Young Starz Nola
We Dream & We Believe
Young Starz of Nola is an alternative performing arts nonprofit organization with a priority and commitment to create an inclusive environment that develops young artists within New Orleans.
We strive to engage, inspire, & entertain in excellence.
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HISTORY
Founded in 2015, Young Starz NOLA has been dedicated to nurturing the talents of young artists in New Orleans through a variety of performances and community engagements. Since its inception, the organization has presented three annual concerts: Black History, Summer, and Holiday Concerts. Highlights include performances at Beacon Light’s Christmas Concert (2015-2016), the “I Am” Summer Concert at Dillard University (2016), and the ongoing Teen Open Mic Series “Do You Be You” at the New Orleans Jazz Market, starting in 2016.
In 2017, Young Starz NOLA held its “A Starry Tale” Summer Concert at Marigny Opera House and continued to host Holiday Concerts at Felicity Church (2017-2019). In 2018, the group presented “Years & Years of Music” at the Contemporary Arts Center and established partnerships with House of Blues “Music Forward” and ‘Notes for Notes.” The same year, they held an Artist Development Workshop Concert at the House of Blues Parish Room.
By 2019, Young Starz NOLA had performed at notable events such as the New Orleans French Quarter Festival and House of Blues’ “Bringing Down the House,” and hosted the Starz on Broadway event. In 2020, they made a television appearance on “NCIS,” performed the Black History Show at Arts Klub, and produced the “Star Fest” Drive-Up Concert. The following year, they debuted “Starz the Musical,” celebrating their students’ talents and the organization’s journey. Young Starz NOLA continues to uplift and showcase young artists, enriching the cultural landscape of New Orleans.
Our Objective
Young Starz is an organization that provides multi-faceted, high-quality performing arts programs to the youth of New Orleans. We seek to create an all-inclusive, comprehensive art curriculum and programming to inner-city youth; we engage in rigorous and passionate artist development classes while fostering character, integrity and individuality in each of our “starz.” We strive to work on self-improvement by developing greater self-awareness, confidence, and expressivity. We seek to become more educated and appreciative of various cultures, musical genres, and artistic means of expression.
OUR VALUES
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Equity - We believe in social justice; we believe that everyone deserves a fair and equitable opportunity to be seen, heard, and valued.
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Unity - We believe in creating a community and family-like atmosphere that is all inclusive of all artists. (with & without exceptionalities & disabilities)
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Passion - We believe in passion and love for the arts; we seek to find joy and freedom in expressing ourselves.
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Character - We believe in personal and artist integrity; we believe in the power of individuality.
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Accountability - We believe in holding ourselves accountable to our beliefs, thoughts and actions. We believe accountability yields responsibility, ownership, and clarity of our selves and our passions
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.Discipline - We believe in the power of hard work, practice, and preparation. We believe in maintaining a professional environment through timeliness, attire, dedication, mindsets, and social interactions.
GOALS
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To change the narrative of New Orleans youth, so they may see themselves as the transcending and innovative artists of today.
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To create a liberating experience where young people of diverse backgrounds can express themselves without limitations.
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To create generational wealth and future entrepreneurs by educating young artists on financial literacy, brand development, and marketing strategies.
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To create a safe space for young artists that prioritizes their mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health and needs.