Fostering an interest in the performing arts from a young age can make a transformative impact on a kid’s life. The Detroit School of Arts was founded in 1992 to give an integrated academic and arts education for this reason: to cultivate this interest in the arts while preparing kids to succeed in a rapidly evolving society.

Recently, students in Dr. Mayowa Lisa Reynold’s senior class were prepared to meet and speak with a professional actor. Little did they know he had a surprise gift for them.

Actor Cody Cooley, who plays Squidward in “The SpongeBob Musical,” visited the students and took an array of questions from them on life in the performing arts. Then he dropped the bombshell: each student would receive a free ticket to the show at the Fox Theatre, courtesy of 313 Presents!

Cooley fielded questions from the kids on turning their talent in the performing arts into careers and the obstacles they may face along the way.

“Honestly, just keep at it,” Cooley said on breaking into the business. “If you really want it and you keep at it, you’ll find your position in it.”

Not only will this show be some of the student’s first experiences at the historic Fox Theatre, but Cooley himself said he’d never been before.

“The Fox is magnificent in size and scale, and the décor is incredible,” said Cooley. “It’s a great house, and I can’t wait to play it.”