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From Child Actor to
Youth Director
For many of us who grew up with the Lynchburg theater scene, we can recall a time where our performing options were different. Sure, we could always do school plays and there might be an occasional children's show in the area. But for the most part, we performed in community theater shows if there were roles for children. This was different than children's theater; these were shows with adults in adult roles, children in child roles. Think Annie, The Music Man, The Sound of Music - family friendly musicals. In fact, it was well-known that the Lynchburg Fine Arts Center would always have a big summer musical for the entire family to participate in. For youth growing up in the 80's and 90's, this was our primary exposure to theater.
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The landscape has now changed
Spotlight
Janice Benejan, founder of Building Bridges, began her journey with the unmistakable guidance from divine intervention. "I asked God a question: Why had I never been allowed to go to New York or California to pursue acting? I remember in school not having opportunities to be in the theater; I didn’t even know about it in my school. And in my pursuing acting, many productions were not written for someone who looked like me." Benejan's love of performing was there from an early age. "I used to perform in my mother’s mirror of her wardrobe, and I would act out scenes from my favorite television shows." While she may have had dreams of acting in movies and television, the theater is where she found her footing. On a whim, she auditioned for A Raisin in the Sun at the Lynchburg Fine Arts Center, and was cast in the lead role of Ruth Younger. "I was scared to death of all the things I would have to do," Benejan recalls. "I made the mistake of looking at the movie after the audition and seeing the performances on screen, which terrified me. I was the first character on stage, and I was so scared I could feel my heart in my throat. But once I was the character I felt like I was home." Catching the acting bug, Benejan ended up completing two Bachelor's Degrees at the University of Lynchburg, one in Sociology and the other in Theater (she also received a Master's Degree in Human Services from Liberty University). Benejan doesn't hold back on how important the performing arts has been in her own life. "I always tell people that theater saved my life, that is no exaggeration." Coming from an abusive marriage, her audition and casting in her first show gave her the courage to get out of it. She reflects, "I felt like I was home on that stage and have loved the journey ever since."
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Benejan's conversation with God started her journey toward accessible and affordable theater for the youth. "I heard that still small voice that said to me, charity starts at home." She knew then that she was not supposed to go to New York or Los Angeles; she was in Lynchburg where she needed to be. Thus, Building Bridges was formed in March 2015. Along with some friends, Benejan knew this is something she wanted to bring to kids that perhaps didn’t have the same opportunities to get involved with the performing arts. "We look at from a standpoint of social economic demographics, the opportunity to create something that can help keep kids involved with something positive and hopefully make our community a better place for each child."
Janice Benejan
Story Time Theater Telling Camp
2017
Summer of Verse
2015
Building Bridges' mantra is "Changing Lives through the Arts." In furtherance of this mission, Building Bridges has worked with many talented individuals in our area. One of those is Joshua Carter, who joined the board in 2021. "I joined Building Bridges because of the potential I saw to initiate change for young people," he recalls. "Building Bridges wasn't just bound to just doing theater. Kids can also participate in art, dance, writing, film, music production and theater craft. That was revolutionary opportunity and no one was doing that at the time." Carter was able to collaborate with Liberty University to produce Color Me Beautiful: An American Odyssey, which raised $8,000 for Building Bridges.
Carter also recognized the lack of arts accessibility for children of color. "I felt students of color were being barred out of the arts culturally, economically, or due to their permanent records. This environment is perfect for them." Carter notes that there are only two black-owned theater companies in the Lynchburg area, the other being JLP Productions. "Local theater companies seem to be scrambling to get access to diverse talent, and here we have a hidden gem with a goal to give children of color access to the arts... The diversity of the arts doesn't start in the casting room, it starts in the classroom."
Storymaker's Camp
2023
"The short-term goal is to build our organization and reach more lives. That comes from community involvement and support. We are all a part of this beautiful arts community, and we can all use someone in our corner."
- Janice Benejan
Deirdre Serio joined the board of directors in 2021. Having experience with grant writing with the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra, and also being a girl scout leader, the role was a great fit. She recalls, "BBP worked to bring the arts to underprivileged kids, both soft spots for me: music and kids." Serio worked alongside Benejan and Carter, as well as many others, to organize theater camps, drumming workshops, tie-dye t-shirt events, and video camps for teens. She retired last year, but continues to support Building Bridges and maintains a strong connection to the organization.
One of the most special events Building Bridges offers is the Talent Showcase, which highlights local community leaders and gives scholarships to students. Serio was instrumental in writing the grant for the Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation for this show. Through this event, Building Bridges gives away hundred of dollars in donated gift cards and prizes provided through collaborating with local businesses. "That's what I call community engagement," Carter says. "Building Bridges may be small, but she has mighty aspirations."
Building Bridges continues to offer numerous events throughout the year. The summer camp is a yearly opportunity for the youth, and various workshops are offered for the community. There is also a teen talk being planned so teenagers can come together to discuss matters important to them in a safe and welcoming setting. "Depending on what we decide as a program, the community has some very talented folks who will lend their time and talents," Benejan says. Right now, Building Bridges is accepting video auditions for its upcoming Talent Showcase scheduled for November 2, 2024. This is open to students grade 9-12 and the talent can be anything in the performing arts such as singing, dancing, playing an instrument, or theater. With scholarships being awarded, this is a fantastic opportunity for youth to present themselves and perform when they may not have had a chance to before. Visit www.bbpinc.lios.us and Building Bridges' Facebook page for more information on how to audition.​
Lynchburg is incredibly lucky to have so much theater available, and this organization is filling a great need for an often overlooked segment of society. Eventually, Benejan is hoping for Building Bridges to have its own facility and studio. "My dream would be for the organization to see it grow in people and programs and become a program that would be able to offer all its programming for free," she says. Benejan's passion for the arts is evident. "The performing arts can allow a person to create, to change their trajectory in life if they are possibly on the wrong path. It gives you the means to create your own story, not be afraid to put yourself out there for your art. It’s a shared experience where you know it can be something amazing... I like to describe theater as an organized chaos: you have all these things you know you must accomplish. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t, but the experiences always enrich your life."
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We couldn't have said it better ourselves.
Bringing theater to county elementary schools
2017
Drumming Workshop
June 2024
School of Funk
2023
"The performing arts reflects the humanity readily available in all people. This platform allows us to look into the mirrors of our neighbor's eyes and see ourselves. True unity."
- Joshua Carter