By Katy Rogers and Seth Daniel
In the world of show businesses and the performing arts, it’s all about one finding an open door and, then, dashing through it when the opportunity is there.
Such an opportunity for Everett teens is opening up for the first time ever this year with the Wang Theatre’s City Spotlights Leadership program – which will accept two Everett students this year.
Wynn Everett now sponsors the program in a performing arts partnership with the Wang.
It is the first time in the history of the storied program that students from outside of Boston will get an opportunity to participate.
The program is open to all Everett teens, and program leaders visited the Everett Teen Enrichment Center (old EHS) and the Everett High School Drama Club last week.
On Friday afternoon, school officials and Wang officials announced the program to teens at the Everett Teen Enrichment Center and at Everett High Drama Club.
Enthusiasm was noticeable as two program leaders from the Wang, Jeremy Gooden and Kelly Prestel, explained the opportunity to the teens, encouraging them to apply and pursue the two positions.
Prior to that, leaders from Wynn and the Wang met with Mayor Carlo DeMaria, Supt. Fred Foresteire and State Rep. Joe McGonagle in a City Hall meeting to go over the exact details of the new opportunity.
The City Spotlights Leadership Program empowers youth to become leaders in school, at home, and in their communities using their creative voices. In 2015, the City Spotlights Leadership Program doubled in size and provided 61 Teen Leaders from 36 different schools and nine Boston neighborhoods with a paid, seven-week summer job in the arts. It also reached more than 45,000 people through community workshops and performances. Most participating youth have no formal arts training and little to no arts in their schools. This program is supported by Boloco, Boston Centers for Youth and Families, City of Boston SuccessLink, John Hancock MLK Summer Scholars, Natixis, New Balance, the Ramsey McCluskey Family Foundation, and Yawkey Foundations.