HISTORY
BSTFPA _a dynamic, creative, and expressive, mobile non-profit theatre, began as a small mobile bible-based, stage production company traveling to community centers, schools, and churches, constantly working to contribute to the components of life to the Inner City of Alexandria, Virginia’s poor and low-income youths and their families; special attention was devoted to at-risk teens and people “rebuilding” their self-confidence, as well as attempting to develop productive lives by preparing for college or advanced career training.
Bible Stories Theatre of Fine & Performing Arts, marks its 11th anniversary on May 23, 2009. Janet I. Thomas started the company from scratch with herself as the sole employee in a small bedroom converted into an office in Alexandria, Virginia. She said then she would, no matter how long it took, build the company to the Glory of God, by diligent, fervent prayer and faith; and by recruiting smart, inventive people to work on stage productions important to the community. Ms.Thomas,offered talented artist the opportunity to hone their craft, and meet the challenges they wanted, and her team of colleagues needed to build a not-for-profit business. The formula worked, very slowly at first, then, most presently, with increased speed. However, even these elements were not enough to attract the people and build the company she wants. Today, notwithstanding, everyday, whether, large or small, she holds strong to her commitment to perform the task HE has set before her,focused on bringing sound and clear-cut lessons in integrity, strong moral principles and values through biblical-based dramatic performing arts: a sphere of stage projects and productions were created to bridge the gap between the developed and un-developed communities and endow with them with opportunities to enter and re-enter into society through training and enriching programming to raise educational opportunities in the performing arts field as a vehicle to improve and increase income initiation, as well as provide additional information on fighting challenges such as HIV/AIDS, and other related health issues to at risk teens and teen pregnancy.
Recognized in 2003 as a non-profit in the State of Virginia, Founder, Janet I. Thomas, a life-long Alexandria resident, and Novelist/Playwright/Gospel Songwriter, introduced the AWARENESS IN THE ARTS FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH), a before and after school program to teach the fundamentals of theatre and film, using the 40 Parables of Jesus Christ, as a theme, to the City of Alexandria’s poor and low-income children, and youth. In the winter of 2005, under the umbrella of AWARENESS IN THE ARTS FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH PROGRAM, Ms. Thomas launched the first of two additional programs in response to a need for a workable solution to the Inner City issues in her community_ THE YOUTH ARTS HANDS-ON WORKSHOP EMPOWERING HONOR (Y.A.H.W.E.H) Project.
Most recently, in the summer of 2006, Professor Daniel Wynn Jr., joined the theatre as a volunteering consultant, bringing a wealth of theatrical insight and leadership guidance,to help shape the business to a fully staffed theatre company that will be made up in the essence of a Kingdom Building, fine and performing arts corporation, with a focus on Awareness in The Arts curriculum, for children and youth.
Ms. Thomas, is building a valuable and efficient board that will work with her to expand services to include the programs of her business plan.
Through the support of sponsorships, donations, and private investors, BSTFPA, can begin a journey to bring an active part of the ‘advancement ‘ of our Inner City Community. We can continue in our effort in the 2010/11 Fiscal Year, with further use of Grants and/or Federal Funding, which would also help create a staff of 15-20 full-time employees, and a part-time teaching staff of 8.
The vision of BSTFPA is to reach more than 200,000 children & youth annually. From that base, the company will continuously work to expand to become an effective, and persuasive community force.
