CHICAGO – Barrel of Monkeys invites you to join student-authors, their classmates, family and educators for the annual CELEBRATION OF AUTHORS, featuring performances of student-written stories created at each of its partner schools and after-school program during the 2016-2017 season. Performed by more than 30 Barrel of Monkeys actors and musicians, and directed by Artistic Director Joseph Schupbach, this FREE event takes place Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at 6:30 pm (6:30 pm pre-show reception and activities, 7 pm curtain) at the University of Chicago’s Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St. in Chicago. For reservations, please visit barrelofmonkeys.org/coa or call (773) 506-7140.
During 2016-17, Barrel of Monkeys worked with 17 school partners in 52 classrooms, plus an after-school program. The Chicago-based arts education theater ensemble, now celebrating its 20th season, conducts creative writing workshops with 3rd through 5th grade students in underserved Chicago Public Schools. The ensemble of actor-educators then turns their stories and words into professionally performed theater, presented both in-school and for the general public through its revues. Barrel of Monkeys annually performs more than 200 student-written stories for the students in their schools and 175 stories on the stage for the general public through its year-round variety show, THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA at The Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. in Chicago. For additional information on Barrel of Monkeys’ educational programs and public performances, please visit www.barrelofmonkeys.org.
Chicago Public Schools served by Barrel of Monkeys during the 2016-17 season include: Willa Cather, Dewey School of Excellence, Herzl Elementary, Dvorak Elementary, Poe Classical, Columbia Explorers Academy, Peirce Elementary, Kinzie Elementary, Academy for Global Citizenship, Dixon Elementary, Morton School of Excellence, Sherman School of Excellence, Johnson Elementary and Chalmers Elementary, as well as Sheridan Elementary, Everett Elementary and Cherokee School in Lake Forest. Barrel of Monkeys is also an Arts Partner in Residence at the Loyola Park Field House through the Chicago Park District.
PERFORMANCE DETAILS:
Title: CELEBRATION OF AUTHORS 2017
Written by: Chicago Public School Students
Adapted for the stage by: Barrel of Monkeys Company Members
Director: Artistic Director Joseph Schupbach
Featuring: Barrel of Monkeys Company Members
Location: Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St., Chicago
Date/time: Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Time: 6:30 pm (6:30 pm pre-show reception and activities; 7 pm curtain)
Tickets: FREE. For reservations, please visit barrelofmonkeys.org/coa or call (773) 506-7140.
About the Director
Joseph Schupbach has directed shows for Barrel of Monkeys, North Park University, Murakami Sound Machine and InGen Productions – a company of which he is co-founder and former Artistic Director. Joseph has assistant directed for The Ruffians and The Neo-Futurists and has performed all over Chicago. In November 2014, he was appointed Barrel of Monkeys’ new Artistic Director, having served as the company’s Education Coordinator since 2011.
About Barrel of Monkeys
Since Barrel of Monkeys’ inception in 1997, its teaching artists have served more than 60 Chicago Public Schools. Over 15,000 elementary school students have participated in the Barrel of Monkeys programs, which aim to build students’ writing skills, improve self-esteem, and instill confidence in their ideas and abilities. For additional information, visit barrelofmonkeys.org.
Celebration of Authors is sponsored in part by the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts.
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.
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