Create the Stage

Wouldn’t it be amazing to share something you love with people who are in need?
Well that is what Talia Owens (12) is doing through her program, Create the Stage.
Owens has been involved in theatre for a large part of her life, and it is her passion. She also noticed that most of the theatre programs she participated in were not culturally diverse. As a woman of color, this bothered her. She wanted to make sure that people of all backgrounds, including lower income children have the same opportunities to get involved with theatre. While attending a program at LITE-Memphis, Owens found a way to make that dream possible.
She was inspired by the founder of LITE-Memphis, Hardy Farrow, to put her idea into action. Owens started putting on workshops at local nonprofits, like Streets Ministries, to get inner city kids interested in theatre.
“I found kids that probably would’ve had no interest in theatre at all, and I saw them blossom and shine and just come to life,” Owens said.
The elementary to high school aged kids that Owens interacts with through her program get to see a high school student who has a passion and is making a difference in her community. They are not only gaining a new outlet that could have a beneficial effect on their lives, but also a positive role model.
Owens hopes to continue developing her program and increasing her impact on the community.