Tampa, Fla. – The public is invited to experience the joy of youth in arts, as University Area CDC (Community Development Corporation) presents Prodigy® Showcases throughout February and early March.
Communities spreading across five Florida counties are coming together for vibrant, exciting and free-of-charge presentations featuring art galleries, stage shows, dance and musical selections created by students of the Prodigy® Cultural Arts Program. This year’s theme is “Let’s Get Reel.”
Youth in grades first through 12th from University Area CDC’s Prodigy® Cultural Arts Program in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk and Orange counties are performing dance, music and spoken word presentations in these free events. Many of the students will be performing for the first time. Additionally, visual art by Prodigy® students will be on display.
“Prodigy® Showcase brings out the best of youth cultural arts across west central Florida. Parents and the general community are in for a treat as we celebrate their talents,” said Prodigy® Director Mike Trepper.
A full schedule is online at www.uacdc.org/prodigy. Performance dates include:
- February 11, 3 p.m. – Osceola Arts 2411 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34744
- February 15, 5:30 p.m., Polk County Parks & Rec’s Eloise Resource Center, 710 Snively Avenue, Winter Haven, FL 33880
- February 16, 6 p.m., YMCA St. Petersburg’s Child Park, 4301 13th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711
- February 18, 4 p.m. – Girls, Inc of Lakeland – 1220 W. Highland St., Lakeland, FL 33815
- February 22, 6:30 p.m. – ONIC Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
- February 23, 6:30 p.m. – Wilbert Davis Boys & Girls Club, 3515 Sarah St., Tampa, FL 33605
- February 24, 5 p.m. – Mort Park Rec Center, 1815 E. 148th Ave. Lutz, FL 33549
- February 25, 11 a.m. art display; 12 p.m. stage performances – University Area CDC, 14013 N 22nd St, Tampa, FL 33613
- March 2, 5:30 p.m. – Lacoochee Boys & Girls Club, 38724 Mudcat Grant Blvd, Dade City, FL 33523
The Prodigy® Cultural Arts Program uses an innovative approach to empower, educate and enable at-risk youth, providing a doorway to a better world. Youth ages five to 18 years of age experience performing and visual arts, taught as a tool for self-expression, to learn communication, exploration, problem solving, and conflict resolution skills.
Established in 2000, Prodigy® is achieving its mission of transforming young lives and now reaches across ten counties.
Prodigy is offered at no cost to participants due to ongoing support by the State of Florida and the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.
University Area CDC, celebrating 24 years of serving the community, offers support for thousands of Tampa residents through youth programs, adult education and resource assistance. Its primary mission is the redevelopment and sustainability of the at-risk areas surrounding University of South Florida’s Tampa campus. For more information about University Area CDC, visit www.UACDC.org or call 813.558.5212.