SUMMER SCHOOL ZONE: Passion to create comes to life at Let Kids Create Inc.

Photo by Rodrigo Barranco

In her freshman year at New York University, Lyla Tsiokos created the nonprofit Let Kids Create Inc. in Winter Garden. 

Launched in January 2024, the company was made to bring various performing art opportunities to the local community. 

“Our mission is to facilitate artistic opportunities for children who otherwise would not have access to or be exposed to the creative arts,” Tsiokos said. 

Tsiokos previously worked with the Winter Park Playhouse and its OUTREACH program, where it brought the musical “Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.” to Title I elementary schools. This inspired Tsiokos to create her own company to do the same. 

“We envision a world where access to the arts is accessible for all children and greater emphasis is placed on the positive impact creative expression can generate in society,” Tsiokos said. 

Let Kids Create Inc. has held many events over the years, one of which being its fundraising cabaret June 7, 2024. At that event, 10 Central Florida young singers performed to a sold-out crowd. These singers included Sarah Jordan, Andrea Matos Devesa, Safin Karim and Amelie Jaime. The nonprofit also held a free theater workshop that Tsiokos led herself, along with other volunteers. 

However, bringing performing arts to students is not where Tsiokos’ dreams end. She wrote her own book, “I Want to be on Stage,” about three children finding their passion for theater. Grace Ezzati illustrated the book.

The book tells the story of children finding their passion for theater, no matter their background, showcasing the message that you can get involved in the arts and thrive within them despite everything you have come from and be loved for who you are. “I Want to be on Stage” is continually distributed to Title I elementary school students in Florida for free and is available to read at the Orlando International Airport Flybrary in Terminal C. Tsiokos also has joined many classrooms to read her book aloud to students.

Let Kids Create Inc. was invited to present at the Winter Garden 100 Quarter 1 Awards. The nonprofit won the first-place prize and used the money to bring thousands of books to young students. A network of men who are passionate about giving back to their community built Winter Garden 100. Together, they donate $10,000 each quarter. Since 2023, Winter Garden 100 has raised $175,650 for nonprofits, such as Let Kids Create Inc. 

To support Let Kids Create Inc., contact the nonprofit at [email protected]. You also can serve as a volunteer or donate through its website, letkidscreate.org.