The Possibility Project is teaming up, once again, with car designer and collector James Glickenhaus to host a unique event and auction featuring some of the most legendary cars on the planet.

ABOUT THE AUCTION

Place your bids to win any of the priceless experiences listed below:

24 Hours of Nurburgring Team P4/5C Complete VIP Package (May 19-20) – includes airfare for two, hotel, transport, and VIP all-access race passes to the 24 Hours of Nurburgring Race, plus tickets to our Team VIP lounge. Read more

24 Hours of Nurburgring VIP Experience (May 19-20) – includes two all-access passes to the 24 Hours of Nurburgring Race, plus access to testing and preliminary races in the days leading up to the race, and tickets for the P4/5C’s private VIP lounge. Read more

Million Dollar Ride in the P4/5C – includes a personal tour of Jim Glickenhaus’s priceless collection of rare and antique cars, plus a ride on the open road in the legendary P4/5C. Read more

VLN Endurance Championship and Testing with the P4/5C Team (March 30-31) – Spend 2 days with the P4/5C team and Jim Glickenhaus while they test at the Nurburgring in Germany and then race at the VLN Endurance Championship. Includes two pit-access tickets for both days, and VIP lounge access during the race. Bidding for this item will close on March 15 at 8:00pm. Read more

VLN Endurance Championship and Testing with the P4/5C Team (April 27-28) – Spend 2 days with the P4/5C team and Jim Glickenhaus while they test at the Nurburgring in Germany and then race at the VLN Endurance Championship. Includes two pit-access tickets for both days, and VIP lounge access during the race. Read more

Bidding will close on March 24 at 8:00pm unless otherwise stated above. Attendance at the event (below) is not required to win. Must be 18 yrs or older to participate. All proceeds go to The Possibility Project.

ABOUT THE EVENT

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Join The Possibility Project for its second annual Evening of Cars. Get a rare look-see at some of the most gorgeous, priceless cars in the world, housed in a sparkling studio in southern Westchester County. The event is hosted by Jim Glickenhaus, owner and proprietor of this extraordinary collection. Some highlights of the shop include the Ferrari P4/5 by Pininfarina, a Ford MK IV that raced in the 24 hours of Les Mans in 1967, a Ferrari P3/4, a Lola T-70, the iconic Dino Competizione by Pininfarina, and several others.

The event will be held on March 24, 2012 in southern Westchester County, about an hour north of New York City. Tickets must be purchased in advance via the link below. No tickets will be sold at the door.

Ticket prices: Hors D’Oeuvres Ticket ($100/ticket, 4:00pm-6:00pm, includes hors d’ouerves and cocktails); Dinner Ticket ($250/ticket, 4:00pm-8:00pm, includes hors d’ouerves, cocktails, three-course dinner with wine service, and a chance to win a ride in any of the cars in the collection). A portion of each ticket purchase is tax-eductible, and all proceeds go to The Possibility Project.

Dear Possibility Project Friend,

This year marks our tenth anniversary of using the performing arts to empower teenagers to create better lives and communities. As I look back on all that we have accomplished – engaging over 800 teenagers in creating change, producing 17 original musicals and more than 60 community action projects, and helping 99% of our youth to graduate and 92% go on to college – I find myself incredibly proud of our young people and the impact we have made.

Winter 2011 News

I also find myself contemplating the meaning and value of our impact from their point of view. I recently went into our files and began re-reading the words of our youth over the last decade, listening again to their thoughts about The Possibility Project.

What has struck me is the importance of The Possibility Project at a critical time in a teenager’s life and development…

…the process of change that our young people so courageously undertake…

…and the generosity they discover as they engage with each other and their communities.

The demand for The Possibility Project continues to grow. This year, while we will engage 145 teenagers, more than ever before, we still had to turn away 119 youth. Our aim for the future is to grow to meet this demand and reach even more youth.

We ask you to join us as we near the beginning of 2012 and support our teens and our purpose by making a generous donation. Your contribution will help our young people and our efforts to make a better future for them, their families and communities, and our world.

We know we could not achieve so much – and look forward with such hope – without the support of friends like you. We hope you will contribute and help us empower more teens.

From all of us at The Possibility Project, best wishes for a peaceful holiday season!

Sincerely,

Paul Griffin
Founder & President

Visit our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/possibilityproj/

Get your holiday shopping done and support The Possibility Project at the same time! AMERICANA MANHASSET will DONATE 25% of your pre-tax purchases to The Possibility Project!

