Catching the Sun; Reflecting the Light
The Premiere Season of Suncatcher Players
By Kristiana Kalab
Established in the Fall of 2021, Suncatcher Players is a performing, writing and visual arts nonprofit troupe that empowers late elementary and middle school children in Winston-Salem, NC to “deeply follow their creative visions.”
Founder and elementary school teacher, Hadrian Pollard has observed that middle school students “are bursting at the seams, ready to engage with the world using their talents.”
Watch Hadrian Pollard describe the inspiration for Suncatcher Players in this video.
Students benefit from working with local professors, teachers and artists when bringing their visions to life. Utilizing each players individual talents, students were called upon to contribute to their first two productions by acting, directing, composing music, implementing stage and lighting design, as well as, working backstage to smoothly tell the stories of Min and the Master and Plant Boy, written by Mr. Pollard. Working side by side with professionals, who coached, rather than dictated brought about profound results.
After their first production, parents of some of the Suncatcher Players wrote:
“I’ve never seen her as emotional after a show as she was tonight, and that’s because none of her previous shows have ever meant as much. She has always had the post-show blues, but not like this.
She’s toured as a guest singer, and she’s starred in other local groups multiple times, but none have invested so much trust and care as you have.
For her, Suncatcher Players is a home away from home already, even in its founding season.”
“Still weeping over ALL THE THINGS about last night’s production. You are truly a superhero, Dr. Pollard.
I cannot tell you what joy you have brought to [my child] and I am eternally grateful.”
“Suncatcher, along with prayer, church, her counselor and homeschool allow her to work toward her dreams [and] may be the one giant puzzle piece that gets her through these middle school developmental years.
For that we are so grateful that you followed YOUR creative guiding spirit and began this wonderfully quirky group.”
“I wanted to tell you that [my child] really loved Suncatchers. I’ve never seen him be a part of something in such an invested and committed way before.
It is so cool that he got to learn to use the sound board!
It’s so cool that he really ran the sound at the performances!
“My son said it was the best time of his life! Thank you for providing such a wholesome and creative theater experience for the kids.”
In my own work as a volunteer during their founding year, it was truly inspiring to see the bonds that such a diverse group of children formed over the 3 ½ months that they were working together.
As a senior SUBUD member, it filled me with such joy to see younger SUBUD members realizing their talent and sharing their gifts for the benefit of all in their local community. If you live anywhere close to Winston-Salem, I highly recommend you coming to see what the Suncatcher Players will present on June 3rd and 4th, 2022.
Editors note: Your donation will allow more kids to experience the joy and self-realization of a Suncatcher Players production.
While this is a nonprofit organization, there are expenses to cover and some children cannot afford tuition. It costs about $150/month for each child.
Contribute to this project at: GoFundMe
Learn more at the website: suncatcherplayers.com
Email Hadrian: hadrian.pollard@gmail.com for more information
Story by Kristiana Kalab
Dance Producer
NJ Rising Star Evaluator
Wolf Trap Early Teaching Artist
NJ Early Childhood Educator
I’m sorry I live so far away, or I would attend ASAP. Thanks for the report, and deep thanks to Mr. Pollard.
I love this!
How wonderful it would be for those of us far away to experience this in a video. Is there one already? If not, could it happen? Just saying, wow, what a fund raising project to show at Subud congresses and local groups maybe even for a sliding fee donation to individuals like me.
Hariana Chilstrom
Portland, Oregon