News
Film & Photography Enrollment 2013
Click here to Sign Up! My Block Film & Photography Online Registration Form
SAVANNAH, Ga. – All Walks of Life (AWOL) youth film and photography program known as My Block is now accepting 
registrations from Savannah-Chatham youth ages 12-18 interested in film and photojournalism careers. Enrollments will be accepted through March 3rd with class dates from March 4-July 15, 2013. The program will culminate with a Summer Youth Film Festival showcasing works produced by the group.
The film and video production class, titled “My Block”, is a spring to summer-long program that provides students with an introduction to the various aspects of film production and photography, including camera operation, editing, script-writing, direction and basic engineering for lighting and sound. Working as a team, students are engaged in pre-production planning, scripting and storyboarding, as well as production and direction of music videos and short films, with possible advancement to producing and editing segments for AWOL’s monthly television show, The Chop Shop. In the post-production stage, students gain first-hand experience using industry standard tools and technology, including PhotoShop, Avid Express, Final Cut Pro, Adobe After Effects and ProTools. The class is project-based, with students taking turns working in different roles – such as camera operator or lighting technician – while working to complete music videos or issue-based short films.
Classes will be held on 2-3 days per week during evening hours from 6-pm and some Saturdays. “We are really excited about this years program which will be headed by our newest addition to the AWOL family, Ms. Linda Reno. Linda brings a wealth of amazing experience in photojournalism which will contribute greatly to how youth utilize new technologies to reach vast social networks with key messages focused on everything from cyber bullying to food justice”, Davena Jordan Executive Director.
To enroll visit the AWOL website at http://www.awolinc.org or email Davena Jordan at djordan@awolinc.org for more information.
ABOUT AWOL:
The mission of the organization is to promote and provide self-awareness through the use of Poetry, Hip Hop, and Life. This mission is accomplished by providing youth with safe and free after-school and evening arts-based educational programs. The organization’s main goal is to successfully develop youth in an environment that encourages respect, education, creativity and most of all non-violence.
Conversations 2013 Tickets!
You can purchase tickets for the AWOL 2013 Theater Production, Conversation online at Brown Paper Tickets.com. Click the link below
Conversations 2013 Online Tickets Sales
Tickets will also be available the night of the show at the AWOL Box Office which will be located just inside the Savannah Civic Center in front of the Johnny Mercer Theatre.
February 15-16 AWOL Box Office Hours:
Friday-6:00pm-7:30pm Saturday-6:00pm-7:30pm
For questions about tickets sales please email: djordan@awolinc.org
Discounted Group Rate tickets are also available online by clicking the link for groups of 20 or more!
AWOL 2013 Theater Production & School Show
SCHOOL SHOW ONLINE RESERVATION FORM
Conversations 2013 Curriculum Guide
All Walks of Life (AWOL) presents Annual Theater Production
“Conversations”
AWOL to present its 8th Annual Theatrical Production, Conversations an original production that exams the work of great the American Poet Mr. Langston Hughes.
SAVANNAH, Ga. – All Walks of Life (AWOL) youth theater program known as Act Up! is set to perform, Conversations, the first of its newest series of theatrical work focused on great American poets February 15-16, 2013 at 7:00pm at the Johnny Mercer Theater located at 301 West Oglethorpe St. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children 5 and under. A special reservation only school show will be held at 10:00am on February 15th. School show pricing and reservation information can be found at the organizations web address www.awolinc.org.
AWOL is known for taking historical works and fusing them together with contemporary and often hard hitting topics, allowing area youth an opportunity to not only learn, but to showcase their talent in a meaningful and prolific fashion. Conversations is just that style of theater, using the works of the great American Poet, Mr. Langston Hughes to drive the storyline. Langston Hughes was first recognized as an important literary figure during the 1920s, a period known as the “Harlem Renaissance” because of the number of emerging black writers. As one of the founders of the cultural movement known as the Harlem Renaissance, which he practically defined in his essay, “The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain” (1926), he was innovative in his use of jazz rhythms and dialect to depict the life of urban blacks in his poetry, stories, and plays. Having provided the lyrics for the musical Street Scene (1947) and the play that inspired the opera Troubled Island (1949), in the 1960s he returned to the stage with works that drew on black gospel music, such as Black Nativity (1961).
