Melody Centeno, LMSW, Founder and CEO, Foster Care Unplugged, Inc.
Date: Friday November 20, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, EST
This interactive workshop and film screening introduces Foster Care Unplugged’s Performance-Based Practice model—an arts-based, trauma-informed approach that supports young people impacted by foster care in transforming lived experiences into original theatrical and cinematic work. Participants will view an FCUP produced film featuring youth and emerging artists connected to the child welfare system, followed by a facilitated discussion examining how performance, storytelling, role development, and group reflection can strengthen identity, build protective factors, cultivate connection, and create opportunities for healing and advocacy. The workshop will also explore how Performance-Based Practice is applied through FCUP’s Mitigating Trauma Through Drama curriculum, developed for youth who may be at risk of or vulnerable to human trafficking and exploitation. While not every FCUP cohort is specifically identified as a trafficking-prevention cohort, the organization recognizes that young people involved in foster care often experience overlapping vulnerabilities. For this reason, the same foundational model—centered on safety, voice, belonging, healthy relationships, and creative expression—is integrated across FCUP’s programming. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how film and performance can be used as meaningful tools for engagement, prevention, healing, and youth-led social change.