Mission and Impetus

Our mission is to deliver high-quality arts education programs for students in the Greater Baltimore area. The educational initiatives at the Lyric are designed to empower the voice, agency, and creativity of students in grades 5 through 12 from this region. The term “Lyric” itself serves as a fundamental design principle for our programs, derived from the Greek word “lyrikos,” which means to be sung with the lyre.Significantly, it was believed that the lyre fostered a sense of balance and tranquility for listeners, promoting goodwill within the community. Participants engage in afterschool interdisciplinary training, where they create original works that are showcased either at the Lyric or at their workshop venues. Unfortunately, only 8% of high school students in Baltimore City and 15% of students in grades 5 through 8 receive weekly theater instruction. The Lyric’s educational programs strive to fill this crucial gap in instruction. Students learn the fundamentals of theater and produce original pieces that culminate in final performances. As the African proverb states, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Investing in youth is a shared responsibility, relying on the collective guidance, care, and support of those committed to their growth. We collaborate with schools and community organizations that resonate with our values, fostering partnerships over multiple years, as we believe this approach yields the most enduring impact.

“Your life is already artful-waiting, just waiting, for you to make it art.”

Toni Morrison

Who Are We?

We are professional performing artists, writers and educators who believe training in the arts can transform a young person’s life. Our in-school and after-school programs in theater and creative writing support the voice and agency of young people.