Making Art in Public Spaces
Youth Open Mic & Performance Training
Life Center Stage is grateful to bring this program in partnership with Morris Arts and Caring Partners of Morris & Sussex
Welcome to Dare to Shine, Dare to Lead Open Mic Training
Upcoming Trainings
Open Mic events promote self-confidence, self-worth, and encourage the discovery of students’ unique strengths while freeing the “inner star” within each of them. As part of Life Center Stage’s “Dare to Shine, Dare to Lead” program for youth and families, students will learn how to set up, produce, perform, and support others in an Open Mic setting.
Become a Community Leader
"Dare to Shine, Dare to Lead" Open Mic Ambassadors learn how to create inclusive and supportive community events that value connection and social engagement, cultivating environments that feel “alive”— where people have a safe place to express. This innovative training will help students develop confidence, improve communication skills, and become proactive leaders, driving positive transformation in their communities.
Opportunities & Community Resources
Students will explore the positive effects of the arts on individual and community well-being. They will also have the opportunity to meet professional artists, public health professionals, and art/music therapists, and learn about various prevention organizations and community resources. This exposure will equip them to further their advocacy efforts within the community.
Contact Us
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Teaching Artists
Lorraine Ferro
Multi-Platinum Songwriter, Award Winning Artist, and Life Center Stage Artistic Director
With a career that spans over three decades, multi-platinum hit songwriter, powerhouse vocalist, voice over artist, actress, musician, music and vocal producer, filmmaker, graphic artist, charismatic motivational speaker and passionate artist coach, Lorraine Ferro is a diminutive dynamo. Her extensive credentials include sharing the stage and performing world-wide with her own bands and with prominent luminaries from Lady Gaga to The Marvelettes, in small theaters to festival stages to large arenas. Lorraine was a featured contestant on the third season of NBC’s hit TV series, “The Voice,” and has won numerous awards for singing and songwriting, including a Dove award for Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year. As a staff writer for Capitol CMG Publishing Group, her discography is extensive, with her songs being sung by artists as diverse as Lesley Gore to Jessica Simpson. She is an accomplished jingle and voice over artist on a multitude of national and regional commercials like Nabisco, Pillsbury, Toyota, and Folgers, and is a recording artist on albums of her own material and as a session singer for artists such as Dar Williams and Blackmore’s Night. Lorraine’s talent extends to production, and is a sought after vocal and record producer for indie artists. As an instructor, Lorraine has been teaching voice, songwriting and performance for decades, individually and in groups for The Songwriters Hall of Fame in NYC, coaching emerging artists and well known names such as Lana Del Rey. She’s currently a teaching artist and Life Center Stage NJ’s Artistic Director. She loves teaching and is fiercely devoted to the healing power of artistic expression, creating programs that promote self expression in new ways.
Yaashna Sharma
Research Lab Manager @ NYU Jameel Arts & Health Lab | Public Health Consultant | MPH in Social and Behavioral Health | Certified Health Education Specialist | BA in Neuroscience
Yaashna Sharma is a public health professional and Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) with a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Rutgers University. She specializes in social, behavioral, and mental health research, program evaluation, and implementation, focusing on improving health outcomes for underserved populations. With expertise in statistical analysis and health communication, Yaashna has presented at academic conferences and led pubic health initiatives striving to bridge the gap between research and practice for impactful health interventions.
Our Partners