1. REGISTER!

…for your free CHAMPION CARD from Americana Manhasset, to benefit The Possibility Project

• Online: www.championsforcharity.org
• By phone: 800-818-6767
• In Person: Americana Manhasset Concierge Store

You will receive your card on or about November 23. You may also register and immediately receive a CHAMPION CARD anytime at the event at Americana Manhasset’s Concierge Store (located between Gap and Theory on the south side of Americana Manhasset).

2. SHOP!

…December 1-3 and show your CHAMPION CARD

Present your CHAMPION CARD during Americana Manhasset’s Champions for Charity® Holiday Shopping Benefit at participating Americana Manhasset and Wheatley Plaza stores when making your purchases. CHAMPION CARD is not a charge card, a debit card or a payment card of any kind. Any form of payment may be used with it. Your purchases are not automatically eligible. Your CHAMPION CARD is required to allocate your donation and MUST be presented at the time of each purchase. All 2011 Champions for Charity® shoppers will be eligible to win a $1,000 Americana Manhasset GiftCard.

3. SPREAD THE LOVE!

…by purchasing GiftCards that will benefit The Possibility Project

You can further support The Possibility Project by using your CHAMPION CARD while pre-ordering Americana Manhasset GiftCards. 10% of the value of any GiftCards purchased in this matter will be donated to The Possibility Project. To pre-order GiftCards, call Abbie Idavoy, GiftCard Director, at 516-627-2277.

The 34-day shoot included 12 original cast members, more than 70 teenagers and alumni from other TPP programs, 46 adult actors, and 44 different crew members working in 33 different locations. The film is currently in post-production at Beast Editorial.

“Know How” is scheduled for completion in early 2012. The Possibility Project is raising funds now to screen the film in U.S. cities to raise awareness of the need for change in the foster care system.

Follow the film’s progress and receive updates and news by “liking” our Facebook page for the movie!

Learn more about the film at www.knowhowmovie.com.

Youth Communication – The New York based literacy and youth development organization is teaming up with TPP’s foster care cast to create a book based on the cast’s upcoming original musical, “A Place for the Night.” Youth Communication staff and youth have been attending TPP rehearsals for the past few weeks to discuss the value of telling their stories by way of theatre and writing. The book, due to be published February 2012, will include excerpts from these discussions, along with portions of the original musical’s script, and writings by Youth Communication participants about the process of preparing personal stories for stage. This project is funded by The Charles Lawrence Keith & Clara Miller Foundation.

Lend-A-Hand India – An organization that operates programs for youth in India has piloted an intensive stateside college prep program to benefit motivated young people in New York City. Four TPP Sophomores and Juniors were selected to take part in the 2010-2011 school year, and more will be selected to participate this year. Participants receive individualized college guidance from Options for College, subject tutoring and SAT prep from The Ivy Key, and assistance acquiring financial aid for college. TPP is the first organizational partner for this initiative.

Korean American Community Foundation – KACF is assisting TPP with an ongoing initiative to engage Korean and Asian youth in its programs and events. By providing financial support through its Inter-Community Development Fund and facilitating connections with other grantee partners, KACF is helping to get more members of the Korean American community involved in TPP’s programs, thereby bringing their perspective and voice to the stage, and providing opportunities for vital social connections beyond their immediate culturally insular communities.

NYU Educational Theatre – Students from NYU’s Steinhardt School worked with TPP Artistic Director Elizabeth Howard and Program Manager Kelly Claus to create a Discussion and Resource Guide for high school teachers bringing their youth to TPP’s March 2011 production, “Run That Back.” The guide provides discussion questions and classroom activities designed to deepen the conversations that arise after watching a TPP performance. The goal is for teachers to explore the causes and effects of sensitive issues (love relationships, abuse, self-image) in a constructive and safe manner, and to brainstorm solutions and ideas for change with their students.

Love and Water Designs – Graphic artists from all over the world took part in a t-shirt design contest to benefit TPP. One half of the proceeds from all sales is donated back to The Possibility Project. View and purchase the winning design here: www.loveandwaterdesigns.com/design/never-give. Shirts will also be available for purchase at each of our premiere performances.

