David Robertson, founder and CEO of TTPAA, developed a program that ignites the spirits within the youth he serves. With over 20 years of experience in the performing arts he, complimented by a group of talented professional staff, derives great pleasure seeing the transformation occur in the work that they do with young adolescents. All too often youth are taught technique without it resonating throughout their being. These students often have “good instruments but hollow performances” – something is missing. David teaches “Empowerment, Beyond Technique”…feeling comes first, technique follows naturally with training.
The philosophy of the Academy is “Empowerment Beyond Technique” and has a three-fold focus:
- To improve student’s self-esteem and develop new techniques and skills by creating a challenging performing arts curriculum.
- To create a safe, nurturing training environment to increase students’ self-confidence.
- To improve literacy through tailored performing arts lessons, including performance art history, nutrition, structure, expression and case studies.
There exists a host of talented youth who possess the desire to learn more about the performing arts, but may not have access to programs that are usually made available in more affluent communities nor the finances to access such programs. The Academy offer high-level training in theatrical and nutritional disciplines three days a week after-school. Acceptance into the program is contingent upon the results of an audition process. David, along with his staff members, will assess each student’s talents, and place them appropriately reflecting their age and or ability all at no fee for 50% of its students. When young people are able to attend programs such as this, their energy can be redirected into an appropriate outlet that can peak their interest in the arts, enhance their academic achievement and in turn promote positive role models for the community.