Cuz I’m An International…Super Spy

By: Luis Mora

What do James Bond, Ms. Frizzle, and a decolonized education have in common?

Keep reading to find out…

My name is Luis Mora, and one of the many hats I wear at Broadway for Arts Education is the teaching artist of our drama club at the Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School. This is our first year with this school partner, and I love how quickly the club has grown in just a short amount of time. (Just look at those happy faces in the photo above!)

I take a lot of pride in my ability to build trusting relationships with my students. Whether I want them to or not, they are always opening up to me because they know that my class is a safe space to share the challenges they confront everyday. From breakups to personal identity to the uncertainty of the future, they are FULL questions about the world around them.

But, because their burning questions usually live beyond the academically-appropriate “how do I solve for x?” and “what is the capital of Iowa?” they hold on to them all day long until they get to my drama club. And even then, it takes a while to get them feeling comforatble enough to open up. I saw it getting in the way of their ability to focus during the day, and to commit to their artistry. I was determined to help them build some techniques to help them move through their emotions, build good communication habits, expand the boundaries of their bravery.

It was time for an intervention. It was time for a FIELD TRIP!!!!!!

The SPYSCAPE Museum in midtown Manhattan has an amazing program for students, so I decided this would be our solution. From the moment we stepped into the exhibit, the young people were transported to a world of fun and excitement. They were able to let go of their daily struggles and work together to solve puzzles, dodge lasers, and find hidden objects.

I’m no therapist, but there was something truly therapeutic about the whole experience.

The exhibit was a true testament to the power of a shared experience. The students were able to put aside any tension or differences they may have had and come together as a team. It was truly a moment that showcased the impact that a fun and collaborative environment can have on a group of individuals.

Now I can’t shut up about SPYSCAPE! #SponsorUs

I’m also the Program Coordinator for BAE (another hat!) and have been busy coordinating more field trips for the rest of our NYC programs so they can have the same experience as my drama club did. It may be more work for me - and stretches our food & special events budget thin - but if we aren’t investing in these kinds of experiences for our youth, I believe they are much more likely to fall through the cracks. There is no doubt in my mind that it is worth it.

Shout out to all of my fans who are still reading this!

And shout out to all of the BAE supporters who keep allowing us to break the mold and bring out-of-the-box opportunities like this to young people who otherwise wouldn’t get the chance.