Portraying both humans and animals presented a creative challenge to the 2014 Teens Together Summer Touring Ensemble. The17-member youth ensemble explored movement and vocalization techniques to create each character.
The ensemble performed 32 shows in 11 locations. More than 1,400 audience members enjoyed BEAUTIFUL BEASTS, in which a group of misfit teens are compelled, as a condition of parole, to care for a collection of stray, run-away and physically challenged pets. While initially repelled by the appearances and issues of the pets, the young people eventually identified with and cared for the animals.
The show explored acceptance and the importance of second chances. This summer’s show integrated discussion points throughout, allowing the audience to have an effect on the outcome of the show.
The Ensemble will present a staged reading of its newest work-in-progress on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 1 p.m. in the Hoken Gallery on the Columbia College Chicago Campus.