Lakesha Green, AWOL’s Theater Arts Director, has worked collaboratively with youth in the program to fuse together a story line, which conveys the delicate nature of everyday communication, and it’s importance in life. Using popular pieces such as Hughes’s A Dream Deferred and Daybreak in Alabama, Green weaves an intricate tale of life’s struggles and triumphs. The Conversations of our life, both good and bad, become small pieces of who we are and what we shall become. In this piece audience members will come to have a new found appreciation for Langston Hughes ability to communicate life’s most challenging topics through the art of poem.
“I’m always excited to see the work done by our young people. With over 70 cast members, this show is sure to be as memorable as the many others before it, and most of all the kids are looking forward to the 2500 public school students that will see the show on that Friday. This is one of the most important aspects of our program, it builds self-esteem and confidence for kids in program and inspires hundreds more to want to participate the next year”, DaVena Jordan, executive director.
SCHOOL SHOW ONLINE RESERVATION FORM
Show Times: School Show: February 15, 2013 @ 10:00am. Visit www.awolinc.org Cost: $5 per student. General Public: February 15-16 @ 7:00pm. Tickets $20 for adults/youth and $5 for children age 5 and under. For ticket information visit www.awolinc.org or call 912-303-4987
ABOUT AWOL:
The mission of the organization is to promote and provide self-awareness through the use of Poetry, Hip Hop, and Life. This mission is accomplished by providing youth with safe and free after-school and evening arts-based educational programs. The organization’s main goal is to successfully develop youth in an environment that encourages respect, education, creativity and most of all non-violence.
A Christmas Carol 2012
| SAVANNAH, Ga. - All Walks of Life (AWOL) and The City of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs present A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and Directed by Jonathan Johnson. The show opens up on November 30, 2012 at 8:00pm with additional show times and dates on December 1st, 7th, 8th and matinee shows at 3:00pm on December 2nd and 9th.
A Christmas Carol was first published in 1843, Dickens culled the story from personal childhood experiences along with various Christmas stories. The book is generally considered one of the greatest influences for the restoration of the Christmas holiday and it has never been out of print.The story’s numerous adaptations include opera, ballet, radio plays, audio recordings, films and stage. In less than a year after the book was published as many as 12 theatrical productions were playing in London.
Famous for it’s storyline of redemption amid the joy of the Christmas season, ole Scrooge must encounter a visit from the well known ghost of Christmas past, present and future. Known for his albeit frugal nature, Scrooge’s journey back through his life gives both moments of despair and joy as audience members learn the true meaning of Christmas. With a visit from his old business partner, Jacob Marley, prepare to be whisked away on a theatrical Christmas journey filled with special affects, spirited song and dance. “We are excited to be collaborating with DCA for our first annual Christmas show giving area youth a unique opportunity to work with more seasoned adult actors from the community”, DaVena Jordan, Executive Director
The shows Director, Mr. Jonathan Johnson is an Alabama native who has a passion for community and most of all theatre. Jonathan, a recent SCAD graduate first became involved with AWOL through its youth theatre and performing arts program, Act Up!. Jonathan has Directed a wide range of theatrical production to include Ntozke Shange’s For Colored Girls and most recently as a part of his graduate work at SCAD, Before It Hits Home by Cheryl L. West.
“I am very excited to be bring such a timeless classic to Savannah as Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol. This is one of the many pieces from the British Victorian era that exemplifies themes that resonate with me in my passion for community and simple generosity of spirit, attributes instilled in me from early childhood in Alabama. Savannah has such profound Victorian roots with its beautiful people and alluring historic district, making this the perfect setting to present A Christmas Carol this holiday season”, Jonathan Johnson, director.
Through a special partnership with the Savannah Harbor Festival of Lights 2012 tickets will also be available on show nights to experience Savannah’s first ever festival of lights with over 50 larger-than-life lighted, holiday-themed displays and millions of sparkling lights of every color under the rainbow. Its rumored that Fezziwig himself, known as a purveyor of life’s finer things, has already made plans to attend this festive occasion! Be on the look out for appearances from the cast of A Christmas Carol at the Savannah Harbor Festival of Lights.
Show Times: November 30, December 1st, 2nd, 7th, and 8th at 8:00pm. Matinee Shows: December 2nd and 9th at 3:00pm. Tickets are $12.00 for adults and children. For more information visitwww.awolinc.org or call 912-303-4987 or email djordan@awolinc.org.
