Another Shanti Bhavan Summer ✨
This summer at Shanti Bhavan, Broadway for Arts Education returned to a campus buzzing with creativity, music, and movement. Students explored new artistic disciplines, from choir and dance to theater and songwriting, guided by our international team of teaching artists. We also celebrated the inspiring Class of 2025 and honored this year’s Better Tomorrow Scholarship recipient, Supriya, whose dedication exemplifies the power of arts education. From joyful workshops to graduation performances, the summer reminded us that the arts can transform lives and build brighter futures.
Arts Camp!
Each year, our Broadway for Arts Education (BAE) team looks forward to returning to the Shanti Bhavan Children’s Project in Tamil Nadu, India to welcome students back from their summer break with Arts Camp—a joyful week filled with games, storytelling, music, movement, and creative expression.
This summer’s camp brought together a powerhouse team of teaching artists from around the world, including returning faculty Brittany Stone, Ben Houghton, Christopher Sierra, BB Stone, Manuela Restrepo, Anugrah Reghu, Rahul Jhunjhunwala, and Evan Hastings. We were also thrilled to introduce two new additions to the arts camp faculty: Andrew Stevens Purdy and Zack Kester.
Throughout the week, students explored their chosen majors and minors in dance, choir, visual arts, instrumental music, technical theater, theater, and songwriting. The energy on campus was electric—students poured their hearts into each workshop, discovering new ways to express themselves and collaborate creatively.
Reflections from Our Teaching Artists
Andrew Stevens Purdy captured the magic of his first experience with Shanti Bhavan beautifully:
“When someone asks me to describe my time at Shanti Bhavan, I never quite know what to say. I usually respond with something like, ‘It was amazing!’ or ‘The kids were wonderful!’ While all of those things are true, they somehow feel too small for an experience that meant so much more.
I arrived with a detailed curriculum for what I planned to teach. I used… almost none of it. Instead, I learned to follow the kids’ lead—to discover how they best expressed themselves—and to support them in that process. It was a lesson in flexibility and trust.
Shanti Bhavan is one of the most collaborative communities I’ve ever encountered. Every student, staff member, volunteer, and administrator is deeply committed to making the school thrive. It’s a place where everyone gives more than what’s required—and it shows.
The kids at SB are bursting with artistic energy. One of my favorite moments was S’mores Night, watching the students come together and dance—full-out, no marking. Their uninhibited joy and willingness to express themselves so freely felt rare—and like such a gift.
All this to say: I’m incredibly grateful for my time in India. The students of Shanti Bhavan reaffirmed everything I believe about the transformative power of arts education.”
Returning teaching artist BB Stone shared a similar sense of inspiration:
“It was such a joy to return to Shanti Bhavan for Arts Camp this summer. I was so inspired by the students’ ability to dive into trying something brand new, or as BAE puts it, ‘living in the orange.’
The energy throughout the week was palpable as the students were so excited about their majors, minors, and of course—the games! It was wonderful to see them immerse themselves in new disciplines like theatre and dance; their courage, imagination, and creativity blossomed more and more each day.
Getting to see the students I met two years ago and witnessing their immense growth in confidence, leadership, and performance was so special. The Graduation performances were the cherry on top—seeing all of the hard work the students, SB staff, and BAE team put in to make a spectacular show.”
Congratulations to the Shanti Bhavan Class of 2025 🎓
This year, we proudly celebrated the Shanti Bhavan Class of 2025! Graduating from Shanti Bhavan means rewriting the story of what’s possible—breaking free from cycles of generational poverty with courage, grace, and determination.
Many of these graduates have been part of BAE’s music program since their second-grade general music classes, and it has been an incredible journey watching them grow into confident artists and compassionate young adults.
Over the years, we’ve shared countless rehearsals, performances, and creative breakthroughs. Whether singing, composing, or playing instruments, these students have shown us the beauty of self-expression and the power of music to unite people.
Congratulations, Class of 2025! We can’t wait to see how you continue to inspire the world.
The Better Tomorrow Scholarship: Honoring Supriya
Each year, Broadway for Arts Education awards one outstanding graduate a $1,000 scholarship through the Better Tomorrow Scholarship Fund, which supports higher education and provides professional mentorship for students pursuing their dreams.
This year’s recipient, Supriya, has been a standout leader in the Shanti Bhavan choir since 8th grade. Her unwavering dedication to music, her peers, and the values of BAE have left a lasting impact on our community.
Below, Supriya shares reflections on her journey with BAE and how music has shaped her path:
What qualities does BAE embody that you hope to carry with you into adulthood?
“The boldness to change the world through music and words—always exploring outside my comfort zone to discover myself and my interests. BAE has given me happiness I once only dreamed of and values that will stay with me forever.”
Why is access to arts education important for all youth?
“It serves as a safe platform to release emotions. Music gives happiness that nothing else can give. It allows us to think creatively, explore new ideas, and express ourselves uniquely.”
How has studying music impacted your life?
“Studying music has built me into the young woman I am today. Becoming choir leader taught me confidence and courage. BAE gave me a sense of belonging and love—it became my home.”
Supriya’s Poem: Melomania
My tiny feet stepped into a dusty room with notes echoing
A tinge of joy fluttered out of me
I ran but it travelled like a shadow around me
What is this?
Stilling myself, I heard the word music…
Notes and rhythms intertwined within me, a symphony pulsing through my veins
Then, it dawned upon me—there was no return
For I realized I had fallen profoundly in love with music.
Throughout the years, music has been my shoulder through ecstasy and blue…
You gave me somewhere I can call home.
Supriya’s words capture the heart of BAE’s mission: to use arts education as a bridge toward empowerment, connection, and hope.
Looking Ahead
As we wrap up another extraordinary Arts Camp and celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2025, we’re reminded why our partnership with Shanti Bhavan continues to grow stronger each year. From the first songs sung in second grade to graduation day performances, every moment reaffirms our belief in the transformative power of the arts.
Here’s to another year of creativity, courage, and community—and to the brilliant young artists at Shanti Bhavan who continue to light the way.
