Michigan Opera Theatre Receives Grant from the Skillman Foundation to Promote Positive Youth Development Opportunities

DETROIT, Michigan, Sept 25, 2006…Michigan Opera Theatre is pleased to announce receipt of a $75,000 grant from The Skillman Foundation, which will provide opportunities for disadvantaged youth to participate in opera, dance, music composition and writers’ workshops.

Michigan Opera Theatre is partnering with Franklin Wright Settlements to create a new program, Building Bridges Through Creativity, which will give instruction to students ages 11 to 17 in opera, dance, music composition and creative writing. Classes will be open to the community, at no cost, and take place after school at Franklin Wright Settlements’ headquarters, 3360 Charlevoix St., Detroit, MI, 48207. Classes begin Tuesday, September 26, 2006. To register, students should visit the Franklin Wright Settlements’ headquarters.

“Michigan Opera Theatre has always been strongly committed to making the arts accessible to the entire community. This program will help us to enrich the lives of countless young people who might not otherwise experience opera or dance,” said Dr. David DiChiera, General Director of Michigan Opera Theatre.

Opera and dance courses will be performance oriented, culminating in a final presentation of the class’ work. Elements of opera will be taught by Karen VanderKloot DiChiera, Director of Michigan Opera Theatre’s Department of Community Programs, and students will present a final performance piece. Dance courses will be facilitated by Karen Prall, professor of dance at Wayne State University and founder and Artistic Director of Art of Motion Dance Theatre. Music composition courses will be taught by both Karen VanderKloot DiChiera and acclaimed jazz composer and pianist James Tatum. Writer’s workshops will be facilitated by a writer in residence at the prestigious InsideOut Literary Arts Project.

Students participating in the program will also be able to attend opera and dance performances at the Detroit Opera House.

“I’m thrilled to be collaborating with Michigan Opera Theatre to provide our kids with a new learning experience,” said Monique Marks, Executive Director of Franklin Wright Settlements. “Franklin Wright Settlements has a philosophy to ‘know the neighborhood’ and many neighborhood children view Franklin Wright as their second home. They come to Franklin Wright everyday, regardless of what is taking place, so they will be excited to start this new program. Some have even told me they can’t wait to get started.”

Michigan Opera Theatre
Michigan Opera Theatre is Michigan’s premier opera company. Renowned for exceptional artistry, the 36-year-old company presents two annual opera seasons, and an annual season of dance at their home, the Detroit Opera House (1526 Broadway, Detroit, 48226). The company’s theatrical productions range from grand opera to operetta and musical theater. Dance engagements feature many of the world’s great ballet companies, as well as smaller troupes and educational activities and master classes. Michigan Opera Theatre is also well-known for innovative educational and community outreach programs, which enrich the lives of people, of all ages, throughout Michigan and beyond. Programs include touring productions, lectures, workshops, and the award-winning summer learning series, Learning at the Opera House.

Franklin Wright Settlements, Inc.
Franklin Wright Settlements, Inc. (FWS) is a leading Detroit neighborhood human services organization existing to assist individuals, families, groups and the community with basic life family and social needs. Embracing the settlement house philosophy - a multi-service holistic approach in cooperation with the community - FWS focuses on the prevention, treatment and amelioration of social problems through advocacy, programs, projects, activities, services and facilities. The enduring strength of FWS lies in flexible, responsive programs that recognize ongoing basic needs despite changing societal priorities and funding. Franklin Wright Settlements opened its doors in 1881 and has helped children and families reach their potential for 125 years.

The Skillman Foundation
The Skillman Foundation is a resource for improving the lives of children in metropolitan Detroit. The foundation applies its resources to foster positive relationships between children and adults, support high-quality learning opportunities and strengthen healthy, safe and supportive homes and communities. The foundation was founded in December, 1960, by Rose P. Skillman, widow of Robert H. Skillman, vice president and director of Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, and has an annual grantmaking budget of $23 million.

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