check out
our community
updates
SOAR Summer Recap
MPLOY Partnership with the City of Memphis
- We enjoyed 6 weeks mentoring 8 interns as a host for the City of Memphis MPLOY program. The interns ages 17-24 signed on to learn about arts entrepreneurship and lead camp.
Community Connections— Food Justice Ministry
- SOAR volunteers served alongside youth during service projects with the First Congo Food Justice Ministry.
INGATHERING OF GRACE— musical stage play
- 2 shows and a panel talk were held at New Daisy Theatre, serving 525+ people, including 20 cast members and 10 teens from Youth Villages. The event featured ASL interpreters from Bridges West thanks to Arts Access funds from the TN Arts Commission
TN Justice Center Partnership— Black Health Matters Pledge
- SOAR reached a total of 610 people as a partnering advocacy organization that held events to enlist community members in pledging to become informed health justice voters that will inform others about the importance of voting and advocating for health equity.
Therapeutic Recreation at Youth Villages
- 22 teens participated in 2 dramatic workshops that included drama games, acting exercises, games, storytelling, and improv scene work.
Community Stakeholder Partnership with Juvenile Court
As part of the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) aimed at ensuring public safety and enhancing the outcomes for system-involved youth, SOAR has signed on as an official community Stakeholder Partner with Juvenile Court. At the recommendation of Judge Sugarmon, youth are referred for diversion programming coordinated by Interagency Services.
When you asked my pronouns, I felt seen.
~ Grateful Teen at Youth Villages after they finished the therapeutic recreation workshop
Therapeutic Recreation— Youth Villages Partnership
This summer SOAR developed a new partnership with Youth Villages, a nonprofit agency that serves young people receiving residential care. As part of the program, dramatic workshops are provided to teens in groups of 12-14 on monthly basis at no cost to participants.
At the end of the July workshop, one of the young people expressed that they enjoyed the session because the class content and facilitation made them feel seen. This student’s feedback demonstrates how arts engagement, while it is NOT therapy, can certainly be therapeutic.
the summer 2024 show was a success!
Check out this video from the musical INGATHERING OF GRACE featuring former American Idol Finalist Lil Rounds playing the role of Faith, a woman desperately clinging to her spiritual wellbeing in order to endure the harshness of her life circumstances.
Living in Commonville, a district in occupied territory on the outskirts of Eliteland, Faith struggles with the inequities in healthcare preventing her from physically living well.
community collaboration made the show successful
The cast of 22 performed 2 shows for a total of 525 people in attendance, 220 of which attended the matinee which was followed by a panel discussion led by the Black Clergy Collaborative of Memphis (BCCM), the TN Office Of Reentry (TOOR), and the Tennessee Justice Center (TJC) in an effort to raise awareness about practical ways to support reentry and address the disparities in healthcare. The audience learned how they could sign up to host reentry simulations with TOOR, they received valuable public health information, and they were given opportunity to participate in the TJC Black Health Matters pledge.
As part of our efforts to increase arts access, 40 tickets were donated to youth, 10 of which were provided to teens from a local Youth Villages residential facility as part of an ongoing community partnership with SOAR that provides the teens dramatic play sessions as a form of therapeutic recreation. The teens from Youth Villages returned the generosity by playing djembe drums as part of the pre-show activities. ASL interpretation services were provided by BridgesWEST thanks to an Arts Access grant from the TN Arts Commission.
Check out this clip from the panel discussion.
watch these VidEOs from the production process!
These videos take a look at behind the scenes footage captured during the production and rehearsal process for INGATHERING OF GRACE, the culminating show for the summer 2024 Dramatic Dialogues program and PATH.
INGATHERING OF GRACE: The Race To Reclaim Fallen Fruit
Come Journey with Grace as she urges a community of harvesters to uproot division caused by poverty.
Once Grace executes her plan to demand action from district advocates, watch how quickly internal conflict threatens to delay Hope and prevent revival of the community’s forgotten Faith. Like all communities, they eventually have to make a choice— fight solo to survive or unite and thrive.
A few Camp spots available!
Join us in July 2024 for Kid ICON Camp!
Don’t miss this exciting performing arts camp led by entertainment industry professionals and teaching artists, featuring a performance with American Idol Finalist, Lil Rounds. With choices in classes for singing, rapping, dancing, and acting, Camp ICON is the place for young people to be creative and build confidence.
**4th of July Friends & Family Party has Additional Fee of $25 per family for Food and Drinks.
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE. CONTACT US.
Camp 2024 Has Ended
Arts Camp
Grades 1-5
M-F July 1-12
Photo Slideshow- “Vital Signs” Film Shoot
On the set shooting the “Vital Signs” scene for the musical production of INGATHERING OF GRACE: The Race To Reclaim Fallen Fruit.
