American Anthems

What You’re Here For

Singer Ruston Kelly meets Melissa Smith, who runs a performing arts program supporting intellectually disabled adults. Bonding over their pasts, Ruston writes a ballad celebrating Melissa's work and the good we can do when we realize our purpose.

What You’re Here For

22m 55s

Singer Ruston Kelly meets Melissa Smith, who runs a performing arts program supporting intellectually disabled adults. Bonding over their pasts, Ruston writes a ballad celebrating Melissa's work and the good we can do when we realize our purpose.

Previews + Extras

  • Ruston Kelly Meets Melissa Smith: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Ruston Kelly Meets Melissa Smith

    S1 E6 - 3m 21s

    Melissa Smith, founder of Backlight Productions, discusses the importance of her organization and what it means to both the actors and families of actors who participate. Singer/songwriter Ruston Kelly stops by to learn more about the organization and Melissa and even gets to jam out with some of the Backlight Productions band.

  • Ruston Kelly Learns About Melissa Smith and the Students: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Ruston Kelly Learns About Melissa Smith and the Students

    S1 E6 - 2m 42s

    Singer/songwriter, Ruston Kelly and Melissa Smith, founder of Backlight Productions, discuss how their upbringings led them to similar changes in their respective career paths. We hear from some of the students/actors at Backlight Productions on what the program means to them. Ruston then gets the chance to perform some scenes with the actors.

  • Kate York and Ruston Kelly Writing "What You're Here For": asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Kate York and Ruston Kelly Writing "What You're Here For"

    S1 E6 - 2m 46s

    Singer/songwriters Ruston Kelly and Kate York sit down to write a powerful song. The two discuss their reasoning behind key lyrics and even how certain chord progressions relate back to, and are inspired by, Melissa Smith and Backlight Productions.

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