the story of illuminate
In 2012, Jennifer Keating taught a dozen homeschoolers, not imagining it would grow to become a thriving community of hundreds
She was on a mission to provide exceptional, enriching, accessible, wholesome, family-friendly opportunities in every aspect of the arts in an atmosphere that allows students to discover and pursue their potential.
In January 2013, 15 eager students performed “Singin' in the Rain” onstage at Tolman High School in Pawtucket.
Over the next seven years, A Work in Progress obtained nonprofit status and continued to grow with a commitment to three core values: LEARN + GROW + SHINE
accommodating all skill levels and providing appropriate learning challenges for all students from preschool age to adult, providing additional leadership opportunities for students who excel through mentoring, internships and student teaching opportunities
LEARN
educating students about all aspects of production on and off the stage through classes, workshops, coaching, and performances that are competitively priced, with options that fit within homeschooling schedules.
GROW
nurturing and empowering students to discover their potential through family-friendly, wholesome educational content that respects their beliefs and values.
providing opportunities for students to use their gifts and talents to serve the community through various outreach teams, as well as cultivating leadership skills by interning, coaching, and assisting Team Illuminate.
SHINE
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Not sure if illuminate is the community for your family? See what our community is saying:
"We’ve been with the company from the beginning. My daughter literally did everything. Shows, classes, outreach, script writing, student teacher. Looking back, the opportunities illuminate offered her were the catalyst to her college path and future career. The chance to not only star on the stage but write actual scripts led her to pursue that in college. She can attest to being ahead of her peers because of all she was able to experience at illuminate." - Traci (parent)
"There are so many ways to find your place in this company…. My youngest son (13) Enjoyed the junior productions, but being on stage is not his thing. Then he found TIP crew (backstage crew) and loved it! He found his place working with tools, creating sets, learning about the lights and being a part of a crew of kids and adults. Illuminate has given our family a place to express ourselves artfully, build friendships, cultivate life skills, serve our local community and be apart of a company that strives to keep opening doors for the whole family." - Kerryanne (parent)
"illuminate differentiates itself by running throughout the year, offering free community programs (such as an innovative day-long Shakespeare in the Skatepark festival in Attleboro’s Balfour Riverpark), and opening its arms to students with a range of abilities. It is clear that the organization is committed to establishing a strong family that works toward the greater good for both its students and the community at large." - Mim (community member)
LOCATIONS
illuminate is truly a community organization. We meet in various shared spaces throughout the Attleboro, MA area.
Centenary United Methodist Church
15 Sanford St. Attleboro, MA
Double ACS TV
42 Union St, Attleboro, MA
Attleboro Community Theatre
71 N. Main St. Attleboro, MA
Tolman High School Theatre
150 Exchange St. Pawtucket, RI