Building Community Through the Arts in Bangor and Brewer

Students Perform on Nov. 19th.

Students watching a BCTA dance performance last year in Orono
Students watching a BCTA dance performance last year in Orono

Five high school English classes – three creative writing classes in Brewer and two junior English classes in Bangor – have been working with professional Maine performing artists this month. Each class is creating an original drama or dance piece – about either their own self-identified social themes, or themes they draw from their curriculum. The classes will be performing their original works on Wednesday, November 19th at the Church of Universal Fellowship, 82 Main Street in Orono. The performances – each about 15 minutes in length – begin at 9:30 and end at noon. The public is invited to come to any and all of them. Admission is free.

The students’ performances are part of Building Community Through the Arts (BCTA), an MAAE program now in its fifteenth year. Initiated just after the Columbine High School tragedy, BCTA uses group creation in the arts to generate trust and break down social barriers among students. Audience feedback and support is also an important element in the program and time is given for discussion after each performance. We encourage parents and community members to come to Orono on the 19th and see the students’ work.

MAAE is grateful to the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation and Jane’s 1983 Charitable Trust for their help in supporting BCTA this year. If you’re interested in bringing this program to your community contact Susan Potters at spotters@maineartsed.org.