Our August Virtual Town Hall explored how CYD organizations connect young people to careers in production, technology, media, venues, unions, and the broader creative economy. We examined the practical skills, professional networks, and long-term economic opportunity provided through this CYD approach.

Featured Programs

• The BackStage Tech Ensemble and Apprenticeshipprogram at Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit offers hands-on educational and developmental opportunities in stage craft, lighting, sound, and costumes beginning at age 10. As participants grow in their skills and responsibilities, they become paid tech team members well prepared for employment at professional theaters.

• The Music Education Group, Inc (MEG) in Atlanta offers a wide breadth of in-school and after-school music, film, media, and technology workforce development programs. Ranging from engineering, recording, and coding to the business of music, MEG is a pathway resource for young people aspiring to work in the region’s thriving creative economy.

• Soundworks High Road Training Program at White Hall Arts Academy in Los Angeles provides comprehensive workforce development training in audio, video, and lighting for justice-affected and transitional age foster youth between the ages of 18-28. The immersive program fuses wellbeing support, career coaching, and professional internship placements for longterm industry success.

Panel: DeLashea Strawder, James E. Caldwell, Tanisha Hall, and Dalouge Smith

Youth leaders: Charisma Holly and Tanaya Duffie

In collaboration with Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, The Music Education Group, Inc (MEG), and White Hall Arts Academy