HYPA, The Hampton Youth Performing Arts, is producing a few weekends of performing arts and other related programs at the Southampton Cultural Center (25 Pond Rd, SH.) starting on Saturday May 15. This organization it is for youth ages 11-17 interested in learning and/or working on a performing art form and related activities, such as: comedy, acting , writing , music, dance, singing, photography, fashion, design, graphics, and video production.
A collection of professionals make up the Advisory Board. They are Kirsten Lonnie Executive Director SCC, Gwendolen Arnzen School Counselor, Robert Arnzen Town Law Enforcement Officer, Tiffany Lubold Village Law Enforcement Officer, Lisa McCulley Village Law Enforcement Officer.
On Saturday May 14th, Comedians Alex Blitzer & Singers Saniya Miles Clarke & Giana Clarke will perform. There is first a 5:30 reception with the show at 6:15. Then Sun 5/15 East End Youth Quartet & Singer Xanthi Lazakis 2:30 reception and show at 3:15
The last HYPA program scheduled is on Saturday May 21st. It will consist of a 5:30 pm reception the Lumini Quartet and Script Readings scheduled for 6:15 pm.
Lois Beekman, a contact for HYPA in an interview discussed the Youth Quartet performance. She said, “ On May 15th performing will be the East End Youth Quartet and singer Xanthi Lazakis. There will first be a reception at 2:30 pm followed by the quartet playing four musical pieces. The Hampton Youth Quartet consist of; Kristina George 1st violin, Tessa Arnzen 2nd violin, Julian Misut on Viola, Charlotte Arnzen on Cello.”
Then Lois went on to explain the reason for HYPA when she explained, “There is a looming horrible mental health crisis for all but particularly for pre-teen and teenagers. Two years ago, along with Gwen Arnzen, who is a SR. Mental Health Professional in Southampton, and the rest of the advisory board, all got together and started to talk about what could help this problem. We landed on the fact that performing arts is a way as to express to society, usually in a civilized way.” She then added, “It became an exercise, when you got teams involved, they learned to work with each other as well as mentors of different ages.”
She went to say that HYPA has helped the students evolve their communication skills, along with their career goals and social emotional learning.”
Violinist Tessa Arnhem was proud to say, “HYPA’s objective is to create an atmosphere where creativity and a variety of voices can gather, becoming a creation of art. Personality is not suppressed, any level of ability not overlooked. Inlaid with cohesiveness and individuality, the program offers what many aspects of society is deprived of for youth.”
Also Ms. Beekman proudly mentioned that photographer Ron Buchter, will release his exhibit “Perspectives.” It consists of photos of The Hamptons and NYC by Ron Buchter which is in the SCC Gallery. HYPA participants are using selected photos to inspire short plays they are developing as part of the program. Mr. Buchter is donating a substantial portion of proceeds from the sale of photos in the exhibit to HYPA and is serving as a Mentor for the students as well.