After School Program

The Tuesday/Thursday After School Program is starting strong with its biggest cast yet – over 50 teenagers! The cast is led by Artistic Director Elizabeth Howard, Assistant Director Alana Hartman, and a Production Team of ten returning cast members. This cast will rehearse two days a week from now until late June, premiering its original musical in April 2012. The cast is supported by Musical Director Seth Rothschild and Choreographer Jam.

Saturday Program

The Saturday Program is comprised of 70+ teenagers from all five boroughs of New York City. The cast is led by Artistic Director Jeff Flowers, Assistant Directors Desiree de Cahlo and Megan Ballo, and a Production Team of twelve returning cast members. This cast will rehearse every Saturday from now until late June, premiering its original musical in May 2012. The cast is supported by Musical Director Danny Rockett and Choreographer Marguerite Hemmings.

The Saturday Program is grateful to have a wonderful collaboration with the University Settlement’s Beacon Program at East Side Community High School, where it rehearses each week.

Foster Care Program

The Monday/Wednesday Program for youth in foster care is gearing up for the premiere of its original musical, “A Place for the Night.” Performances will be held in December 2011 (dates and location TBA), and will chronicle true stories of youth in the cast. Over the next two months, cast members will be writing the script, learning songs and dances, and exploring their ideas for real change around issues presented in the show.

The Foster Care Program is led by Artistic Director Paul Griffin, Assistant Director Elizabeth Howard, and a Production Team of eight returning cast members. The program is supported by Musical Director Seth Rothschild, Choreographer Maiysha Cade, and Vocal Coach Angela Mu (TPP Alumni!).

Audition Dates

There are three open auditions which are open to any teenager (13-19 yrs old) in New York City.

• Saturday, September 17, 2011 from 11:00am to 1:00pm – East Side Community High School*
• Saturday, September 24, 2011 from 11:00am to 1:00pm – East Side Community High School*
• Saturday, October 1, 2011 from 11:00am to 1:00pm – East Side Community High School*

*East Side Community High School is at 420 East 12th Street between 1st Avenue and Avenue A, near the L train at 1st Avenue

Download an audition flier here (requires Adobe PDF reader).

About Auditions: Participants are selected through non-competitive group “auditions.” These “auditions” include completing a written survey, as well as engaging in improvisation, simple dancing, and singing. Criteria for participant selection include need for the program, availability, willingness to collaborate with a diverse group of young people, and concern for the various issues facing young people today. No one is chosen on the basis of talent or ability.

• Set up a special audition at your school or agency.
• Join our mailing list to be notified of upcoming auditions.

Additional Information

For more information about auditions and our programs, click here.

NEFERTITI MARTIN

Years in TPP: 2005-2006 Saturday Cast (“Revolution in Progress”), 2006-2007 Saturday Cast (“Univers-All”)

Current City: Bronx, NY

What are you doing now, professionally and creatively? I am currently a community organizer for Girls for Gender Equity (GGE). After attending early college for a semester in Massachusetts, I returned to NYC with a desire to affect change in communities in which I identify and found GGE. Girls for Gender Equity is committed to the physical, psychological, social and economic development of girls and women. Through education, organizing and physical fitness, Girls for Gender Equity encourages communities to remove barriers and create opportunities for girls and women to live self-determined lives.

Being part of GGE has been one of the most rewarding & grounding experiences of my life. In 2008, I became a Sisters in Strength youth organizer with 7 other young women of color. We built sisterhood, mentored middle school youth & organized around gender justice, specifically addressing the issue of sexual harassment & gender-based violence in schools & on the streets. Since my initial introduction to this organization, I’ve been trained in Theatre of the Oppressed work to address the issue, spearheaded an advocacy campaign around implementing existing school policy around the issue, indoctrinated a new cohort of young women into this work AND was sent to Brazil to participate in an international young women & sports conference.

When I’m not working, I write, perform spoken word and act! I’ve been in a number of original productions since The Possibility Project, and my professional and creative worlds constantly cross paths. Most recently, I’ve done work with Theatre Askew Youth Performance Experience, in which queer youth and professionals collaborate to do original theatre.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years, professionally and creatively? In five years, I will have gone back to college to pursue a career as a teaching artist, and be on my way to facilitating Theatre of the Oppressed work abroad in Brazil!

Did your time in TPP influence your career path or creative aspirations? Being part of The Possibility Project directly influenced all of what I do now. I decided to put my higher educational career on hold to do what I love in the real world and truly develop a sense of self that can be rare. It has been a struggle but truly believing in the beauty of my dreams has helped me overcome the obstacles of leading “an alternative lifestyle” in every sense of the phrase. TPP was the first community I truly felt I belonged to and now I get to help create community wherever I go. This ability is invaluable.