The scene revolves around a mother who is having a medical emergency after experiencing inequities in healthcare. While this may be an imaginary scene, we hope that the art will raise awareness about the realities of maternal mortality experienced by Black women.
more photos From The “vital signs” film shoot
mentorship Matinee
Calling all mentors and mentees! Come be inspired! Enjoy discounted tickets to an entertaining conversation starter. Stay for the post matinee talk back led by community advocates and local leaders. Scan the QR code on the flyer to get tickets.
COMMUNITY THEATRE
Skool Of Artistic Revelation (SOAR) is inviting faith leaders and creative arts directors to sign up for the Dramatic Dialogues program. Dramatic Dialogues produces theatrical presentations to spark conversations that raise awareness, promote advocacy, and activate communities.
The 2024 summer production takes a look at the work of grace through the lens of social justice and equity. Stay tuned for ticket info for INGATHERING OF GRACE.
FY24 Arts access
We are pleased to share the news that the Tennessee Arts Commission (TAC) has approved Skool of Artistic Revelation for an Arts Access Grant! These awards are extremely competitive, and they are largely supported by revenue from the TN Specialty License Plates program.
As an award recipient, our production of FALLEN FRUIT will uplift the core values of the Tennessee Arts Commission:
Cultivate. Create. Participate.
SOAR will cultivate belonging by creating an arts experience that is accessible to people who identify as D/deaf. Not only will there be American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters at the performances, but there will also be ASL interpreters at rehearsals so that people who identify as D/deaf can participate in the production.
We are grateful to the Tennessee Arts Commission for the generous grant award that will increase accessibility for this arts experience!
If you don’t already have a TN specialty license plate, please consider purchasing one!
Visit tnspecialtyplates.org to learn more.
FALLEN FRUIT
Book & Lyrics by:
Jenita Nakamura
Music & Arrangements:
Created In Community
Contact us for more information on partnerships and/or participation.
“This is my heart’s love song.”
StoryTunes skate party
Skating to StoryTunes was super fun! Students, family, friends, supporters, and SOAR Board members gathered for a one of a kind listening party!
It was a night to remember fueled by food, fellowship, and fantastic original music. The overwhelmingly positive feedback was both uplifting and inspirational.
Here’s to more music debuts from StoryTunes!
Featured Video
Generosity and service took centerstage at the Boys & Girls Club during Holy Week. Students from Clubs across Memphis were granted new socks and shoes at the 2023 feet washing celebration. The joy in the room was immeasurable!
Spring break camp success!
The 2023 SOAR Into Spring Camp was a big hit! SOAR staff led Valor Christian High School students through a series of workshops that prepared them to facilitate a week long creative arts camp for the elementary students of Sycamore View Boys & Girls Club.
Utilizing SOAR arts curriculum, the Valor students learned engagement strategies that helped them gain confidence, connect with their peers, and provide mentorship for younger students
Friendships were forged, leaders were empowered, and fun memories were made!
Featured Video
Did you hear me singing? I was loud! That was fun.
Joyful student
Our friends at Sycamore View Boys and Girls Club were definitely SANGIN’ at the Sycamore View Church Of Christ sing along… We might have to start us a club gospel choir or something!
Priceless Christmas Joy!
Showing up to support
CEO Jenita Nakamura gladly accepted the personal invitation to attend the Kingsbury vs. Westwood games. Karen met Jenita at Kingsbury’s Adopt-A-School luncheon where she was participating in student led tours of the school. The two hit it off right away, and the invitation to come see a game was extended.
Having Jenita actually show up to the game was a pleasant surprise to Karen, and the big smiles in their selfie photo are worth a thousand words.
Go Falcons! We don’t just fly, we SOAR!
Featured Video
Storytelling thru poetry
PLAYMAKERS practicing poetry at Sherwood Middle School. Big thanks to family engagement director Justin for organizing time for us to play and work on our storytelling and literacy skills!
celebrating new partnerships
Starting Fall 2022, SOAR has the honor of being part of the Kingsbury adopt a school program. This community connection happened thanks to an introduction from our friends at Sycamore View Church Of Christ.
The program allows organizations to support Kingsbury with donations and services. Because SOAR is an approved arts engagement vendor with Memphis Shelby County Schools, the partnership is a perfect community connection!
Shout out to Celeste, the Kingsbury Family Engagement Coordinator, for putting together a lovely luncheon to express gratitude to the adopters.
CUTTIN’ UP FOR BACK TO SCHOOL
- Event hosted by St Matthews United Methodist Church 38111
- School and art supplies donated by St Matts Members
- 50 back packs distributed curtesy of Book Nook
- $3 haircuts by Red Karpet Kuts and Styles
- Music by Skool Of Artistic Revelation
- Fun beyond measure!
BACK TO SCHOOL BASH 2022 WAS A SUCCESS!
SOAR collaborated with St. Matthews UMC, Book Nook, and Red Karpet Kuts and Styles to help families kick off the school year! 50 free backpacks, 3 dollar haircuts, tunes, and lots of laughter was a recipe for success! Special thanks to St Matts member, Tiffany, and Brother Kareem of The Red Karpet Kuts and Styles for generously supporting the Back To School Bash.
