650 Chicago Youth Celebrate “Youth Spectacle: The Commitment Project”

650 Chicago Youth Celebrate “Youth Spectacle: The Commitment Project”

Redmoon at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum May 22-25  & in Homan Square May 31

CHICAGO – May 14, 2011 – Audiences of all ages, from diverse Chicago neighborhoods will gather to witness a major cultural event designed, authored, built and performed by 650 young people from around Chicago: May 22 - 25 at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and May 31 in Homan Square. Produced by Chicago’s acclaimed theater spectacle company, Redmoon, the Youth Spectacle will give Chicagoans a fantastical glimpse into the way local youth experience, interpret and generate spectacle art inspired by powerful promises— promises made to themselves and their community.

Through Redmoon’s internationally renown Neighborhood Arts Program, over the past nine months, 650 school-age youth from diverse Chicago communities have come together to make something bigger than themselves—a commitment to one another, to their community, and to their city.  The youth will use shadow animation, sound installation, surreal visual art and performance to transform the Nature Museum’s South Gallery and Terrace into a complex celebration of commitments – as seen from their unique perspectives. The final performance will take place at the Homan Square Community Center.

Institutions involved in the production include the CPS American Indian Education Program Title VII Program, Audubon Elementary School in Roscoe Village; EMBARC of Englewood; and Family Focus Lawndale Center, Skinner West Elementary School in the West Loop and the Center for Community Arts Partnership of Columbia College.

The Redmoon Youth Spectacle was conceived by Artistic Directors Frank Maugeri and Jim Lasko and led by co-creators Matt Rudy and Nikki Zaleski.

WHAT:                   Redmoon Youth Spectacle 2012: The Commitment Project

WHEN/WHERE:   5/22* - 5/25 at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 North Cannon Drive, Chicago
                                   entry times:  6:15pm, 7:15pm and 8:15pm

*PREVIEW- May 22nd at 6:15pm (with participant talk-back symposium at 7:15pm) at the 

  Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

   5/31 - Homan Square Community Center, 3517 West Arthington Street, Chicago

                                   entry times:  6:15pm, 7:15pm and 8:15pm

                                                  

ADMISSION:        Individual tickets at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum - $10 for adults, $3 for ages 17   

                               and under, and free for children under age 3.
                               Ticket access includes full access to the Youth Spectacle and Nature Museum.

                               Tickets on sale, and can be purchased by visiting www.redmoon.org  or
                               by calling 312.850.8440 x111.

                                  FREE: 5/22 – Preview at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum & 5/31 at Homan Square!

About Redmoon Theater

Redmoon’s mission is to transform the experience of our urban landscape through ephemeral events that disrupt everyday life and provide opportunities for public engagement, community building and recognition of the possibility of change. Founded in 1990, Redmoon transforms streets, stages, and architectural landmarks, bridging economic, cultural and generational boundaries with a unique brand of Spectacle: a public art form that is equal parts pageantry, gadgetry, puppetry, robust physical performance and visual art. Through its vibrant outdoor performances, high-profile collaborations, and youth-focused Neighborhood Arts Programming, Redmoon fosters civic well-being and community engagement, reaching an annual audience of more than 15,000 people across Chicagoland. Redmoon has garnered national and international attention for its unique productions, site-specific performances and events—which have been seen across the US from New York to Los Angeles with a 2009 appearance at the White House, and around the globe in Holland, Ireland, France, Australia and Brazil. For more information, visit www.redmoon.org.

About the Chicago Academy of Sciences and its Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

The Chicago Academy of Sciences and its Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum serves as an urban gateway to nature and science. Located in an eco-friendly building amidst abundant wildlife and nature in Lincoln Park, hands-on exhibitions allow visitors of all ages to connect with regional wildlife and public programs that inspire green living and sustainability. With a history that spans more than 150 years, the Academy’s conservation efforts study, explore and protect urban wildlife and the unique natural history of the Great Lakes region. Today, collaborative conservation programs include citizen science initiatives, native habitat restoration and one of the region’s largest environmental education programs. For more information, visit www.naturemuseum.org or call 773-755-5100.

#  #  #