From the Ground UP is a non-profit organization based in Portland, Oregon. FTGU provides free arts programming and education to Portland youth. Recently, I got the chance to talk to cofounder and Executive Director Katherine Murphy Lewis, who said, "This organization was born out of a place of passion, love of the work, and a group of kids that reminded me what is really important."

All of the performances done by the kids from FTGU are original works.

Step 1: Generate, Write, Play.
The kids, Katherine, and cofounder Anna Crandall first have to come up with a question. As Katherine puts it, "These questions can be anything and everything, from what is raisin bran? To what is the meaning of life? And we go with it."

Once the ensemble has come up with and agreed on the question, they go to work, generating ideas, writing scripts, and playing with new ideas.

Step 2: Cut the Fat.
After coming up with tons of different ideas and scripts, it's time to "cut the fat." This is when the script comes alive. They begin to act, talk, and decide what makes the cut.

Step 3: Performing.
After all of this hard work, it's time for the kids to perform. In fact, on Oct. 4, 2015, FTGU came out with a documentary called "To Be," all about creation.

When I asked Katherine if she had anything she wanted to say, this is what she told me:

"Well, my goal is to eventually have an office. That would be cool. I also hope to become more established in the community and to get into festivals all around the country. I also would like to propel FTGU and get more kids involved! I hope in the coming year to have over 200 kids join us in our program. Arts education is a right, not a privilege."

This program is fueled by grants, fundraisers, love of the arts and passion.

Check out the Website for more about this non-profit.