Collegiate Times

Hoffman said what they're doing in the early phase of rehearsal is teaching the girls how to use their bodies to communicate ideas.

Despite the age gap, she and volunteer and junior theatre arts major Alisha Saunders have shared some of the same interests with the girls.

"Everybody loves Beyonce," Hoffman said.

Saunders has noticed that the girls want to intermingle. Sanders said they don't hang out in groups based on interests, like dancing or singing; they've all been good at meeting each other.

"They're so expressive and even the ones that are really quiet in the corner, if you give them the right thing to make a machine of, they're there and they're loud," Saunders said.

Working with the girls allows Saunders to show the girls what she is passionate about.

"It gives me a chance to spread what I love to do. A lot of times when you're in theater, you do a show and only the people that come to see are the people that are affected. But I like doing community stuff and getting it out there. Especially for girls that are younger, it's good to help people find the things they love to do," Saunders said.

Eighth-grader Brittany Brizendire said she likes how she can come to Sisters of the Circle and express herself.

"When you come in here and have the worst day, it will make you feel better," Brizendire said.

At the end of the Feb. 4 session, Kikelly had the girls gather in a circle and asks for new members to share where they're from.

One is from Sudan, another is from Haiti and one hails from Liberia. Newcomers also include two girls from Iran, which is the first time Sisters of the Circle has had anyone from that country.

Stephanie Cheridieu, a William Fleming High School student, is from Haiti and said she has learned about new people and cultures.

While the work of the graduate and undergraduate students, facilitators and volunteers is important, Kilkelly said the spotlight needs to shine on the sisters of the circle.

"There's a lot of people that make theater and performance with communities," Kilkelly said. "I also have to learn this lesson over and over again. The communities have the knowledge, the local knowledge that is important."

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