from the Performing Arts Co-Director

As an educator, I’ve had the distinct honor of working with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County for eleven years with the goal of developing a yearround performing arts education program. With lots of hard work from kids and staff, this program isn’t just successful, it is also award-winning! Along with my directing partner, Jill Miller Burdick, and a host of talented performing arts instructors, we have established a robust program known as BGCKC’s Stage Door Academy that includes annual workshops and licensed summer musical productions that focus on skill building, confidence, high-yield learning, social bonding, and character development. The Club is cultivating the talents, dreams, and performing potential for hundreds of children annually that lead to advanced education, careers, quality of life, hobbies, and in some cases – joining our performing arts program as instructors.

Our performing arts team (known as Music Fusion) is a select group of children that audition to join an 8-person team that receives year-round private classes while committing to representing our Boys & Girls Club. These talented young leaders literally “perform” community service for the Club and other worthwhile agencies/causes locally and nationally. Music Fusion has performed on stages as far away as Orlando, Chicago, Las Vegas, San Diego, as well as local causes including the Bakersfield Symphony Gala, Honor Flight, American Red Cross, and Junior League. Our partner, Stars Theater and Restaurant, joins us in creating an encouraging environment by providing a professional stage, tech, costuming, and a theater-style performing experience.

For Tehachapi area student Emilee, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County’s new Tehachapi Teen Center is a great place to get homework done and access afterschool programs with her friends. Emilee was excited when the Club first opened a pilot program on Jacobson Middle School Campus where she attended and then later moved to a walk-able location separate from the school campus through a partnership with the Tehachapi Unified School District.

Emilee quickly got involved in drama, dance lessons, cooking, fine art and gardening programs. The activities help round out her busy schedule outside of the Club which includes choir and volleyball. Emilee’s favorite school subject is English Language Arts and she feels she’s more productive with her homework because the Club supports her academics as well.

“The Club activities are fun and it takes my mind of off other things,” Emilee shared when asked what she thinks of the Club and why other kids should attend. Emilee plans to attend college and become a therapist so that she can help other people. At a young age, she already has a personal motto that she lives by, “Don’t forget about anyone on your journey, including yourself.”

Emilee lives in Tehachapi with her mom, stepdad, two brothers (she’s a middle child,) and her cat – Kitty.

In April 2022, through a collaboration with the Tehachapi School District, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County opened the doors to a new Club serving 62 students in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. The afterschool enrichment program is focused on skill building, social-bonding and community impact. Through cooking classes, arts & crafts, STEM activities, gardening, and homework assistance, these young people are learning to create their own community that promotes learning, character building, positive affiliation, empowerment, and supportive friendships.

Active 20-30 Club of Bakersfield

Scott Andrews

Justin & April Ahart

Timothy & Caitlin Ashlock

Ariel & Abby Auffant

Alan Avery

Alex M. Balfour

Larry & Kay Bardin

Adam Belter

Cathy Bennett

Aimee Blaine

Sonia Bonilla-Mendoza

MacKenzie Boone

Greg & Rose Broida

John & Jean Browning

Charles & Theresa Bush

Juan & Sabrina Cazares

Gary & Donna Cross

Mickey & Alex Cushine

Mike & Maggie Cushine

Matt Damian

Chelsea Dow

Ken & Marjorie Dow

Karla Espinoza

Mark & Becky Evans

Melissa Fortune & Bruce Beretta

Christine Frazier

Fanny Gama

Monica Gonzales

Robert & Jerry Haner

Matthew & Shelly Hewett

Barry & Eashell Hill

Cynthia Huggins

Edgar Jacobs

Larry Koman

Bernie & Lynn LeBeau

Ryan & Frances Lewis

Andrew Lopez

Christopher Lowe

Zachary Martindale

Erlinda Martinez

Natalie Martinez

Renee Massey

Janice Meek

Karinna Mendoza

Peggy Miller

Ruth Miranda

Chris & Jovan Molina

Alex & Kristin Monsibais

Dale Oprandy

Randy & Mary Richardson

Saber Insurance Agency

Darin Schwicker

John & Christina Sistrunk

Paul Skarphol

Zane & Amy Smith

Bryce & Ashley Sterling

Carol Sugimori

Linda Sullenger

Robert Tafoya & Sandra Serrano

Josh & Susan Wall

Deborah Wood