"Here is a story about how The Barn's mission has an impact on the community, from one of our previous participants/now instructors.
When I was a freshman in high school, all I knew was that I hated math and loved people. Try using that information to form a future career. When I found out that The Barn was creating a kid-run variety TV show called "Unfocused" through my art teacher, I immediately signed up, but thought of it more as a hobby. Little did I know I was learning skills that I now use every day.
Before joining "Unfocused," I had never seriously considered following my passion for short films. I loved creating sketches and writing stories, but as a job it seemed out of reach. When I was given a leadership role on "Unfocused" as a Marketing Director, my confidence and curiosity grew. With the guidance of our show's supervisors, I was promoted to Director of the show, and learned so much from the experience. I was teaching kids film and how to use audio equipment, helping them write segments, and even editing the episodes using industry grade software. I was also doing much of the work of a producer: logistics, making connections, and building a team. During my year on the program I not only discovered my love of teaching, which I am now considering as a career path, but I also discovered the route I want to take in film: I am minoring in Producing for Film and Media.
My work with The Barn is a big part of what empowered me to follow my dream. What once felt unattainable is now the day-to-day of my studies. I will always be grateful to everyone there for allowing me to make mistakes, discoveries, and friends in the nurturing and fun environment that is The Barn."
-Sarah Conroy is a sophomore Film and Television student at the Savannah College of Art and Design who taught film at the Barn in 2020, and hopes to teach more.
When I was a freshman in high school, all I knew was that I hated math and loved people. Try using that information to form a future career. When I found out that The Barn was creating a kid-run variety TV show called "Unfocused" through my art teacher, I immediately signed up, but thought of it more as a hobby. Little did I know I was learning skills that I now use every day.
Before joining "Unfocused," I had never seriously considered following my passion for short films. I loved creating sketches and writing stories, but as a job it seemed out of reach. When I was given a leadership role on "Unfocused" as a Marketing Director, my confidence and curiosity grew. With the guidance of our show's supervisors, I was promoted to Director of the show, and learned so much from the experience. I was teaching kids film and how to use audio equipment, helping them write segments, and even editing the episodes using industry grade software. I was also doing much of the work of a producer: logistics, making connections, and building a team. During my year on the program I not only discovered my love of teaching, which I am now considering as a career path, but I also discovered the route I want to take in film: I am minoring in Producing for Film and Media.
My work with The Barn is a big part of what empowered me to follow my dream. What once felt unattainable is now the day-to-day of my studies. I will always be grateful to everyone there for allowing me to make mistakes, discoveries, and friends in the nurturing and fun environment that is The Barn."
-Sarah Conroy is a sophomore Film and Television student at the Savannah College of Art and Design who taught film at the Barn in 2020, and hopes to teach more.
"A waterfall starts but with one drop, and look what becomes of that.” Stephen Dorff - P.K- The Power of One
The Barn is a small non-profit youth/teen center that relies on revenue from our events and programs to exist. With the current health crisis, closures and reduced capacity our income has been severely impacted. However, we continue to provide programs online and in person and have maintained our policy of never turning away a child due to their inability to pay. If you are in a position to provide financial assistance to The Barn during these stressful times, we would greatly appreciate it!
GIVING TUESDAY HEROES 2020:
Joan Walker
The Vradenburgh's
Alison Luciana
Zachary Hollback
Jason & Tobi Klaskin
Cristal DePietro
Stiewing Family
Joan Walker
The Vradenburgh's
Alison Luciana
Zachary Hollback
Jason & Tobi Klaskin
Cristal DePietro
Stiewing Family
A Huge thank you to the sponsors below:
The Madison Foundation - The John Brady & Roberta Islieb Donor Advised Fund - Madison Rotary
Act II Thrift Shop Roses for Autism The Source
Gilman Brothers The Stiewing Family
Julie, Pete & Fitz
The Gentil Family Supercalifragilistic Speech Language Therapy, Inc.
The Vradenburgh's Jason & Tobi Klaskin
The Vradenburgh's Jason & Tobi Klaskin
Supporting Families:
The Rizzo Family John, JoLynn, Maggie & Grame Kennedy Dave & Jen Ryan Leslie Sude
Donna Farrell The Nicoletti Family
The Rizzo Family John, JoLynn, Maggie & Grame Kennedy Dave & Jen Ryan Leslie Sude
Donna Farrell The Nicoletti Family