Oakland Center for the Arts youth program receives $15,000 grant

BOARDMAN — The Oakland Center for the Arts' Kids First Theater initiative was awarded a $15,000 grant from the Youngstown Foundation's Hine Memorial Fund.

The grant will be used to support the Oakland's Au Stars program, which provides safe, educationally based theater and life-skills programming to youths on the autism spectrum. The program, housed in Trinity Fellowship Church, 4749 South Ave., has grown from its original 16 members to about 70 members per production. Many more youths are also involved in the life-skills programming.

"We have had great success working with kids on the autism spectrum, many of whom have special challenges," Brendan Byers, executive director, said in a news release. "Our program, which is based on the principle of inclusion, does not separate these youth from neuro-typical kids. They can participate in integrated productions of seven musicals and two plays in a season."

The Kids First Theater initiative lost all income due to COVID-19 restrictions, the release states. After not being able to produce shows for more than a year, it is starting back slowly and safely, with three workshops and two performances after each one.

Sign-up and a parents meeting will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 1 at Oakland Center for the Arts, 4749 South Ave. Performances will be Feb. 26 and 27. There are a limited number of spots, and all COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed.

The cost of a workshop is $50, and there are discounts for multiple youths in a family. Full and partial scholarships are available for families with financial difficulties due to COVID-19. Parents or guardians are asked to attend the first night.

For more information or to make a tax-deductible contribution to the nonprofit organization, call 330-406-0606 or email oaklandcenter@gmail.com.

This story was originally published January 26, 2021 at 1:15 PM with the headline "Oakland Center for the Arts youth program receives $15,000 grant."