Early Access to the Arts

The Workhouse Arts Center is proud to launch the Early Access to the Arts Program, a pilot initiative created in partnership with the Lorton Community Center. This program provides free, high-quality arts education classes to young people from underserved communities. Made possible through the generous support of the HRH (Helen Ruth Henderson) Foundation and Annie Broderick Art.  The program underscores the Workhouse Art Center’s commitment to accessibility, equity, and the transformative power of the arts.

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Three girls sitting at a table looking at notebooks and papers, studying together in a classroom or library.

“Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes and having fun”
― Mary Lou Cook

Your Guide to Early Access

  • Research shows that young people engaged in arts programs are more likely to earn higher grades, develop strong problem-solving skills, and feel a deeper connection to their communities. By working with underserved youth, the Workhouse Arts Center helps ensure our local artistic ecosystem is more accessible, inclusive, and reflective of the authentic stories of Fairfax County and neighboring areas.

     

    Pre and post-program assessments will be conducted to document each participant’s starting point as well as their progress in several key social and emotional development areas throughout their experience in the program.   

  • The initial cohort will be comprised of young people who meet the following criteria:

    • Young people currently involved in Lorton Community Center programming

    • Young people between 7-12 years of age

    • Students in or attending a Title I school

  • The Early Access to the Arts Program is designed not only to nurture young talent but also to build a foundation for a more inclusive creative community.  We invite parents to enroll their children, community members to spread the word, and supporters to help sustain and grow this vital initiative. 

  • Over the course of five weeks this fall, students will engage in immersive performing arts instruction designed to inspire creativity, foster confidence, and build community.

    •  Classes will take place at the Workhouse Arts Center on Saturdays from October 25 - November 22, 2025 (10:30am – 3:30pm).

    • Students will receive four  hours of instruction led by professional teaching artists, a meal provided by the Workhouse, and transportation to and from the Lorton Community Center.

    The program culminates in a capstone performance at the Lorton Community Center on Sunday, November 23, 2025, where students showcase their growth and achievements to family and friends

Meet your Instructors

A young woman with long, wavy brown hair, wearing a red jacket and a white top, smiling at the camera against a textured blue background.

Alana Lyons

Mini Actors’ Showcase Director

Young woman with dark, wavy hair and fair skin, wearing a red floral blouse, standing in front of a weathered wooden fence.

Tylor (Ty) Goshorn

Senior Teaching Artist

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?

For more information about the Workhouse Early Access to the Arts program please contact Jay Loy, Program Administrator at jayloy@workhousearts.org.