Liberian actor launches arts school

Ghana-based Liberian movie actor Van Vicker, has launched the Van Vicker School of Performing Arts for kids desirous of getting in the Liberian movie industry. The institution is dedicated to providing an outlet of fine arts education to children, youth and young adults.

Speaking to the media over the weekend following the formal launch Co-founder Mr. Van Vicker said his desire to introduce such school to youth here is to give back to the country, and bring to life the passion of children that are interested in the arts industry.

“For me, it is more of a social responsibility, and beautiful to have people succeeding from a particular sector, and these individuals are willing to give back, and help upcoming individuals who are interested in areas that we have decided to tackle”.

According to him, the school is a joint partnership effort, saying “The more you partner with people the stronger you get so yes, I am partnering with Dr. Clarice Ford Kulah, a Liberian based in the States that has the same passion.”

“We are looking forward to cooperate with individuals that want to help, because this is something that’s going to help in building the industry, and contribute to the nation.”

When asked about building a recording studio in Liberia, the Liberian actor quickly responded, “I don’t want to jump the boat yet, this is just a project, yes I will but now it is not in the making.”

He stresses that the mission of the school is to educate artists and future artists with practical, hands-on experience in fine and performing arts.  Vicker says after the 15 years of civil war that left the country in ruins, and its people feeling a void that is larger than any wound, the Van Vicker School of Performing Arts believes in beating the odds and providing superior performing arts education as an outlet to help with national healing.

Meanwhile, a drama teacher from the school Mrs. Sharyn Shields from Atlanta Georgia, USA says she is on assignment, partnering with Van Vicker. “Drama has always been part of my life, because I am an actress and a writer and I used it as a tool to demonstrate life skills to the youth, who don’t seem to know what their purpose is in life”, she explains.

She says drama encompasses skills that allow kids to know who they really are in terms of performing, and strongly believes in it because it helps to keep young people alive.

By Lewis S. Teh-Editing by Jonathan Browne