posting, with permission, from SuperNovaMommy - http://www.supernovamommy.com
Michelle Kozlak, Arts on the Horizon
Arts on the Horizon is a creative, local non-profit theatre company with a specific focus of providing performances and education programs for young people ages 0 to 6 years old. I recently interviewed the founder of Arts on the Horizon, Michelle Kozlak, and she shared her thoughts on theatre for the very young.
1) Please share a little bit about the goals of Arts on the Horizon?
We wanted to create a theater company for very young children where they would could come and feel comfortable – somewhat like their playroom or living room at home. The lobby would have a place for kids to play and the theater would be inviting. As we began to shape and create this company – there were two ideas that we knew would be at the core of our programming: shows would be more interactive, inclusive and intimate – there would be less of a divide between the audience and the performers and shows would be short – 30 to 35 minutes long, and our classes and performances would create an environment where children would feel safe to imagine, create, explore and grow. We want children to feel like they are part of the performance, not a passive participant. They sit on the floor, close to the performance space and are not required to be silent during the show. Their reaction is integral to the performance! We hope our shows will spark their creativity and fuel their imaginative play – and that our classes will increase their confidence and help their social development.
2) What inspired you to start Arts on the Horizon?
In a word – Gavin. My son Gavin was the complete inspiration for the company. When he was about 2 years old, I really wanted to start taking him to the theater but there weren’t many shows designed specifically for his age group and none that were close to me in Alexandria. I thought, well, I should start a theater company here in Northern Virginia for kids 0-6 – a couple of years ago I did and here we are!
My background is in performing arts administration – I worked for the Kennedy Center for almost 10 years, first in the Theater for Young Audiences department and then in the Theater Programming Department and I have a M.A. in Arts Management from American University. I thought Arts on the Horizon would be the perfect way to combine my background/skills with my desire to introduce theatre to babies, toddlers and preschool children!
In this country, theater for children under 6 is just starting to take off, but in Europe, they have been creating theater for this age group for 20 years or more. I went to the UK to talk with a number of companies about the work they create, how they operate, etc. Much of what I learned on that trip has been put into the company and has made it what it is today. I am excited to be a part of this field in its beginning stages here in the United States.
3) What is your favorite part of owning your own nonprofit?
It is amazing to be able to start a company from scratch – to build something from the ground up is very rewarding. I love talking to parents after classes and hearing how they have helped a shy child blossom or have given a child with lots of energy a bit of focus. During shows, I enjoy sitting in the back to see the reactions kids have at different points or to hear them laugh at something funny one of the performers did on stage. I love collaborating with other organizations and artists; working with our dedicated board; and being a part of this vibrant DC metro area community!
4) What are your plans for Arts on the Horizon in the future?
For the immediate future, we hope to expand our outreach programs and to give back a bit more to the community. We are planning to design programs for different community groups that serve children under the age of 6. Also, we are currently developing 2 new shows that will be produced during the 2012-13 season – two projects I am really excited about! We also hope to one day have our own space in Northern Virginia, which would give us more flexibility with our classes and performances.
5) Tell us a little bit about your own family.
My husband is an IT Director for a trade association – we met here in DC shortly after I moved here from California. I have already mentioned my son, Gavin who is 6 ½ – he is quite a character! He loves the theatre (of course!) and enjoys “writing” scripts and performing them in our living room. The whole family loves football – I am a big college football fan – especially the Oregon Ducks – University of Oregon is my alma mater! As a family we love having game night – we break out the board games and each person gets to choose a game that night – it is one of our favorite activities to do as a family!
6) Where is your favorite family-friendly place to visit in Northern VA?
I have so many – it is hard to choose just one! We love doing things outdoors – walking or riding bikes along path adjacent to the GW parkway, visiting Huntley Meadows park, mini golf at Eisenhower Ave. But during the colder months – I would have to say it would be the local library – we love to read and since Gavin was very young we have spent many afternoons reading books and exploring what our local library has to offer.
Learn more about Arts on the Horizon by visiting their website or facebook page.
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