Teens called to audition for Reality Theatre
Is your high schooler a good role model or interested in exploring his or her artistic side? OMNI's REALITY Theatre is calling on all interested high school students – with or without acting experience - to audition for the theatre group on Sunday, September 9 at 4 p.m. The auditions will take place at OMNI Youth Services at 1111 W. Lake Cook Road, Buffalo Grove.
REALITY Theatre is a Chicago-area teen theatre ensemble that combines the power of creative drama with the impact of youth speaking directly to youth – positive peer-to-peer communication. Teen ensemble members develop original theatrical productions that are “real” and relevant for the audience. The plays, both humorous and serious, are presented in a language that the target audience can relate to and that offer alternatives to unhealthy behavior. The ensemble members select topics that reflect current trends and challenges at schools across the country. Topics often include: teasing and bullying; divorce; healthy friendships and dating; distracted driving; cigarettes, alcohol and drugs; internet safety, body image, relationships, depression, and more.
The teen ensemble is seeking high school boys and girls who are both interested in learning more about acting and writing scripts and are committed to promoting positive choices, healthy lifestyles and decision making. No experience is necessary, but each member must pledge to be completely drug, alcohol and tobacco free and must be willing to communicate this and other healthy lifestyle messages to peers.
“We encourage all high school students to come out for the auditions if they are interested in performing and are committed to being good role models for their peers,” said Artistic Director Melissa Estes. “The program is designed for both teens interested in acting as well as teens who just want to meet new friends. As long as you are willing to get up in front of people to speak, we will teach you acting skills,” she added.
The audition will be structured in several parts. Students will participate in group warm ups and other theatre exercises. Students will be asked to do both “cold readings” of scripted material distributed at the beginning of the audition and improvised scenes or monologues based on prompts given. Time will be given to look over the material and come up with ideas for improvisation. Students will be asked to speak in front of the group before presenting their scenes. Students will also participate in a short personal interview with the director.
There is a fee of $80/month to participate that covers the training, travel and materials. Financial assistance and scholarships are available. The ensemble meets every Sunday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at OMNI Youth Services in Buffalo Grove. Please visit www.omniyouth.org for additional information.
REALITY performs for middle and high schools, youth organizations and retreats, health fairs, parents nights, corporate employee events, leadership camps and conferences around Illinois, the United States, and internationally.
Background
REALITY Theatre
Since 1994, REALITY annually premieres original theatrical productions written and performed by youth for youth. The program offers post-performance classroom discussions led by the teen actors and workshops for students and educators using the “REALITY” method of drama as a tool for creativity, communication and conflict resolution. REALITY performs for more than 8,000 people each year in elementary, junior high and high schools and at snowball and snowflake events, youth retreats, hospitals, parent nights, leadership camps and conferences. Schools, youth organizations and corporations interested in booking a performance should contact REALITY Theatre Coordinator Janet Jesse at 847-353-1706 or jjesse@omniyouth.org.
OMNI Youth Services
Started in 1972 by a group of mental health professionals, elected officials and concerned citizens, OMNI was established to provide a comprehensive youth service system that would respond more effectively to the needs of young people. In an of era dwindling resources for mental health and youth services, OMNI serves thousands of youth and their families, many with limited alternatives. Programs include: counseling services, mentoring programs, substance abuse and treatment programs, services to juvenile offenders, community service projects, youth development programs, work with neglected and abused children, multicultural resource programs and the internationally-recognized Adventure Therapy Services, an experiential therapy program, and REALITY Theatre. OMNI Youth Services holds its headquarters and a program office in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, with additional program offices in Wheeling Township in Arlington Heights. Additionally, OMNI has a MultiCultural Community Center in Wheeling. For more information visit HYPERLINK "http://www.omniyouth.org"www.omniyouth.org and join us on Facebook: HYPERLINK "https://www.facebook.com/OMNIyouth" https://www.facebook.com/OMNIyouth.