Profiles in Civic Engagement: Hinman Production Company Visits Local Middle School

On Monday, March 3^rd, a group of Johnson City Middle School students got to learn about theater and improvisation thanks to Hinman College and the Center for Civic Engagement’s School Age Youth Engagement Project. Twelve students in grades six through eight attended an improv workshop led by BU student Dana Vernetti with the help of fellow students Jessica Wallace, Alexandra Leslie, and Stephanie Gil—all of whom are all currently involved with Hinman Production Company, a campus theater group operating out of Hinman College.

 

For the BU students involved, the workshop was a way to give back to the community, share their passion for theater, and have a good time in the process. Says Dana Vernetti, "We had a ton of fun and were shocked at how enthusiastic and willing to participate the kids were. Improv is so dependent upon imagination and these students were completely uninhibited which was so great to see - I think we actually had a lot to learn from them!"

Johnson City Middle School teacher Mallory Gray was equally as grateful for the opportunity: "Having my students see that theatre can be a part of their lives for a very long time was great. These women were great role models for how someone can balance an academic career as well as a theatrical one. Thanks again!"

 

The workshop was organized by Pat Madej, the CCE’s Youth Engagement Coordinator and Americorps VISTA.