Where Art Meets Action
The Compassionate Friends + Rabbit hole
"Rabbit Hole” explored the emotional struggles of the Corbett family as they cope with the loss of their young child. As storytellers and artists, we aim to create work that moves our audience and fosters empathy. This production provided a platform to discuss grief openly, connecting our audience with the real experiences of bereaved families. We hope to inspire compassion and support for those in need. The Compassionate Friends (TCF) has been providing highly personal comfort, hope, and peer support to bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents grieving the death of a child for the past 50 years. Over the past 50 years, this movement has spread across the world, including here in the United States. Today, The Compassionate Friends has a presence in hundreds of communities across the United States in the form of chapters, local support groups, and online support. These peer support services are offered at no charge to those who need them. This initiative motivated us not only to create impactful art but also to use our talents and passions to raise awareness for this important cause.
Open Door Arts Massachusetts
At the heart of our show, is Tanner Maverick, a teenage outcast navigating the intracies of social and mental health battles. Tanner discovers a haven in the universal language that is music, a theme that resonates across generations and illuminates the healing potential of creative expression. Recognizing the larger societal responsibilities of our craft, we decided to align our artistic endeavors with a philanthropic cause: Open Door Arts. As an affiliate of The Seven Hills Foundation, Open Door Arts is dedicated to enhancing access, participation, and representation for people with disabilities in the arts.
In just one weekend of shows, we raised over $1,000 for Open Door Arts.
In just one weekend of shows, we raised over $1,000 for Open Door Arts.
Cancer Advocacy and Awareness
Gabi's journey as a cancer advocate began in 2017 while singing at Curefest DC with her vocal group. Surrounded by the most inspirational children, Gabi's desire to help grew strong. She found herself wondering how she could live so well while others were struggling to survive. She continued to sing at Curefest and use her social media platform to raise funds for Blaser Cancer Research and awareness for childhood cancer. Recognizing her desire to serve, a graduated classmate nominated her to be a candidate for The Leukemia Lymphoma Society's Students of the Year Campaign; a seven-week student-run philanthropic competition benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Gabi accepted and established an ambitious goal of raising $50,000. Team GoldBusters, a symbolic name that represented her team's hate for childhood cancer, coordinated many activities and events (personalized letters, social media games, donut deliveries, virtual concert, t-shirt sales, paintball, and a silent auction). One of Gabi's most memorable events was the virtual concert she created with her voice teacher. The concert consisted of Broadway and National Tour performers, college students, local bands, and friends. Over 200 people gathered virtually to enjoy talented performances. The LLS helped Gabi realize she could combine her passion for the arts with her desire to serve others. Team GoldBusters raised $58,331.59 with a donor in all 50 states and is now working with a new set of student leaders to raise more funds in 2022.
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Childhood Hunger
In October of 2019, Gabi and three friends established Princess Perfect Parties, an entertainment business that brings magical celebrations to children in Loudoun County, Virginia. After a slow start and to much surprise, it was during the pandemic that their company took off. They hosted virtual parties and live streams with fun activities to cheer up the kids stuck at home during quarantine. Recognizing the demand, they added "Socially Distant Drive-By Celebrations". Each princess, (up to five) would drive separately to the child's castle (home), remain a safe distance in the driveway, and perform for the birthday child. With the idea of bringing happiness and joy, the princesses were eager to do the same for parents and offered free drive-by celebrations for all essential workers. As their business became more popular, they charged $50 and donated 100% of the proceeds to a charity to end childhood hunger. To date, Princess Perfect Parties has raised over $2,000 in donations for No Kid Hungry and Loudoun Hunger. Now, they rotate charities that are special to each of them, including The Leukemia Lymphoma Society. At a time with no magic for children, Princess Perfect brought it to their own homes, while still taking safety precautions.
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Autism Awareness
The Other Room, by Ariadne Blayde provides a glimpse into the mind of Austin, a young autistic school-aged boy. A quick one act, the play consists of Austin talking with a very nice girl as four characters in his mind interrupt his thoughts and overwhelm his emotions. The show packs an emotional punch and ends with a school bully rudely confronting Austin just as he was getting comfortable with the girl’s kindness. Under Gabi’s direction, six classmates performed The Other Room during Autism Awareness Month in April 2021. The cast and crew worked directly with counselors and autism experts from the The Nicholas Center to authentically represent the character and share the author’s message. $3,000 worth of ticket proceeds and additional donations benefited The Nicholas Center.