SPARK – Memphis Black Arts Alliance

SPARK Registration Form

S	Summer – The period comprising the months of June, July, and August in the U.S. A period of the finest development, perfection, or beauty previous to any decline.
P	Performing – To accomplish any action involving skill or ability, as before an audience.
A	Arts – The principles or methods governing any branch of learning or study, as in the fine arts or the humanities, as music, philosophy, or literature.
R	Readiness – A developmental stage at which a child has the capacity to receive and implement instruction at a given level of difficulty.
K	Kamp – (Camp) A facility for children during the summer providing a recreation, eating, handicrafts, sports, etc.

SPARK’s goal is to engage Greater Memphis & Shelby County youth in a summer multi-disciplinary arts boot-camp taught by noted professional performing artists, college/university professors, and performing arts school educators in an effort to catapult good communication skills, increased grammar and mathematical aptitudes, as well as the development of social and conflict resolution skills. SPARK also inspires careers in music, stage, television, film, and production while also instilling the importance to utilize their abilities to enhance their communities and the inner city.

SPARK is designed for children ages 6-18 to provide exemplary out-of-school artistic experiences and entrepreneurial ventures. The essence of this work is to create and manifest healthier life outcomes for youth and young adult participants through knowledge and integration of music with creative writing, visual arts, and performances.

The MBAA will host a 6 week SPARK camp resulting in full stage performance with a live band, costumes, and lighting design, and will be open for the public. SPARK begins Monday, June 5 and runs through to Wednesday, July 26, with performances on Thursday, July 27, Friday, 28, and Saturday, July 29. We will feature the legendary MBAA production “The Me Nobody Knows” directed and choreographed by Kellye Crawford with Music Direction by Ashley K. Davis.