Published on August 20, 2020 | SILive | Written by Carol Ann Benanti
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — More good news: Sundog Theatre is providing in-person musical theatre choral classes for children at the Regional Enrichment Center (REC) facility in Rossville. The arts program that began in mid-July and will continue through the end of the summer, is geared for Pre-K students through second grade. Principal and site supervisor Joseph Miller says, “While a number of organizations were offering remote or virtual programs, Sundog Theatre was willing to provide an excellent visiting artist on-site when very few organizations would consider doing so.”
Sundog’s executive director, Susan Fenley, echoes Miller: “We understand online delivery is a necessary factor in many situations. Arts programs are better in a face-to-face environment, though, and we are thrilled to be able to provide safe, in-person teaching to children again. We see them flourish through theatre, dance, music, and visual arts, and Mr. Miller recognizes that.” Miller, who brings a number of programs to the site — most of them virtual — sees the in-person arts program as beneficial for the center. “The program brings a sense of normalcy to our children and keeps them immersed in the arts. The children love it and talk about the program at home with great excitement. Through Sundog’s efforts and the willingness of Madison, our students truly benefit. The artist/student relationship is amazing. It has built self-esteem and has exposed students as young as three to theater arts. An added benefit for our young girls is that they have the current Miss Staten Island working with them. It permits them to see her in a truly empowering light,” says Miller.
Youngsters in Sundog Theatre’s acting program pre-pandemic. (Courtesy/Sundog Theatre)Staten Island Advance
Jennifer Castillo and Michele Flynn’s families both have children in the Sundog REC program. Both moms say their children return home happy, singing songs they learned in class. “This adds a component my children would have lost had this program not been included. They’re able to express their artistic sides now,” says Castillo, who serves with her husband in the NYPD, and whose twin sons have been at the REC since March. “My older child participates in a Sundog program at his regular school, but the twins didn’t have a program like this in their daytime school.” With three children in the Center, Flynn says this is the first time her youngest daughter has had an arts program. “She sings in the car every day on the way home and is thriving in the arts program. She loves it there.” Children and teachers wear masks and practice social distancing. The 60-staff Center has had no incidents of COVID-19 infection since it began operating March 23 following the New York City shutdown.
