BRITE
Our Mission & Focus
BRITE is a program of the nonprofit organization Reality Improv Connection, Inc. (RICI). RICI’s mission is to promote health and well-being through the arts. BRITE stands for Building Resilience and Inclusion Through Engagement and focuses on supporting youth and young adults (ages 12–25) through writing, art, photography, video production, social media campaigns, leadership, and spokesperson opportunities around issues they care about.
ENGAGEMENT
BRITE engages young people through writing, art, photography, video production, live performances, social media campaigns, leadership & spokesperson opportunities. We support youth groups & clubs, service learning, capstone, community and individual projects. We offer internships, community service hours and references.
EDUCATION
We offer many popular workshops for middle schools, high schools, colleges and youth groups. We have presentations for parents, school staff and communities. Live workshops and presentations are offered in person or virtual. BRITE also specializes in interactive online content for use by teachers, parents or individual learners.
BRITE MEDIA
In addition to supporting youth video projects, our Media Department produces professional videos, audio, and livestream events. Our in-house studio hosts community partners and offers space, equipment, and services including project development, camera work, and editing. We also work off-site.
About Us
Founded by Executive Director Katherine Kasmir in 2005, BRITE grew from her background in Applied Improvisation and Social Change Theatre—methods that use performance and collaboration to spark dialogue, develop creativity, build skills, and inspire positive change.
Originally launched as Straight Up, a youth-led social change theatre program, BRITE expanded its scope and rebranded to reflect a broader mission and an evolving range of arts-based youth programs, including prevention and education initiatives. Today, we combine media production and interactive arts with prevention education to address issues such as substance use, mental health, belonging, and other topics that young people identify as important in their lives and communities.
Our programs—whether live performances, youth-led media projects, or immersive 3D learning experiences—engage people in creative ways that educate, connect, and inspire lasting change.
Our team includes 12 dedicated staff members enjoy collaborating with one another and with our community partners. We’re also supported by a small number of interns and an amazing group of volunteers of all ages—mostly young people between 12 and 25.
Featured Events & Activities
Help BRITE support more youth and young adults this school year! Your donation helps us provide more opportunities to youth and more services to schools such as drug and alcohol prevention education, leadership training, mental health and positive coping skills activities, and more. Thank you! ❤️