Chicago youth theater to be honored by first lady

A Chicago youth theater organization is among about a dozen groups that will be honored during a ceremony with first lady Michelle Obama.

Storycatchers Theatre will receive a youth program award from the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities during a reception in Washington on Friday. Mrs. Obama is the committee’s honorary chairwoman and is scheduled to host the event.

Storycatchers Theatre conducts multi-week programs with youth in underserved neighborhoods or who are incarcerated in the juvenile justice system.

Youth write, produce and perform original musical theater based on personal stories. The program’s aim is to help young people set goals, learn writing and performance skills and improve relationships with peers and family.

A total of 13 groups from across the country will receive awards.