TEENS TOGETHER EXPLORES WAR WITH VET ARTS

This season, the Teens Together Playwriting Ensemble explored the parallels between conventional war zones and violent, urban communities. In collaboration with war veterans from the Vet Art Project (www.vetartproject.com) the teens shared stories of violence, loyalty, and sacrifice. TAKING IT INSIDE, the anthology of stories written by the teens and Vietnam War Veteran Bill Christ, is the inspiration for the Ensemble's new original musical, TAKE IT INSIDE. On Saturday April 25, 2010, the Ensemble will host a book release party for the anthology and present a preview of songs and scenes from TAKE IT INSIDE. The event begins at 1PM at the Conaway Center, 1104 S. Wabash.

The Summer Theatre Ensemble begins rehearsals for the new musical on June 21, 2010. Produced in partnership between Storycatchers Theatre, the Chicago Housing Authority and the Chicago Park District, the Summer Theatre Ensemble is supported by Polk Bros. Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council (a state agency) a City Arts2 grant from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, the Alphawood Foundation, the Albert Speh Family Foundation and St. Matthew United Methodist Church.

Viet Nam veteran, Bill Christ, rehearses with the Teens Together Playwriting Ensemble.