From Students

"I went to US History and we were discussing Christopher Columbus; everybody kept
saying how he discovered America, including my teacher. In Summer Institute we had a
small discussion on the difference between discovering and encountering. I was able to
use the knowledge that I had obtained from that discussion to explain that he
encountered America. I was able to use my history book in my favor to prove the
difference between a discovery and encounter--my teacher was very impressed. I knew
that at Penumbra we were studying college level material, but I had no idea how helpful
the things we learned would be for my own college experience. This is just one of the
many reasons I am grateful for Penumbra's Summer Institute."
-Genesis, Summer Institute Alumna

"I feel like Summer Institute as a whole has inspired me.
It's a place where I can go and do things, talk about issues, relate to people
and grow in ways that I can't at school, church or other places."
-Michelle, Summer Institute Student

"I met and got to work with some of the greatest and most talented kids ever! They made me laugh, cry, sing, shout and grow in so many ways. I'm a better woman and artist because of the experience. I am forever grateful for them."
-Tonia Jackson, Instructor - Penumbra Company Member - SI Alumni

"I feel hopeful about the future of art when I see the class of 2007.
They have a hunger and respect for the art and will continue to grow."
-Marvette Knight, Instructor - Penumbra Company Member

"Once you learn to take the time to breathe then everything - enunciation, projection, posture -
all happen right along with it. They get it. Breath is life."
-Harry Waters Jr., Acting

"We started this program because they're the beginning.
This is their time.
They take up the torch now."
-Lou Bellamy, Instructor - Founder and Artistic Director

 

"The only voice these students typically have is through sports. Our son is one of few students (less than five African Americans) in the International Baccalaureate program and the band. He is struggling to find his voice in the school and his Summer Institute journey has given him a new place and space for his budding voice."     -Dedra Slack, Parent

"I can honestly say it is the best program we have ever enrolled our child in.
The intensity, focus and scope matched his needs, desires and maturity so well
that it was easily the highlight of his summer. And it has so much substance
it will influence his thinking/actions for years."
-Tom Eckstein, Parent

"The quality of the relationship developed between students (and among students,
interns and staff) were evident. The depth of feeling, the degree of focus and the
amount of hard work were reflected by the quality of the final performance.
It is a remarkable thing to see - that personal passion can be used to connect with
others to build community and to bring about change for the better in our world.
What an incredible gift!"      -Linda Stone, Parent

"Your program has truly made a difference in her life. Because of Summer Institute
she has a more positive self-concept and self-worth, understands social activism better,
and knows how to use her art to be an agent for social change."
-Nedra Fears, Parent

"I thank Penumbra's Summer Institute for exposing my child to the diversity of
thought, action, words and especially the people involved. It's up to her now
to take the ball and run with it. I look forward to working with my daughter
on her goals for social change and getting her more involved with community issues."
-Tonya Hampton, Parent

"The final performance showed the students' extraordinary talent.
An emotional performance with relevant content and it didn't shy away from tough issues.
Our son completed your program with more inner strength and confidence.
He found a community where he belonged."
-Theresa Taniguchi, Parent