University Area CDC Presents Free Prodigy® Showcases

The public is invited to experience the joy of youth in arts, as University Area CDC (Community Development Corporation) presents Prodigy® Showcases throughout the month of April.

Communities spreading across five Florida counties are coming together for vibrant, exciting and free-of-charge presentations of music, dance, spoken word, theater and fine arts exhibits created by students of the Prodigy® Cultural Arts Program. This year’s theme is “A Different World,” celebrating our diversity while building upon resilience to create a world filled with dreams and opportunities.

Youth in grades first through 12th from the University Area CDC’s Prodigy® Cultural Arts Programs in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk and Orange counties are performing dance, music and spoken word presentations in these free events. Many of the students will be performing for the first time. Additionally, visual art by Prodigy® students will be on display.
“Prodigy® Showcase brings out the best of youth cultural arts across west central Florida. Parents and the general community are in for a treat as we celebrate their talents,” said Mike Trepper, Prodigy® director.

A full schedule is online at www.uacdc.org/prodigy. Performance dates include:
• April 20, 7 p.m. – ONIC Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
• April 21, 6 to 7:30 p.m., YMCA St. Petersburg’s Child Park, 4301 13th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711
• April 26, 5 to 7 p.m., Polk County Parks & Rec’s Eloise Resource Center, 710 Snively Avenue, Winter Haven, FL 33880
• April 30, noon to 2 p.m. – University Area CDC, 14013 N 22nd St, Tampa, FL 33613
• April 30, 4 p.m. – Girls, Inc of Lakeland – 1220 W. Highland St., Lakeland, FL 33815 (also on Facebook Live)
• Boys and Girls Club Lacoochee – Date/time to be determined
• Boys and Girls Club Wilbert Davis – Date/time to be determined

The Prodigy® Cultural Arts Program uses an innovative approach to empower, educate and enable at-risk youth, providing a doorway to a better world. Youth ages five to 18 years of age experience performing and visual arts, taught as a tool for self-expression, to learn communication, exploration, problem solving, and conflict resolution skills.

Established in 2000, Prodigy® is achieving its mission of transforming young lives and now reaches across ten counties.

Prodigy is offered at no cost to participants due to ongoing support by the State of Florida and the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.