Any donation to assist in the MWAH! troupe's program development will be gratefully appreciated.
Messages Which Are Hopeful..... MWAH!
See "go Page" NEW drop-down in MWAH Highlights Book!Messages which are hopeful...healthy...and hard to forget. Messages of energy...emotion...and creative thought. Messages from young people on a mission. A mission to stimulate others to think and to react in ways which are positive. A mission to influence others through the performing arts - dance...theatre...song...and mime - as well as through discussion and by example.
Archives of Highlights can be found at MWAH! Highlight Archives.
From throughout the Chicago area as well as other parts of Illinois, the youthful performing artists - because of their diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds - convey a message of hope and promise for the future. Their repertoire reflects the changing times in which we all live. Among the issues are finding healthy alternatives to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; resolving abusive relationship problems associated with bullying, jealousies, and control; eliminating discrimination stemming from differences among people; and developing coping skills when confronted with negative peer influences and low self-esteem.
A focal point for MWAH! is the importance of choices. An overall objective is to inspire young people to face life's challenges and opportunities with knowledge, confidence, and a positive self-image.
The troupe repertoire includes peer helper training and a workshop format in addition to a performance/presentation customized for:
- schools
- conferences
- special events
MWAH! executive producer is Ray Moffitt. The troupe has been incorporated in Illinois as KDC/MWAH! Inc. (Kids Do Count/Messages Which Are Hopeful!), a not-for-profit, 501c3 registered charitable organization, and is an affiliate of the Chicago Area Project (CAP), which is part of a statewide community services network targeting at-risk youth and their families.
The members of the youthful MWAH! Performing Arts Troupe as they appeared at
Wallace Grade School near Ottawa, Illinois on October 11, 2011 are
(front
row from left) Ashley Stonehouse, Taylor Oechsel, Chris Honn, and Chris
Oechsel.
(In the second row are) Jake Smith, Mason Ridenour, and Wynd
Ridenour.
(In the third row are) Shawn Conerton, Rachel Plasch, Rob
Delgado, Alex Oechsel, Lexi Parr, and Sarah Saltiel.
(photo by Jeremy Reed
of Impact Life Photography)
The MWAH! troupe members in a show of support for one another on the
playground behind Wallace Grade School near Ottawa, Illinois on October 11, 2011.
(photo by Jeremy Reed of Impact Life Photography)
Previously posted home page photos may be seen at Home Page MWAH! Photo History