The Dell’Arte Youth Academy program at Blue Lake School has a 25-year history. DAI thanks HUMBOLDT SPONSORS for their $500 donation to support the Blue Lake Elementary School's spring production under the direction of Lydia Foreman. The 8th graders performed in DAI's Carlo theatre. A week later the kindergarten class performed, also under Lydia's direction. thanks to the Humboldt Sponsors!

Work with young people........
This work, while not necessarily high profile, is some of the most essential work we do in this community. And the “ensemble” that is created amongst student is inspiring to see. These productions receive full technical support and are created by the students, giving them a voice in what they put on stage. In these tough economic times, this is a tangible example of some great work that serves a greater community. And it reflects Dell'Arte's ongoing commitment to the community of Blue Lake as we subsidize this program because we believe it is a priority.

The Summer Youth Academy is no more. We regret we can no longer afford to offer the Summer Youth Academy. This program, while certainly valuable for the youth of area, is something our organization can no longer sustain, given our current budget situation and the state of the arts within our national economy.

We will also continue to serve local youth through a variety of other programs. Our Community-Based Arts Projects just worked with the Raven Project, as well as completed a piece on bullying with the Spare Change Youth Theatre Company, which was performed at the Arcata Playhouse. Dell’Arte’s Rural Residency Program serves children and families in two rural communities each year, and we did two residencies in Klamath and Clear Lake. This year will mark the 32nd anniversary of our Annual Holiday Show Tour, which plays for free for children and families during the holiday season all over the North Coast, from Point Arena, CA to Cave Junction, Oregon.

We thank you again for your steadfast support of the Dell’Arte Summer Youth Academy. It was a difficult decision to retire this program for the time being, but one that was absolutely necessary for the fiscal health of our organization.