Kathy Valentine
“I have spent the lion’s share of my career impacting the lives of countless fortunate children who could afford to pay tuition,” said Adderley. “As a woman of color from modest beginnings, who grew up in Texas in the late ’60s, I was also one of the ‘fortunate ones.’ I was blessed with brilliant, dedicated parents who supported me and taught me by example to dream big dreams. They made great sacrifices to expose me to everything – theater, ballet, music and art. Sadly, we are not all so lucky. I am determined to be a role model for those less fortunate children among us who don’t have the opportunities and support in life that I had. Musical theater changed my life. Becoming a nonprofit has allowed THE ADDERLEY SCHOOL to give all children in Austin the opportunity to benefit from our life changing musical theater school program.”
Janet Adderley created THE ADDERLEY SCHOOL in 1993 in an attempt to teach her shy, young daughter how to be heard.
“If I were a color, I’d be fire engine red,” said Adderley. “If my daughter were a color, she’d be lavender. I created THE ADDERLEY SCHOOL to help my lavender girl find her red voice. The training students receive at ADDERLEY fortifies them for life – building confidence, strengthening problem solving skills, instilling the importance of teamwork, accountability to something greater than one’s self and respect for others, not to mention an amazing experience in theater. THE ADDERLEY SCHOOL promotes literacy and a passion for the power of the written word.”
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