Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Plowshares Theatre Company
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 440 Burroughs St. #525
City: Detroit
State: Michigan
Postal Code: 48202
Main Phone: 313-744-3181
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.plowsharestheatre.org
Employer ID Number: 38-2885703
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/20/24
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Creating Creatives
Project Description:

Creating Creatives is a program offering in-school residencies that combine the expertise of classroom teachers with teaching artists from the theatre world. We will teach 3rd graders in Detroit’s Brightmoor community reading comprehension and retention using theatre. Brightmoor is a low-income, underserved community facing a variety of struggles that the pandemic has exacerbated. Chronic absenteeism and failure to reach grade-level proficiency in reading are major problems. Creating Creatives is tailored to the grade-level reading curriculum requirements as defined by the State of Michigan. Moreover, it provides an attractive, unique reason to attend school.

Local teaching artist, actor, and director, Ariel Pompey, will facilitate the process and work with the students for 90 minutes twice a week from February through May 2025.

Activities:

Book Selection: Our team of experienced educators will work with students to help them select a book that aligns with their grade level and interests. The book will be both entertaining and include social justice themes.

Play Adaptation Workshops: We will organize workshops led by professional playwrights and drama instructors. Students will actively participate in adapting the book’s storyline, characters, and dialogue into a script.

Reading Comprehension Lessons: We will include reading comprehension and retention activities that complement the book’s themes and content. These lessons will include discussions, comprehension quizzes, and creative writing exercises to deepen students’ understanding of the text.

Rehearsals and Performances: Students will practice their roles, develop public speaking abilities, and build confidence in front of an audience. We will host in-school performances for their peers, teachers, and parents to showcase the final production.

Expected outcomes include improved reading comprehension, communication, and retention. We also hope to instill a lifelong passion for theatre and literature. Finally, we expect to see increased confidence and public speaking abilities as well as a lasting impact on their education.

Total Project Budget: $50,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Commited: Skillman Foundation $20,000

Project Duration: Feruary – May 2025
Geographical Area Served: Detroit, MI (Brightmoor Community)
Age Group To Be Served: 8-year-olds

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Yma
Contact Last Name: Johnson
Contact Title: Grant Writer
Contact Phone: 7347804092
Contact Email: ymaj1968@gmail.com