At Bócon, we believe theatre is more than performance—it's a transformative journey of self-expression and growth. It’s where young people discover their voices, explore their identities, and connect with their communities. In this second part of our conversation, we reflect on the importance of safe, inclusive, and creative spaces and how they’ve shaped our mission and vision for the future.
Safe Spaces: The Foundation of Creativity
Theatre has always been a place of exploration, both for the stories we tell and the people who bring them to life. Our productions, from The Steadfast Tin Soldier with shadow puppetry to deeply personal projects, create a space where participants can experiment, take risks, and grow without fear of judgment.
Crystal Mercado, Bócon’s Artistic Director, recalls a pivotal moment: “We had a little girl who referred to Julian as him during a rehearsal. It was a reminder of how essential it is to provide a non-judgmental space where everyone can explore their identity freely. That’s the heart of what we do.”
These safe spaces allow participants to discover not only who they are but who they can become. For Julian, it meant the opportunity to explore new identities through characters, fostering confidence and creativity in an environment that celebrated possibilities.
The Role of Language and Mentorship
During our conversation, the siblings brought up inclusive language as a cornerstone of the work that a premiere youth theatre arts organization, like Bocón, organically includes in their day-to-day. Words matter, and how we define and describe people shapes the culture of our spaces. Using terms like “gender diverse” ensures that everyone feels seen and respected, fostering an environment where creativity can thrive.
Mentorship is another pillar of our approach. At Bócon, we train mentors to be trauma-informed, understanding that every individual brings a unique set of experiences. “It’s about creating predictable, safe environments where young artists feel supported,” says Crystal. “We focus on their strengths, helping them realize their potential.”
Rather than framing our work as giving others power, the conversation centered on self-efficacy: the belief that individuals already have the capacity to succeed. Our role is to nurture their talents, provide guidance, and empower them to take ownership of their growth.
Building a Future Together
Looking forward, we’re excited about the possibilities ahead. From applying for transformative grants to expanding our mentorship programs, we’re committed to fostering the next generation of artists. Every step we take is guided by our belief in the power of storytelling and the arts to create positive change.
But we can’t do it alone. Your support as a monthly donor is crucial to continuing this work. By joining our End-of-Year Campaign, you become part of a movement that creates safe spaces, uplifts young voices, and nurtures creativity.
✨ Make a difference today—become a monthly donor.
Join Us on This Journey
As we reflect on our journey so far, we’re filled with gratitude for the stories we’ve told and the lives we’ve touched. And we’re just getting started. Together, let’s continue to build a world where every young person has the opportunity to shine.
Thank you for believing in the power of theatre to transform lives. Stay tuned as we share more stories and explore new ways to inspire and uplift our communities in 2025 and beyond.
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