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The arts provide such a wonderful experience for audiences of all ages. In the coming months, you’ll find “something for everyone,” thanks to some exciting, family friendly programming in our area.

The Spotlight on the Arts Celebration brings music, theater, dance, and visual art together in the Fairfax City area from mid-April through mid-May. Programming includes art displays, orchestras, high school musical productions – arts that are professional, community, and school-based. It also includes some brand new theater fare that I’ll tell you about in a bit. For information on this Spring festival, visit www.fairfaxspotlight.org.

The Mason Summer Festival will take place on the Fairfax campus of George Mason University from May 31 – June 27. During this Festival, there are opportunities to attend readings of world-premiere plays, where the audience can give the playwright feedback. Imagine knowing that your input might help shape a play that could go on to a full, productive life locally, nationally, or internationally! The First Light program for new play development will feature a play written by a local high school student, two by college students, two by professional playwrights and one screenplay, written by a professional screenwriter. These are stories, the very first time they’re being told. If you enjoy theater, this is a truly special process to take part in. Also included in the Festival will be performances by professional and student musicians, actors and dancers. Visual art will be featured in the Center for the Arts Concert Hall lobbies. There are many activities to choose from. For additional information, please see www.masonfestival.org.

A mom-friend of mine recently sent an email to a number of her contacts, including me not only as a friend but as someone who runs a business that specializes in arts instruction for children. Her nine-year-old’s piano teacher was retiring, and she was hoping to get some referrals for the next great teacher-student pairing.

Q: My daughter is not talented. She sings horribly. Yet, she wants classes that are expensive and in my opinion, not worthwhile. what do I do? Do I nurture her desire or tell her the hard facts?
A: Dear Helpless Mom, This is a toughie.  As you know, nurturing a child's creativity is so important, and these kinds of activities can be confidence boosters, but in the long run doesn't end up being positive if false hope is being instilled and a big let down is in store. I appreciate your instinct to be honest with your daughter, so talk to her honestly about her goals and the realities of pursuing music on a professional track - make sure she knows that although they make it look easy, not everyone gets the chance to be the next American Idol! Look for activities that will nurture her love of singing and the joy it brings her, but that will be low impact cost-wise for you; school chorus or musicals, church choir, classes through local rec centers vs. private lessons. Keep in touch with choir directors and instructors to see if she’s making progress. Her abilities may grow with some instruction, and she can learn a lot from the feedback she gets, and enjoy the benefits of creative expression.

Best wishes,

Mary

Many of the wonderful enrichment program options out there can help build confidence and teach important fundamentals. For example, the skills learned in an acting class can enhance a child's performance in school. Whether it's acting, martial arts, or other activities, when a child gains a sense of mastery in a particular area, in addition to expanding their creativity, there's a residual confidence that they'll benefit from, no matter what they're doing.

Take care,
Mary