Tickets are available for purchase at Brown Paper Tickets.com |
Cast/Enrollment Roster 2012-2013
Congratulations to the following students for making the AWOL All Walks of Life, Inc. 2012-2013 Cast/Enrollment Roster. Please be sure to adhere to the instructions given by your Artist Facilittors for attendance at this years first day of programing, Tuesday 9/18/12 at 6:00pm. SOUND DESIGN students will report to our south-side location at 6 Oglethorpe Professional Blvd. THEATRE students will report back to the SPACE Black Box theater located at 9 West Henry St. Thanks to all of your for coming out and showing your talent. Now let’s make it a GREAT YEAR!
Reminder! Did you pick up the Red Thank You Letter/Information sheet before you left auditions? If not, download it below for information on program fees and fall scheduling.
Auditions & Enrollment Information
Each year we are always excited to audition and enroll nearly 100+ budding young performers from Savannah and the Coastal Empire. This years annual theater production will unveil a new series of original AWOL works focused on great poets from the past such as Langston Hughs as well as more contemporary wordsmiths like Tupac Shakur. Also, our sound design and music education program will kick off its 7th year of grooming Savannah’s young talented artist into music producers, rappers, and music industry moguls. Check out the flyers below for audition times and dates.
Open House & Fall Auditions 2012
AWOL Announces Open House and Fall Auditions
SAVANNAH, Ga. – All Walks of Life (AWOL) will host an Open House on Friday, August 31 from 5:00-7:00pm.
Parents, teachers, teens and youth service workers are welcome to attend to find out more about AWOL programs, how to volunteer or sponsor a child in AWOL. AWOL’s offices are located at 6 Oglethorpe Professional Blvd. (Off Mall Blvd., behind Star Castle).
You can expect to get information on Fall Programming, Fall auditions, and volunteer opportunities.
AWOL 2012 Auditions will be held on September 6th and 7th, from 6-9 pm at the Black Box Theater located on 9 West Henry St. Programs are open to youth ages 12-22 and children ages 7-11 interested in acting, singing, writing, dancing, rapping or music recording.
AT&T presents $5000 to AWOL
Savannah, GA – AT&T Georgia will present All Walks of Life (AWOL), Inc. with a $5,000 check on Monday, December 19, at 6:15 PM. The donation will go toward AWOL’s Goon Squad IT Program, which provides hands-on IT training to tweens and teens in Savannah after school and at night.
AWOL’s main goal is to successfully develop youth in an environment that encourages respect, education, creativity and non-violence. The Goon Squad IT program is one of AWOL’s most popular programs. Participants learn how to refurbish and recycle old computers, which are then distributed to 100 low-income families in Savannah for home use. Since 2008 the program has diverted more than 35,000 pounds of e-waste from local landfills and provided over 500 low-income families with access to low (or no)-cost computing.
Check Presentation Details:
WHO: AT&T Georgia will present to AWOL
WHAT: $5,000 check to support Goon Squad IT Program
WHERE: AWOL Offices, 6 Oglethorpe Professional Blvd. (Southside Savannah near Star Castle Arcade)
WHEN: Monday, December 19 at 6:15pm
Attendees will include Kaylyn Padgett, Regional Director of External Affairs for AT&T Georgia, AWOL youth, staff and board members.
For more information about the check presentation, please contact Kaylyn Padgett at 912-651-1351 or DaVena Jordan at 912-704-3812
AWOL 7th Annual Theater Production
AWOL’s 7th Annual Theater Production
Motives: A Compilation of Shakespearean Tragedies
“This years production brings about an emotional end to my first three years of teaching kids all about Shakespeare at AWOL and each year I have been more impressed with the ability of my students and can’t wait to see them grace the stage to share their talent with the world,” says Lakesha Green, AWOL’s theater arts director.
This year’s production takes a unique look at the subject of mental health through the lens of Shakespeare’s tragedies. Motives is a play within a play that takes place in a mental health facility. A group of artists have been referred to the institution and one psychiatrist is trying to explore the mental state of each patient through the context of Shakespeare and his famous tragedies. But this mental health facility is not the usual, and it soon transforms into a mad house when the tragedies come to life in the minds of the patients. Written and directed by Green, AWOL’s theater arts director, the show is sure to intrigue and delight Savannah theater lovers of all ages.
AWOL’s theater arts programs is one of the most unique arts based youth development programs in the city. Using art as a way to engage youth, AWOL’s program not only provides youth with high quality arts education, participants also gain valuable life skills while developing positive relationships with adult and peer role models. For the past seven years the program has grown and was selected as a finalist in 2010 and 2011 for the prestigious National Arts and Humanities Award which recognizes the program as one of the top 50 youth arts and humanities program in the country.
