Inspirational phrases accent the fire-engine red and lime green walls. The carefree laughter of children echoes down the vivid orange hallway. A bit farther down the hall is a brick wall with names of people who've donated time or money.
This is the framework of the Banzerini House.
The Banzerini House opened Aug. 2. Located in north Phoenix, the center gives children the opportunity to express themselves in a positive manner and grow as individuals, all while learning the basics of performing arts.
After finishing programs at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and the Sanford Meisner Center in Los Angeles, Angela Longo moved home to Arizona to begin teaching. She says she quickly realized Phoenix lacked affordable, quality performing arts centers and decided to do something about it.
"I just noticed there were not so many truthful companies out here with the performing arts. A lot of it is kind of scam-ish, you know, 'Give me your money,'" says Longo. "That’s ridiculous and there’s no reason for that."
Longo creates the curriculum while Lhea Inzalaco, co-owner of the Banzerini House, manages the business side of the company. Both women knew they'd face challenges, but were 100 percent committed to getting the Banzerini House off the ground.
"I really want to inspire people to be like, ‘Hey look, art is a really great thing.’ And I think a lot of people don’t realize how great and how fun it can be," says Longo.
Currently, there are 20 students enrolled and each one participates in classes on improv, movement, yoga and acting. Through these classes, Longo wants her students to learn to express themselves not only on stage, but in their everyday lives.
Over and over again, "The truth is funny," "Don't hesitate" and "Commit 100 percent" is drummed into a Sunday morning class of five boys and six girls as they work on improvisational skills. Not one of them gets discouraged. Instead, it's a race to the front of the class, each child excited to try again.
Longo plans to expand the Banzerini House to include classes for adults beginning next spring.
Ultimately, the Banzerini House is about creating a community of artists under one big roof, Longo says. It's a positive place where children and adults can express themselves openly. A family.
"I want to grow up to be an actor. An action actor," says Dylan Mayhugh, 9, without a quiver of doubt in his voice.
All the students have a similar presence: undaunted, confident, and that's just the way Longo planned it.
"We really want them to be able to create what they feel in a very positive way. Open up their little eyes to learn everything they can possibly learn; to go after their dreams and follow through," says Longo.
Reach the reporter at alexis.getscher@asu.edu.