What do you consider your greatest achievement so far? Learning to love myself has been my greatest achievement so far.

Who is one of your heroes? Octavia E. Butler is an amazing writer, and I aspire to be mentioned in the same arena as her.

What is your dream job? Teaching Artist would be my dream job…for now.

Where do you find inspiration? I find inspiration from the communities in which I identify, as I identify as a queer young woman of color, and the lives of families, friends, and the people I love.

What is your ‘motto’ or some words you live by? It’s ok to lose your mind…so long as you find it again!

If the whole world were listening, what would you say? It takes courage to be human, especially when no one’s looking.

ANGELA MU

Years in TPP: 2007-2008 After School Cast (“Under the Lights”)

Current City: Elmhurst, NY

What are you doing now, professionally and creatively? I just graduated with my Bachelor of Arts in Music (June 2011). I was accepted into the Hunter CUNY Master’s Program in Music Education and I start this August. For the summer, I am tutoring college music students and giving private voice lessons. I am also writing and creating music on my own. I’ve done a couple of shows to raise money for relief benefit fundraisers for disasters around the world.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years, professionally and creatively? I see myself working towards my PhD, working with non- profit organizations, teaching music to private students, or teaching full time at a public, charter, or private school; or be a vocal coach to other artists. I will still be writing music and continue playing the piano, collaborating with other artists.

Did your time in TPP influence your career path or creative aspirations? Yes, The Possibility Project has opened my eyes to what youth are capable of and what youth can do with some helpful guidance. I was to be able to use the things I learned from my TPP directors to become a leader myself. Also with this organization I saw what performing arts can do. The arts have always been underestimated but as a Music graduate, I know all the capabilities the arts posses.

What do you consider your greatest achievement so far? My greatest achievement so far would be obtaining my Bachelors of Arts in Music at the age of 21 and getting into Graduate school the same year I graduate. I will be the first in my family to attend graduate school.

Who is one of your heroes? My Heroes are **MY PARENTS**. They are two immigrants who came to America to seek opportunity for themselves and provide vast opportunities for their children. They are the reason I am able to have accomplishments, my education and my dreams. They came here with nothing and made something of themselves. I have seen the hardships that they have encountered and overcome. They are my heroes and the two people I look up to the most in my life.

What is your dream job? I would love to be SONG WRITER. Music isn’t just my PASSION, it is **WHO I AM**. Music is my relief, the way I express myself, music runs through me and I sing with my heart and my soul. I use music as a source of story telling – my stories, other’s stories, and issues of the world. And if my career was to do what I love, I would be part of the handful of people who are daring enough to do what truly makes them HAPPY, and that will make me happy. Happiness is achieved.

Where do you find inspiration? The PEOPLE in my life. My LIFE. My ENVIRONMENT. The ISSUES my COMMUNITY faces (minorities/women/youth). All GENRES of music. Other ARTISTS.

What is your ‘motto’ or some words you live by? Dreams will stay dreams if you do nothing about them. Make them a reality.

If the whole world were listening, what would you say? The way to change the world is to start changes with ourselves.

About the Show: A Band of Performers comes to the stage to reveal an artistic understanding of the lives of teenagers. The ‘show’ they produce takes us through stories of friendship, family, secrets, aspirations, loyalty and loss. They quickly learn, however, that the script is not what they had planned; they discover a group of young people striving to outrun the fate that awaits them, provoking questions for which they have no ready answers… Does the past dictate the future? Can any moment in time contain an understanding of a generation? As the Band of Performers hold their mirror up to reality, they seek to understand what it takes to change the story.

DVDs of this production are available for purchase in our store.

Opening Number

The “Master of Ceremonies” introduces the cast of teenagers struggling with various obstacles in their lives. Music by Danny Rockett, Choreography by Rozz Nash.

Self-Respect Dance 1

Three young women battle insecurities and struggle to find their self-worth. Music by Danny Rockett, Choreography by Marguerite Hemmings.

Self-Respect Dance 2

Three young women find strength in themselves and through each other. Music by Danny Rockett, Choreography by Marguerite Hemmings.

Closing Number

Music by Danny Rockett, Choreography by Marguerite Hemmings.