“As Executive Director, I must say we have been truly blessed to have not just Lakesha, who is a SCAD graduate, but two additional SCAD 2012 MFA candidates students that have been willing to commit their time and valuable knowledge to help expand the minds of our students, Mr. Jonothan Johnson, Assistant Director and D’Antwan Roper, Head Choreographer. They have performed exemplary work and as always these young people are a true testament to AWOL’s unique model of youth development through artist and community mentors,” says Davena Jordan.
Prices: $20 (additional service fees may apply when purchasing online)
Tickets can be purchased online via the AWOL website (www.awolinc.org)
Tickets may also be picked up at AWOL Office located at 6 Oglethorpe Professional Blvd
Ticket Sale Hours: Monday-Thursday 10-6:30pm
AWOL website: www.awolinc.org
AWOL Atlanta Announcement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 14, 2011
Media Contact: DaVena Jordan
404.954.2965
Award Winning Youth Program Heads to Atlanta
Grammy Nominated Singer Anthony David
to Announce Plans at 11/16 Concert at CenterStage Atlanta
Over the past seven years, AWOL has encountered hundreds of Savannah youth with many of them referred by the local juvenile justice system. By the numbers, 80% of youth who complete the AWOL year-long intensive arts and technology training program go on to college, the military or technical school. What’s more is that youth referred by the local court system have a less than 10% recidivism rate after completing the program, proving that art and positive group level mentoring can save lives. In short, AWOL programs encourage respect, creativity, education and most of all non-violence.
“We are truly in hopes that the Atlanta artist community will join forces and unite around this worth while effort to provide youth with a safe space where their voice can be heard and their creative potential realized”, DaVena Jordan, AWOL Executive Director.
“AWOL not only help to develop me into a leader, the year-round arts programs just kept me so busy, I had no time to even think about going off track with my life. The environment was so family like that Tony “Polo” Jordan has become like my favorite uncle and mentor. I am now on track to graduate from Clark Atlanta University next year and I truly owe part of my life success to my 4-years of participation in AWOL programs, Ciara Campbell, Senior, Clark Atlanta Unversity.
Atlanta will be the groups first planned expansion effort with inquiries already coming from Columbia, SC and as far as New Orleans, LA. The group hopes to launch the program in the Atlanta area at the start of the fall 2012-2013 school year. During the development phase the group will need to raise funds for operations, seek out other community partners, local arts groups as well as solicit for volunteer support from community artist that will act as artist facilitators. The main art forms taught by AWOL include theater and performing arts, sound design and music recording, film and digital photography and information technology. Anyone interested in learning more should visit the organizations website at www.awolinc.org or call 404-954-2965.
Links to high resolution images
Anthony David and Ciara Campbell AWOL alumni student and Clark Atlanta senior
http://www.flickr.com/photos/awolinc/5879185283/in/set-72157627065444340
Anthony David and AWOL youth -Savannah site
http://www.flickr.com/photos/awolinc/5879822482/in/set-72157627065444340
ABOUT AWOL:
The mission of the organization is to promote and provide self-awareness through the use of Poetry, Hip Hop, and Life. This mission is accomplished by providing youth with safe and free after-school and evening arts-based educational programs. The organization’s main goal is to successfully develop youth in an environment that encourages respect, education, creativity and most of all non-violence. Using the elements of hip hop as a means to promote self-expression and self-respect, AWOL strives to provide troubled youth with an outlet for their creative energy and frustration, empowering them to overcome peer pressure and to make better decisions in their daily lives. What began as a casual gathering of poets, musicians and emcees at Savannah State University in 1997 was incorporated as a non-profit group in September of 2004, a way for Founder/CEO Tony “Polo” Jordan, an emcee and probation officer, to compromise between his love of hip hop and his experiences helping troubled kids. Juxtaposing hip hop culture and positive youth development though various artistic mediums, the organization has become one of Savannah’s premier youth serving organizations. The organization hosts a number of events including: a weekly television show called the Chop Shop, a monthly open mic night (Therapy Session), a conflict resolution workshop, an annual hip hop history play, digital arts education programs involving film and music production (My Block and The P.R.O.J.E.C.T.S.) and the IT program training youth to refurbish used computers.
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