Staying Power: Celebrating Courage, Growth, and the Creative Journey

Staying Power marked the culmination of a remarkable journey undertaken by two young performers as they explored voice, movement, storytelling, and self-expression through the Teen Theater Lab at the Creative Commons by Altomonte Projects.

In an intimate showcase attended by their families, friends, and alumni of previous Creative Commons workshops, the two young ladies took to the stage with courage and authenticity, sharing a story not only of performance, but of perseverance, confidence, and the quiet strength it takes to keep moving forward despite fear.

The showcase unfolded in three interconnected pieces, each reflecting a different aspect of their growth as performers. It opened with a devised movement piece that introduced the audience to Rudolf Laban's Eight Basic Efforts, the movement principles the students had been studying throughout the course. These expressive movement qualities became the physical vocabulary that shaped their powerful interpretation of Maya Angelou's Phenomenal Woman, allowing them to embody the poem with intention, energy, and individuality.

The evening concluded with The First Scene, an original devised work inspired by their own experiences entering the workshop. Looking back at the uncertainty, hesitation, and excitement of that first day, the piece served as both a reflection on where they began and a celebration of how far they had come.

More than a showcase of theatrical skills, Staying Power was a testament to the transformative power of creative learning. It reminded us that theater is not simply about performance—it is about discovering one's voice, building confidence, learning to collaborate, and finding the courage to be seen.

We congratulate our latest graduates: Fevi Gabrielle De La Cruz and Daena Valbuena!

At the Creative Commons by Altomonte Projects, we celebrate not only the techniques our students acquire, but also the resilience, creativity, and self-belief they carry with them long after the final curtain call. We are proud of these two young performers and excited for all the creative possibilities that lie ahead for them.