SOAR Album Recording
“Serenade Ya”
SOAR recorded “Serenade Ya”, a StoryTunes song that grew from a young person’s idea that worship music is a serenade, or love song to Jesus.
The recording sessions for other songs are underway, and is the EP album is slated to drop later this year!
Check Out Our Profile On LIVEGIVEmidsouth.org
LIVEGIVEmidsouth profiles offer a wealth of information so you can research and donate with confidence. Local 501(c)3 organizations create profiles for themselves and provide information about mission, staff and board, major programs, and finances. Each profile submitted by the nonprofits is reviewed for accuracy and clarity by LIVEGIVEmidsouth staff.
We pleased to share that SOAR has received the LIVEGIVEmidsouth signature green checkmark!
SOAR SparkS New Ideas
Skool Of Artistic Revelation CEO, Jenita Nakamura, co-facilitated a workshop for educators that sparked creative conversations about devising inclusive theatre for middle and high schoolers.
2022 camp share
Scene snippets from the 2022 SOAR Future Filmmakers showcase
So much wisdom shared by these amazing young people during the SOAR Future Filmmakers Camp! Working collaboratively, these teens creatively used every inch of space at the the MBAA firehouse to devise, script, dramatize, film, and edit scenes from real life lessons.
On the last night of camp, the filmmakers shared about their favorite camp memories, the tech growth that they made, and they presented their digital works of art in a a showcase for family and friends.
new board Members
(Posted March 2022)
Saint Allen Austin is a writer, producer, and creative director who advocates for arts-integrated education in Memphis and the Mississippi Delta.
He is the Chief Creative Director for Saint’s Emerald City, an indie production company in Mississippi, and he is the Content Creation Manager at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Memphis.
Saint is now serving on the boards of the Memphis Black Arts Alliance and SOAR, nonprofits focused on arts and underserved communities.
Saint Allen Austin
Jeanine Jones, is a small P.E.A (poet, author, educator) in a big pot, packing a lot of flavor. Hailing from her native windy city roots, Chicago, since 1999 she has made Memphis her home.
Cultural development, the arts, and literacy are important factors in her work. As a creative, arts integration is an essential component of her practice, and in 2019 she became an Orpheum Theatre Group Teaching Artist.
Through her company, speaktomebooks.com, She has written three poetry books for educators and two children’s books. Her motto is “Literacy is Life~ Live!” Because of that personal mantra, she is excited about working with SOAR to improve arts equity
Jeanine Jones
have you heard?
The audio/visual components from our fall show have been assembled by Jently Publishing, and we are excited to announce the debut of the Read Between The Lines “real life” skills curriculum based on A FERRY TALE!
By leaning into the story’s high energy music components, we are offering workshops that provide access to the digital study guide featuring scene snippets from the show. Our aim is to engage and inspire more people with the themes of community, collaboration, and restoration that are built into the story of A FERRY TALE.
(Posted Feb 2022)
Jenita Nakamura
Founder
Whether you’re a student, an artist, an activist, or a supporter, our community welcomes you… and we would love to hear from you anytime!
coming soon!
READ BETWEEN THE LINES is an interactive curriculum that guides life skills workshops exploring various themes from our 2021 fall musical, A FERRY TALE.
Using video-driven content, the curriculum engages students in reflection about the challenges to everyday life- boundary setting, anger management, maintaining healthy relationships, practicing personal safety, managing mental health, and pursuing financial independence.
Designed to unpack the twists and turns of everyday living that put our life skills to the test, this study guide is a creative and entertaining way for individuals to decide the best way to chase dreams and stay woke. For more information, click here.
(Posted Dec 2021)
A FERRY TALE became reality on Sat 10/23/21
Once upon a time, SOAR presented a musical called A FERRY TALE at The Orpheum in Memphis, and it was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who came out to support!
Snapshot of success:
- 23 cast members engaged collaboratively, with ages ranging 12-65+
- 422 audience members uplifted by seeing people of color on a major platform
- 88 tickets granted to students attending school in 38127 & 38106 zip codes
- 7 new donors welcomed into our community at intermission
- $310 donated at intermission to cover the cost of workshops for ticket grantees
- $20,831 donated towards our campaign to Open The Door for arts access
production photos
the reasons why we love a ferry tale
MEET THE CAST
A FERRY TALE is a full length, new musical about finding true value. With book, music, and lyrics by Memphian, Jenita Nakamura, direction by Taylor St. John, vocal arrangements by Marcus King, and music arrangements by Kyle Donald and Bryard Huggins, A FERRY TALE is a dark fantasy based on real life occurrences. The cast of A FERRY TALE is filled with home grown talent that shines brighter than stars.
Watch the video to hear cast reflections about being part of the production.