When a web search is conducted of organizations that support
youth, dozens of websites will lead you to resources for enterprise,
entrepreneurship and even football. But
what of the youth whose experience in sports leads them to feelings of failure?
Or those that can never create anything with their hands to save their lives?
Do the same web search of organizations in the performing
arts and find…. very, very little.
A vibrant Theatre Arts presence in a community brings other
benefits as well. It can bring in
tourism - and a steady cash flow to
business owners.
The Society for The Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN), a
performing arts institution that combines Nigerian cultural traditions with
world-class training, creating a platform to nurture and release creative
potential in art, dance and music has been in existence for 10 years.
10 years that have not been without their challenges, their
highs and their memorable moments.
Sarah Boulos in her capacity as Founder and Chairman of The
Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria has trained and or contributed to
over five hundred individuals in the professional field. SPAN has showcased and
partnered with over 100 NGO’s and Mission work as well as provided on a yearly
basis over thirty jobs in the entertainment industry.
In a No Holds Barred interview with Mrs. Boulos, she had
this to say
Why did SPAN start?
Because it was needed and I was ready to serve and today the
industry is soaring with professional performing artists hired and owning
private businesses. SPAN, BORN OUT of a GOD GIVEN VISION IS PURPOSE DRIVEN AND
PURPOSE DRIVEN MISSION are ignited because of a need and the need is to educate
and present performing artists to
provide them with job opportunities and present their art and for children to
develop themselves in an area of education that is missing in Nigeria.
Was it difficult
being accepted by Nigerians?
It was when we first started but not as much now because the
Nigerian community can now see the benefits of the performing arts and what it
brings to the community, like new job opportunities , a better and healthier
lifestyle, a creative energy in the economy, a positive outlook on our city and
A reduction in the poverty line.
What challenges did
you face?
To build awareness and educate the audience that this
project is very much needed in our society and industry.
At the beginning, banks did not take me seriously and now
they are hiring and sponsoring my student programs. Fundraising was also a
major challenge and now it’s a lot easier, people are considering sponsoring
the arts!!
What is different
now…from 10 yrs ago?
Because the industry has opened partly due to our work there
is more hope to see a performing art center built and a place for young people
to learn and develop themselves and pursue their career in the performing arts
because of our success stories in the Industry.
THE STIGMA, THOUGH STILL PRESENT IS NOT AS STRONG!
Do you regret any of
the decisions you made then?
No, only when I get tired and desire to quit then a young
child gives me a flower or I receive an encouraging word from one of my
students then I know how precious and needed my services are.
What would you do
things differently if you had the chance?
Yes I would, in certain areas of communication and who I
partner with but in general the journey is necessary in every dream as we must
learn lessons in order to grow
What does SPAN @ 10
mean to you in a nutshell?
A place where our citizens are educated , entertained and
inspired for more through the performing arts .
What do you expect
the show to accomplish?
The show will reinforce our vision and the need to develop
more educational programs and to build a place to accommodate students and
citizens to explore the wonders of the performing arts.
