DALLAS (1080 KRLD)- Theater students from 25 high schools in Dallas will attend a performance of Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations September in Fair Park. The show was nominated for 12 Tony Awards and won for Best Choreography in 2019.
Ain't Too Proud runs September 6 through 18 at the Music Hall at Fair Park. One of those performances will be for 3,400 Dallas ISD students.
"Our intent here is to demonstrate to students who are interested in the arts that there are many pathways to careers in this field besides performing on stage or in the orchestra pit," says Ken Novice, president and chief executive officer of Broadway Dallas, formerly known as Dallas Summer Musicals.
Novice says the performance will help theater students gain hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering, arts and math, known as STEAM curriculum.
"Participating students will get to use state-of-the-art software to create video projects themed around Ain't Too Proud," he says. "I, personally, can't wait to see what they come up with."
Last year, students saw a production of Hamilton and used production elements in school work. This year, the program focuses on lighting, editing and production.
"We look at it as an open door into the back stage of the arts and really understanding, 'My skill set could really work in this arena. I may not be the person on stage singing and dancing, but there's a whole group of people behind the scenes who require really sophisticated skills," says Dallas ISD Chief Academic Officer Shannon Trejo.
Trejo says the show gives students who may have an interest in fine arts a chance to apply math and science lessons. In addition to the show, students will have eight STEAM classes.
"It's a great opportunity for us to be exposed to the arts, but to have kids who wouldn't otherwise have this unique opportunity come forward and apply their skills in a way they can actually see a future-facing job is incredible," she says.
The Dallas Mavericks and TD Jakes Foundation are among organizations sponsoring the program.
"This complex, unique partnership creates partnerships for underserved and underrepresented communities," Jakes says.
The Mavericks launched their "Mavs Take Action" plan three years ago "to address racial inequities in our city, promote social justice and drive sustainable change."
"We're so excited to continue our partnership with the TD Jakes Foundation and just really can't wait to see what our students come up with and experience," says Katie Edwards, president of the Mavs Foundation.
Details about Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations' run at Fair Park are available here.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow NewsRadio 1080 KRLD
