Pillsbury House Theatre's
Chicago Avenue Project
Pillsbury United Communities

Collaboration is the heart of theater. Consequently, it comes as no surprise that a program uniting young people with theater professionals will not only have a positive impact on the community, but will make great theater, as well. Pillsbury House Theatre's Chicago Avenue Project brings African-American and immigrant youth together with adult playwrights, actors, and directors to create powerful and original productions. This caring, creative partnership gives young people from inner-city neighborhoods throughout Minneapolis recognition that is both immediate and public.

The program's cornerstone activities are acting classes, taught at inner-city community centers, and a summer-long playwriting class. Professional playwrights first attend the acting classes, and each establishes a one-on-one relationship with a budding actor. Next, they write a short two-character play, incorporating their particular child's unique personality into one of the characters. Professional actors portray the other characters and join the young people for rehearsals. These collaborative efforts culminate in two public performances, presented to the community free of charge.

Once a year, the students themselves become the playwrights. In a series of summer classes, participants work with a professional dramaturge to develop their playwriting skills. Then, at a retreat in a rural setting, volunteers and staff spend time with the students, helping them fine-tune their plays. Afterward, participants begin rehearsing with professional actors and a director to prepare for the final performance: The student playwright sits on stage at a special desk and reads along as the actors perform. This closing production highlights the child's voice as the centerpiece of the work.

Students involved in the Chicago Avenue Project improve their reading, writing, and listening skillsóas well as their memoryóand boost their overall academic performance. Another measure of the program's success is the community support that it receives. Community residents have responded enthusiastically to the productions, and the number of performances has doubled to meet the demand.

By demonstrating to young people that they have something of value to say and surrounding them with caring adults who help them say it, the Chicago Avenue Project shines a bright light on each child's achievements.