Bruce Jacklin founded Multi-Tasking Volunteers (MTVarts) in 2004 in Mount Vernon. The organization helps to nurture kids' theatrical talents by giving them first-hand experience on how theater productions come together.
The program started as an offshoot of a dinner theater but soon evolved into a classical series that included "12 Angry Men," "Raisin in the Sun" and other classic plays.
"We invited high school kids to come and see some of the classics and would have talk-back sessions afterward," Jacklin said. "We also brought in different people that could comment on the commentary within the stories. We had the kids read the plays – and then we would have them perform scenes with age-, gender- and race-appropriate actors. So, they get to see it the way the playwright wrote it. Out of that, we decided the children needed some sort of programming. So, we decided to have workshops and do full major productions. It's geared toward kids in grades three through 12. We've had great success."
Each summer, MTVarts arranges "The Broadway Student Summit," a trip to New York City to allow the kids to visit theaters on Broadway and go backstage.
"I go to New York about three times a year to see how things work there," Jacklin said. "Sometimes, I go backstage to get resources. The first trip was with our leadership group. They oversee the youth program. It was three days of work, intense workshops, and everything from resources to auditioning to choreography and vocals. And then we saw four Broadway shows and could go backstage and have a talk-back session with the actors. So, we network with people from all over the world. One of the gentlemen that I talked with was from Peru. And he had just started a theater program for their school. [Our group] returned with a heightened skill set for organizing, getting information, planning events and fundraising."
After the leaders returned, it was time for the Student Summit trip to NYC. It's a two-day event that usually begins in January. Students have the option of going either in January, February or March. Parents are responsible for the costs. The travel funding for the leadership group is through MTVarts.
"Normally, three or four kids are signed up to go along with their parents," Jacklin said. "It's up to the parents where they stay; some choose the city, others go to New Jersey. They take an intense workshop for choreography and singing."
The company follows regulated theater protocols for pulling together a Broadway show. MTVarts also assists in helping students decide whether a theater career is good for them. Discussions include: Should I go to college? Where should I get additional training? How do you fill out a resume? How do you audition for a professional company?
"There's two here in Ohio for students who decide theater as their college major," Jacklin said. "The Cincinnati Conservatory is well-known for its arts program, [and] Wright State has a good reputation."
