Background

With greater focus on holistic education and childhood development in the past decade, we have seen a shift away from older approaches to learning, where only rote learning and memorization were prioritized in Indian schools. However, much of this new emphasis on experiential, art-based learning is only available to those from privileged backgrounds—who have the financial resources and networks for lessons, coaching, or creative opportunities in general. Children from underserved communities, whether in urban or rural locales, still find themselves boxed into an education system that is often unconcerned with introducing youth to various forms of art exploration and expression. One huge aspect that is missed out on, that could have a transformative impact on their personal development, is community-based performance art. 

Theatre is an incredibly diverse and accessible form of art with several benefits: it provides a platform for self-expression and creativity; it helps build confidence and self-esteem; and lastly, it fosters a sense of belonging and community. When engaging in collaborative practice and performance, students develop unique bonds with their peers and mentors, garnering an opportunity to express their ideas and emotions in an entirely safe environment. They also gain a sense of pride in their abilities and the confidence to express themselves effectively, which are transferable skills that will come of use in all their academic and professional endeavors in the future. Project Prism was founded to make this practice of self-expression and skill-building through performance art a reality for underrepresented youth.