Mainstage Center for the Arts has been awarded a $15,000 grant from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey to support “Rise and Shine: It’s Wellness Time,” an interactive theater program designed to educate children on health and wellness through its performances.
The grant came through the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey.
“This grant from Horizon will enable Mainstage Center for the Arts to continue bringing theater to the South Jersey community in a way that inspires and educates,” said Sarah J. Gafgen, managing director of the Gloucester Township theater organization. “Through interactive performances, we aim to spark creativity while addressing important topics like health and wellness.”
“Rise and Shine: It’s Wellness Time” is a morning-show-style theater experience that blends zany characters, puppetry, and audience participation to teach children essential physical, mental and emotional wellness habits. Led by professional actors, the program includes pre- and post-performance educational materials, easy recipes and interactive exercises that equip students with the tools to make healthier choices.
The program has reached at least 10 schools in South Jersey.
“We are pleased to support Mainstage Center for the Arts in fostering healthier habits in our communities,” noted Jonathan R. Pearson, executive director of the Horizon Foundation. “’Rise and Shine’ aligns with Horizon’s mission to help our members access resources that improve their overall health.
“By engaging children in creative learning experiences that promote physical, mental and emotional well-being, we are making a lasting impact on community health.”
Schools interested in booking a performance of “Rise and Shine: It’s Wellness Time” can fill out a form on the Mainstage Center’s website. Meanwhile, the Horizon Foundation’s support will be instrumental in the development and execution of the new initiative.
“The funds provided by the Horizon Foundation of New Jersey will help offset the costs of creating a brand-new show,” Gafgen explained. “This includes fees for collaborating with experts such as a certified personal trainer, licensed social worker and nutritionist, as well as costs associated with scriptwriting, contracting technicians and technical elements.
“Additionally, the grant will help cover performer fees for workshops and rehearsals, as well as allowing us to offer performances for local schools on a sliding scale, making the program even more financially accessible for any school.”
The Horizon Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield and is dedicated to making the state healthier by supporting nonprofits that expand access and remove barriers to good health.
“Our goal is to make conversations about physical, mental, and emotional wellness more accessible, especially for elementary-age students,” Gafgen noted. “These topics can sometimes feel taboo or difficult to discuss, so we aim to introduce them in a way that is engaging and age-appropriate.
“Through ‘Rise and Shine: It’s Wellness Time,’ we hope to teach students in grades one to five the importance of physical activity, empower them to make healthy food choices, and equip them with the vocabulary to talk about their mental and emotional well-being.”
For more information on the foundation, visit HZNFoundation.org.
Based in Blackwood and founded in 1989, Mainstage Center for the Arts is a performing arts organization that provides creative opportunities for young artists through programs like the award-winning Summer Stage, Harmony and Encore show choirs, as well as studio classes.
To learn more, visit mainstage.org.
