Theater Arts Program Empowers Kaua‘i Teens to Fly

The Center for Spiritual Living Kaua‘i is offering Flying Solo, a free empowerment theater arts program, which provides teenagers aged 13 to 18 the opportunity to explore their creativity, tell their stories and share their truth through theater.

During the six-week course, beginning Sept. 8, participants will learn character development, writing, improvisation, voices and pantomime as they are guided to choose a significant life event, define their point of view and create and write their own stories. The program culminates with each teen “flying solo,” by publicly presenting a 10-minute performance of his/her story.

“Theater is such a fun way to release creativity, while empowering teens to have a voice and make choices in a safe and non-judgmental environment,” said the Rev. Patrick Feren, who along with his wife, the Rev. Rita Andriello, will teach the Flying Solo course. “We are offering this program of inspiration, empowerment and self-discovery free of charge as an important part of our teen outreach effort.”

The husband-and-wife team founded CSL Kaua‘i in 2013. Each have more than 20 years of experience in education, theater, writing, performing, producing and directing in Los Angeles and New York. The couple has had a successful track record with the Flying Solo program, which they launched in Los Angeles in 2008, where it was implemented in numerous setting, including the California Prison System and Los Angeles Family Housing. Their first Hawai‘i-based Flying Solo program for adults was completed this past spring at CSL Kaua‘i.

“We are offering Flying Solo to all Kaua‘i teens who want to have fun together and awaken to their own magnificence,” said Andriello, noting that no acting experience is required. “Our goal is to help all teenagers discover what lights them up, recognize their own power and provide a safe place for them to grow and live their authentic self.”

Sessions will be held on Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. starting Sept. 8, with the final performances presented on Friday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. at CSL Kaua‘i, at 4-1579 Kuhio Highway in the East Kaua‘i Professional Building, Suite 101 across from the Kapa‘a Neighborhood Center.

Call 755-9177, email centerforspirituallivingkauai@gmail.com or visit www.cslkauai.org to enroll.