Polk Bros. Foundation

20 W. Kinzie Street, Suite 1110

Chicago, IL 60654-5815

10/14/19

Dear Ms. Gillian Darlow,

The art of theater goes beyond memorizing lines and dress rehearsals.  It goes beyond getting that lead part.  It lets girls feel the magic backstage: waiting behind the curtain, among fellow friends and cast mates, that moment before the curtain is pulled.  And when that curtain is drawn back, a girl is able to stand on center stage, under the spotlight, and show their artistic talent among newly made friends.  The fact that these friends come from many different backgrounds allows these actresses to flourish even more, as their perspective of what the real world is develops: the real world being one where diversity may vary but may not prevent relationships being formed.  This diversity is found among girls, not as a challenge, but a milestone that allows girls to look beyond stereotypes, so that to find a bigger goal in reciting lines with passion.  This is why the Viola Project is asking you for a grant of $10,000, so that the Viola Project may progress in Chicago Public Schools.

On blogger Alex Matsuo’s website, she states that “People connect with history through the stage and can create a more effective emotional connection to our roots….It is important to every person in all walks of life because we learn of each other, ourselves, trials and tribulations, and to perhaps, find a way to resolve our conflicts between ourselves and other people. (Matsuo, 2013)”  Her words support the fact that acting doesn’t only include performing arts by the greats, like Shakespeare, but it allows people of all different origins to bind together, while at the same time overcoming personal challenges, like shyness or intimidation that can be found among adolescents.  “The Viola Project celebrates play and performance in young people while creating a foundation for young women to stand up, advocate for themselves, and demand inclusion: inclusion in the classroom, in the workspace, in the world and on the stage. Our students have the unique opportunity to examine critical issues through creative play, interdisciplinary workshops, and, of course, Shakespeare. (The Viola Project 2019)” We want the actresses to be able to take everything from the school day and have a place of sanctuary afterwards, so that to be able to challenge emotion and the problems on their mind through the performing arts; particularly Shakespeare.  Usually there are 20-40 hours of activity, stretching from either a semester or an entire school year.  The reaching of student goals and accomplishments and growth is measured by a rubric adhered to by the Illinois Arts Learning Standards.  “The Viola Project welcomes all youth ages 10-16 who culturally identify as girls and women, regardless of their race, class, ethnicity, sexual orientation or ability (The Viola Project 2019).”

The Viola Project has seen much success, and we have recently collaborated with City Lit Theatre, this past fall, so that to bring even more opportunity to middle school-aged girls who wish to either pursue further schooling in the arts, or just have a place to go after school to relax, hang out, and socialize with peers.  “In this merger, City Lit obtains a well-respected educational program with deep relationships throughout Chicagoland, while TVP receives administrative support that will allow us to devote more resources to our programs in Chicago and beyond (The Viola Project 2019).”

While The Viola Project does follow the rubric of IALS, our goal is not just to educate young women, but to let them have a place to go, in case their parents work late; or if they just want to follow an early interest in arts that is yet to flourish.  The Viola Project follows three core values: play, empathy, and strength (The Viola Project 2019). 

• ·       Play is the ability to take risks, commit to actions, and follow through without fear of being “wrong.” (The Viola Project 2019).  The girls of The Viola Project have a place to socialize without any brands or stereotyped viewpoints. 
• ·       Empathy is the ability to understand and be aware of others’ feelings and experiences in order to form connections (The Viola Project 2019).  This core value emphasizes how girls can learn from each other while making lasting friendships among others with similar interests. 
• ·       Strength is the ability to express what you feel, believe, and know in order to take ownership over both personal growth and that of the overall community (The Viola Project 2019). The idea that girls can express themselves by reciting and acting out Shakespeare, while at the same time contributing to a new community, is another goal of The Viola Project.

The school residencies will begin in 2020, ending at the end of the school year, with classes of 60-90 minutes throughout ten weeks of the school year.  Program Director Rebecca Dumain will contact the core group of teaching artists of the Program, and these teachers will create a plan of action of plays.  The children will work in groups at first, developing the essential skills, before diving into different plays of Shakespeare.  At the end of the ten weeks, a “Shakespeare night” will be held for parents and families so that the girls can showcase their newfound talent by acting out scenes form three Shakespeare plays.  All of this is at no cost to the actresses.  The funds will go towards renting out space to meet, giving salaries to the teachers, and providing scripts to learn from, and food for after school snacks.  Funding will also go towards costumes and props, as well as electricity used.  The Polk Brothers Foundation is known to give funding towards Arts Access and Learning; on your website, you state, “Polk Bros. Foundation is focused on improving the quality of life – and the quality of lives – in Chicago. To achieve this goal, the arts must play a role. (Polk Brothers 2019)” Your website says that you contribute to CPS programs for students that are interested in the arts, that you support school and community-based programs of the arts. (Polk Brothers Foundation 2019).  This is why we think that you would be a great contributor for our program, and we ask for $10,000 to help us accomplish our goal of establishing new sites to meet.

Thank you for your consideration.  We hope you have further interest, so that we may submit a more specific proposal.

Sincerely,

Amy Dillon