The Michael’s Daughter Project
Uplifting Families & Youth Through the Healing Power of Art
Grab your pens, notepad, and put on your creative thinking hat. At The Michael’s Daughter Foundation, all of our workshops are focused on providing free or low-cost performing classes and financial wellness courses to youth and families impacted by the incarceration of a loved one. From summer sessions to after-school programs, you can take part in it all.
Summer Session
Our summer session is an annual creative writing and media arts program.
Funded by the Artists in Residency grant provided by the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, we have been able to provide a FREE art program to the residents of District 6 and exclusively serve the youth of the Blythe Street Neighborhood in Panorama City, CA, for the past eight years.
During the summer session, local youth meet over a period of 5-6 weeks to create an original production. Our productions come in the form of staged theatrical plays, documentaries, or short films.
This is where our local youth get a chance to shine and hone their artistic talent, as the productions are written and created by the participants themselves. We only provide the theme as a general guideline.
After the final scene is polished, our students get the honor of watching their work on the big screen. Since 2013 General Manager, Chris Williams of the Van Nuys Regency Theater, has hosted The Michael’s Daughter Foundation in providing a private screening area for the participants and their families to enjoy their work.
Note: Our Annual Summer Camp only supports 25 spots on a first-come basis.
Fall Session
Select Schools
After School & Weekend Sessions
Our fall sessions host a number of participants to meet, develop, write, and produce original creative content. These sessions are held either as an after-school program or weekend workshops held over a certain period of time.
Fall sessions held in the Panorama City area are free to join. The final presentation is usually presented before the Christmas Holiday Break. It’s a wonderful time to bring the family together and enjoy the fruits of your child’s creative work.
Workshops
In-School Residency
Our in-school residency program allows participants to learn acting, writing, and filmmaking skills over one school semester. The students are tasked with either creating a group ensemble piece or an individual presentation. Either way, it’s a very gratifying experience!
All residencies vary in theme, structure, and culminating presentation. We always comply with the school’s and district’s rules and regulations while directing our in-school residency programs.
If your school would like to host The Michael’s Daughter Project, please contact us.
Art Behind Bars
Incarcerated individuals need an outlet for creative expression. It’s an important way to activate their minds, get them involved in a project, and assist with rehabilitation.
The Michael’s Daughter Foundation is stepping up to the plate, designing a limited-session workshop series that serves our prison population.
Ultimately, we will host a select group of prison residents to enjoy a creative writing and performance art-based workshop.
Michael’s Daughter In A Day
Book a one-day, private, artistic healing workshop with us.
The Michael’s Daughter Foundation founder, Ciera Payton, and staff will provide a 2–4-hour workshop that empowers and motivates participants to honor their stories and celebrate their journeys.
Our trained staff leads the participants in various writing and speaking exercises, which opens the floor for participants to share their work. It’s always a moving experience, and our participants love the results that come out of this workshop.
SIGN UP FOR A WORKSHOP
Visit our events page to find out more about upcoming programs, workshops, and sessions. Space is limited for each creative adventure, so sign up early to secure your spot!
Space is limited for our workshops and sessions.
Our Annual Summer Camp only supports 25 spots on a first come basis.
To register, email us at Info@michaelsdaughter.org