So long, summer! We’ll miss the beach days, glut of superhero movies, ice cream cones and mix of sunshine and chilly temps only San Francisco can serve up. As the kids head back to school, a handful of applause is in order for all who took part in our summer programs.

Over the past eight weeks, 475 kids, ranging in age from 6 to 16 years old, participated in 155 Handful Players workshops led by our dedicated, professional teaching artists. The activities encompassed everything from theater and dance to puppetry and spoken word, with a little clowning around for good measure.

Students from nine different Western Addition community partners joined in on the fun, including the Buchanan YMCA, Booker T. Washington Community Service Center, Western Addition Beacon Center, Boys & Girls Club Don Fisher Clubhouse, Hamilton Recreation Center and Up on Top.

All that creativity, talent and hard work was on inspiring display at the Mo’Magic Summer Showcase. Held for the first time at the African American Art & Culture Complex on August 1, the event included live theater, music and dance. The kids performed in plays based on books from their summer reading lists, which were adapted by acclaimed playwright Chinaka Hodge. The dance crew brought down the house with their incredible hip-hop moves. Joyful singing and choreography rounded out the showcase.

Moments this magical should never be missed, so Handful Players presented two performances–one in the morning and another in the afternoon—accommodating an audience of 400 parents, family and friends.

The event was such a success, Handful Players offered two encore performances at the Booker T. Washington Community Center and Margaret Hayward Rec-Connect. It was Handful Players’ final performance at the Margaret Hayward Playground, which is closing for renovations. Handful Players has 12 years of fond memories working at the playground, the site of our very first community partnership. We’re excited to see the changes ahead and to take part in a new beginning. Speaking of new beginnings, watch this space for updates on our after-school programs coming this fall.

We are grateful to the California Arts Council whose support enables us to provide enriching summer programs to showcase the talent of the youth.