As the summer months heat up, many of our youth have lots of time on their hands. They need, inspiring, motivational options that will give them the real-life tools they can use both now and in the future. They need positive experiences and influences that nurture their desire to learn, create and imagine. And because they're kids, they also need to have fun in a safe and conducive environment.

Full Vision Arts Foundation has created the free "Summer Youth Arts Intensive Interdisciplinary Performing Arts Program, a five-week interactive workshop for youth ages 14-18, to be held at Mosswood Recreation Center located at 3612 Webster Street. Auditions will be held on Monday, July 13th from 4pm - 7pm. Thereafter, the program workshop series will be held on Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning Wednesday, July 15th and run through Thursday, August 20th from 4pm - 7pm.

The hands-on summer workshop offers performing and filmic arts workshops including theatre, spoken word, music, filmmaking, stand-up comedy, dance and the business of show business, designed to culminate in full-scale production and performance in the fall. Practical methods and professional performers are utilized to identify, cultivate, encourage and support the next generation of Bay Area artists.

Headed up by long-time multi-disciplinary artist and Full Vision Arts Foundation co-founder and founder of the Bay Area Black Comedy Competition & Festival Tony Spires, the program features professional performing artist instruction from notables such as: actor/comedian and star of the hit one man stage play "East 14th" and Hollywood entertainment executive Don Reed, founder of internationally acclaimed Hip Hop Dance troupe the "Architeckz," Jeriel Bey, R&B singer/songwriter/educator Ajuana Black, R&B singer/songwriter/educator Na'Omi Bull, "Hyphy" Pioneer Krushadelic, Spoken Word/Hip Hop icon, activist, educator and Oakland Arts Commissioner Ise Lyfe and others. "The FVAF Summer Youth Arts Intensive is a multi-disciplinary and fun approach to inspiring, teaching and producing performing arts, mentoring, supporting positive values, healthy lifestyles and promoting the arts among East Bay inner city youth," shares FVAF founder Tony Spires. "Oakland is such a hotbed of young urban talent. We're here to help develop the next generation of young performers," Spires adds.

Full Vision Arts Foundation is committed to helping Oakland/Bay Area inner city youth reach their full potential via the creation, production and promotion of artistic endeavors and by developing artists that reflect the many faces of the African American experience and the cultural diversity of our community. FVAF endeavors to expose inner city youth to career options in the arts by involving them first-hand in real-life arts and entertainment productions.

The Summer Youth Arts Intensive is Free of Charge to Participating Youth