, 1:00-3:00pm (note staggered arrival times below)
Coaches – 1:00-2:15pm
Participants – 1:45-3:00pm
(Re)Imagining Performance in the Age of COVID Zoom Workshop
Wednesday, March 24 from 5-6:30pm
Live/In Person Performance Coaching and Filming Sessions
Daily Coaching Sessions (AM or PM): Monday March 29 to Friday, April 2
Filming Sessions: Monday, April 5 or Tuesday, April 6 (each group will be assigned to an evening session on Monday or Tuesday, but will not have to attend both)
Digital Performance Coaching and Filming Sessions
Daily Coaching Sessions (AM or PM): Monday March 29 to Thursday, April 1
Filming Sessions: Friday, April 2
Showcase Streaming Dates
Weekend of April 10 & 11
What is BAX Looking for in the Project Proposal?
BAX is looking for young artists who are excited to imagine, create, and perform their own original works. This year, we are looking for both live/in person and digital projects.
Live/In Person Performance
Projects must be able to be safely developed, rehearsed, and filmed in BAX’s Park Slope studios within a one week period along with a commitment to participate in each daily rehearsal. Development will take place the week of March 29th and recording sessions will be scheduled April 5th or 6th.
Digital Performance
Projects should be able to be developed, rehearsed via Zoom, and recorded at home, with editing support being provided by BAX. Development will take place March 26 to April 1st and filmed on April 2nd.
What STREAM is right for me?
Live/In Person Performance
You are connected to a small pod of fellow young artists, or have a solo idea, and want to work collaboratively with a BAX coach in BAX’s Park Slope Studios. You are excited about the creative process and want to get feedback and coaching as you develop your ideas. Recording sessions will be scheduled on April 5 or 6.
All artists, coaches, and staff will be masked at all times, and will observe social distancing (as possible) during their time in the BAX Building. Parents/Guardians will also be required to submit a daily health screening form for their child before each day’s rehearsal or filming session.
Digital Performance
You are excited about the possibility of Digital Performance and the process and art of editing, either with a group or individually on Zoom. You are able to rehearse and film at home or in another site-specific location. You are excited about the creative process and want to get feedback and coaching as you develop your ideas.
THANK YOU to our YouthWorkSTREAMS 2021 Funders