It's an organization that gives students a pathway to change their lives through the arts. They're this week's KRLD Difference Makers.
When she joined Junior Players at the age of 14, Rosaura Cruz never imagined she'd one day be the executive director.
"I started with a playwriting class and then auditioned for their Shakespeare show and you know four years on stage at Samuel Grand Ampitheater led to an internship with Junior Players and then I taught dance theater," she said. "Seven years ago they asked me to take charge and now I'm at the helm of the organization."
Now the thespian gets to do what she loves.
"I am in a platform where I'm marrying both of my passions - social justice and equity for BiPOC communities in the entertainment and arts world," she said.
Junior players helps transform the lives of children and youth through the arts.
Junior Players provides free, high quality, arts programming to North Texas children and youth with the mission of encouraging, empowering and enriching them and honing their skills and abilities to confidently express themselves at home, school and in their professional lives.
"What we really look for...we target what we call arts deserts, areas that don't have the resources but they have promising youth who are willing and able to take advantage of these incredible programs that are not only arts education opportunities but perhaps could lead them to careers in these industries," Rosaura said.
Junior Players helps students like 16 year old Sanjna Kalisetty find and hone their passion for the arts.
"I think my favorite thing about Junior Players is that I always feel supported and loved whenever I'm in a rehearsal space with them and I know that I can push myself to be a better performer," Sanjna said. She hopes to pursue a career on Broadway.
For Rosaura seeing students find their passion and then pay it forward is a dream come true.
"I can name so many, Lizette Sandoval. Lizette actually recently returned. She got a full ride to Texas State and she started at Junior Players. She's coming back and she is going to teach at Faith Family Academy and she's teaching theater," Rosaura said. "And that's what warms my heart is that we keep this cycle going."
We're proud to call Rosaura Cruz and Junior Players this week's KRLD Difference Makers.
Click here to get involved or donate to Junior Players.
If you know someone making a difference in the community, send us an email at differencemaker@krld.com.
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