Today we’d like to introduce you to Lyla Tsiokos.
Hi Lyla, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As an Orlando native and Drama student at New York University, I have always dreamed of performing on Broadway. However, through my high school outreach and volunteer work, I discovered another passion—ensuring that all children, regardless of background, have access to the transformative power of the arts.
The arts play a crucial role in child development, fostering literacy, critical thinking, and social-emotional growth. Studies show that students engaged in arts education are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement and exhibit higher attendance and graduation rates. The Florida Department of State’s Division of Arts and Culture reinforces the importance of integrating the arts into education as a tool for lifelong learning.
After traveling with a theatrical Outreach program in Orlando during my senior year of high school, I observed the lack of artistic exposure and opportunities children in Title 1 schools had and was inspired to create new ways to bring arts accessibility into my local community, and beyond.
In January of 2024 I founded Let Kids Create Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, classified by the IRS as a public charity, with the mission to facilitate artistic opportunities for children who otherwise would not have access to or be exposed to the creative arts.
Our big project right now is collaborating with OCPS (Orange County Public Schools) to distribute our original children’s book, I Want To Be On Stage, to elementary school students completely free! Written by Lyla Tsiokos and illustrated by Grace Ezzati this children’s book tells the story of three different kids finding their passion for theatre, showing that no matter where you come from, you can get involved in the arts and learn to be creative, compassionate, communicative, and loved for who you are!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The most significant area of development for Let Kids Create has been establishing our public presence and building our resource capacity. Our commitment to providing free theatrical opportunities and distributing I Want To Be On Stage widely requires sustained effort in both outreach and funding, which we are diligently pursuing, but of course is challenging!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Growing up 5 minutes from Disney World, I have always been surrounded by live entertainment and made my professional stage debut as Annie at age 12 at the Garden Theatre. I was very fortunate to work at many professional theatres throughout Orlando, such as the Orlando Shakes and the Winter Park Playhouse! I studied acting with the Sarah-Lee Dobbs Studio as a teenager, and even began teaching as well, leading many educational spring and summer camps at the Garden Theatre.
I am currently studying Drama at New York University in the Musical Theatre studio, while also double-minoring in Classical Civilizations and the Business of Entertainment, Media, and Technology.
I am also continually pursuing a professional acting career, having recently made my Primetime Television debut in the latest season of Law & Order: SVU! This summer I was a principal actor in two feature films and another TV show!
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I hope to increase visibility and popularity for the performing arts, and this was another primary reason I decided to start Let Kids Create. Many people today grow up never having experienced live theatre, as it’s not as culturally ingrained into society as it once was. However, I believe it remains incredibly important, and the work artists do can truly change lives. By exposing more children to the positive impact of theatre from a young age, I hope to spark a new generation of arts enthusiasts and supporters, ensuring our industry can flourish and gain the recognition it deserves. I also sincerely hope AI does not threaten the integrity and natural talent of artists, nor take away their jobs; luckily, I believe our unions, SAG-AFTRA and Actors’ Equity, are closely monitoring these potential dangers.
Pricing:
- If interested in making a tax-deductible donation: https://donate.stripe.com/4gw4im2YF1g06VGdQQ
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.letkidscreate.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letkidscreate
- Other: https://linktr.ee/letkidscreate
Image Credits
Personal Photo – Curtis and Cort
Theatre Workshop Photos – Emily Meffe Photography
