Dear Patron,

As SCCT's Principal Teaching Artist, I am witness to innumerable ways that SC Children’s Theatre changes lives for young people and their families.

One of the great privileges of my job is sharing the joy of storytelling and ensemble with young people who may not otherwise have the chance to try a similar activity.  We visit Title I schools with grant-funded residencies which connect curriculum to games that promote creativity, expression, problem-solving, and movement. These are often the first concepts sacrificed in the rush to reach testing goals. However, they are the skills most employers seek in job candidates.  

More importantly, the residencies we do with the Upstate's special needs communities make a deep impression.  From interactive storytelling with Washington Center's students to “Introduction to Acting” with Hope Academy's students, SCCT validates these students' ability to experience and participate in the performing arts. Students feel "seen" and are able to practice soft skills outside of their regular routine. 

Often, an educator looks across the room at me with astonishment as a child unexpectedly "gets it" and contributes to a creative activity. Imagine the smiles on all of those young faces as they hear applause for their efforts. It is intoxicating! Most of all, this marginalized population meets an adult who looks them in the eye, gives them full attention, and exercises the necessary patience to let them contribute in their own time and in their own unique way. These contributions are always worth the wait. 

I find so much value in the work SCCT brings to the community.  And that's why as a full-time employee of SCCT for over 20 years, I am also a donor. I understand that not everyone has the chance to see what I am privileged to witness daily at my job. However, I can guarantee that when you sit in the audience of an SCCT show and see the glow of accomplishment on the actors’ faces as they take a bow and the delight on the faces in the seats around you, you are experiencing only a sliver of the magic that SCCT brings to our area.

With gratitude,

Traysie Amick
SCCT Principal Teaching Artist