b'Michael OBryanHealing through the artsMichael OBryan firstyoung people get paid a stipend every two weeks experienced theif they are meeting program requirements.powerful connectionBut The Village is more than an arts centerit is between health andmeant also to be a place of healing for kids with the arts as a teen- difficult lives, Mr. OBryan says.ager taking part in a theater troupe inMaking art reduces stress levels in your body, Connecticut. Thehe says. There is a biological impact on your young actors per- body when you make art.formed skits onreal-life issues, He says participating in the arts can be particularly such as bullying, helpful for people who have experienced trauma. depression and suicide, having an alcoholic There are many causes of trauma, including poverty, parent, interracial dating, and eating disorders. homelessness, and violence. Mr. OBryan defines it as a perceived or literal threat to your emotional Mr. OBryan says the kids in the audience relatedor physical well-being.to what they saw on stage and started taking their own concerns to their school guidance counselors. Trauma is when whatever is happening to you overwhelms your ability to cope, he says. It Theater is powerful. Theater can change lives,overwhelms any resources you have to copesays Mr. OBryan, who is now director of learningwith what is happening to you.at The Village of Arts and Humanities in North Philadelphia. The Village is a 30-year-old organi- When kids come to The Village, Mr. OBryan zation that serves children and families by focusinggives them the time and space they need toon creativity, skill-building for success, the open up about their lives. He encourages kidsenvironment, and community. to be themselves.Mr. OBryan oversees all programs The VillageCome as you are, we are going to love you.offers to young people, from ages 9 to 26. TheyWe are going to build up your skills so you canget opportunities to do a variety of art, includingbe the person you want to be, he says.songwriting and recording, dance, fashion design,Mr. OBryan, who is African American, grew up in ceramics, sculpture, and photography. Plus, theboth urban and suburban Connecticut and went 20'