Our summer apprenticeships came to a close last week with a special invitation for Teatro Americano to perform as the opening act for Chicago’s Shakespeare in the Park.  The 32 youth, ages 14-19, showcased their original piece, created throughout the summer, at Prop Theater, La Villita Community Church, and an excerpt—part of a city-wide youth showcase—at the Logan Arts Center at the University of Chicago.

Learning, expanding, and challenging limitations

The apprentices spent this record-setting hot summer learning, expanding, and challenging their own capabilities and limitations, developing a better understanding of their own identities and power along with the power of community.  With the guidance of their teaching artist team—Luis Crespo and Mark Via Franco—the apprentices created a fascinating original piece: a series of stories, linked together, that found truth, tears, depth, and, most importantly, humor!

Our teaching artist Luis had a wonderful time working with the apprentices this summer and had a special message for all of them:

I was humbled by the great work that the teenagers developed and by the great support from Cecile Keenan, Mark Via Franco, and the Latinos Progresando family.  Watching the teens come together to create and perform their play was a sight to behold and I look forward to what Teatro Americano is going to develop next!  The teens took ownership and displayed a great pride in sharing their voices in the community.  Programs like After School Matters and Latinos Progresando’s Teatro Americano are what gave me a voice and opportunity to flourish personally and artistically as a youth.  I am grateful to be able to instruct, direct, inspire, and guide the fine youth of Little Village the way I was when I was younger.

The Teatro Americano program will continue this fall with new apprenticeships, beginning on September 24^th, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:15 to 6:15pm. To apply, visit afterschoolmatters.org with the keyword Teatro Americano.