Josh Durias Photography

The Spotlight Series is a collection of portraits dedicated to shine light on local Bellingham residents. Usually they're up to some way cool stuff.  :)

The Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth (BAAY) is located at 1059 N State St in Bellingham, WA.  David Post is the director of the program and I got a chance to toss a few questions his way.

Josh Durias: Hey David, tell me about BAAY.

David Post: To me, BAAY is meant to be a place where young people can discover the best parts of themselves, and nurture their talents.  Friendships form, confidence rises and more smiles are born! 

To refer to our mission statement, here it is:

The mission of BAAY is to enrich the lives of children through the exploration of the arts. We seek to fulfill this mission by offering several programs including Choir, Theater Arts, Dance, Visual Arts, Music, Costume Design and Creation, and Recording Studio Training. 

To achieve this mission, BAAY has specified purposes for which this corporation is organized are to

(1) teach music vocal and instrumental, theatre, art, dance techniques and studio recording techniques to young people;

(2) provide opportunities for academic support of students;

(3) provide educational and performance opportunities to every child who can follow the rules at BAAY;

(4) provide advanced training and performance at professional levels to young people who are very serious about their training;

(5) create opportunities for students to serve the local community and the world at large

(6) foster and support respect, cooperation, decision-making, self-discipline and self-confidence in young people.

JD: Sounds like an amazing place for kids.  How did BAAY get started?

DP: Originally I started a company in Ukiah, CA called 'Vivace Children's Choir', which then started putting on theatrical productions.  I was ready to move to a new place and fell in love with Bellingham during my search.  I started BAAY 5 years ago with 9 students, renting space at a church to rehearse a choir.  Our first show, Annie, was a big smash.  By the following year, with Peter Pan opening at the Mt. Baker Theatre, we had over 100 students.  Now we serve over 200 students annually and have a staff of about 14 part time artists.

JD: I think I would make a great Peter Pan... just sayin'.  How many shows do you do every year?

DP: We put on about 9 shows during the school year, with 2 summer shows and three summer camp presentations that are more informal.

JD: Nice, so besides plays what other opportunities are there for the kids of whatcom county?

DP: We have visual art, dance, choir, recording studio, tutoring services, piano, voice and string lessons for kids.  

JD: Anything else you'd like to share about BAAY?

DP: The heart of BAAY is a spirit of kindness, support, doing one's best and giving our gifts fully to the world.

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Thank you David for taking time out of your busy schedule and fielding my questions. Also, thanks hanging out during the shoot!  That was a blast!

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For any parents out there interested in getting involved with BAAY here is the full course schedule.

:)