MENTORING PROGRAMS
For the Future
SELTA - Social and Emotional Learning Through the Arts is Taino Theatre's Mentoring Program. Working directly with your schools' talented students for 8 or 10 weeks, as well as the schools' theatre or English department, Israel Martinez guides young creatives in finding their voice, power, and learning the discipline it takes to be an active, kind leader in today's society. SELTA features a writing contest as well as acting opportunities for students. .
“Bully the Bully: Artists Against Hate” provided me with the opportunity to participate in a play that promotes a critical message and helped me develop my acting abilities. It was especially powerful to have portions of the play acted by students because it helped keep the play grounded and relevant to all of us growing up.
Maya, Student Actor
We are ecstatic to work with SELTA this spring and look forward to seeing our students grow in this artistic program.
The Veritas Academy
Israel Martinez’s mentoring program gave Garden School students the opportunity to showcase their writing and allow their voices to be heard. The winner witnessed her script performed on the stage, which recognizes her talent and her future opportunities. The students benefited from Israel’s expertise in choreography and direction. From this experience, as a newly hired English teacher, I was able to house drama under the writing center, which I began fall 2018, and rename it The Center for The Arts. Thank you Israel Martinez for sparking and helping us establish a well needed drama program at a school dominated by sports and academics!
Christopher Vallario, English Department
SELTA IN ACTION!
The Garden School, February 2019