Exelon South Side Youth Performance Fest

Court Theatre proudly presents the 11th Annual Exelon South Side Youth Performance Fest, featuring the dramatic and design work of area students.

Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at 6:15pm

The Exelon South Side Youth Performance Fest celebrates Court Theatre’s work in south side high schools. For over ten years now, we have had the opportunity to showcase our students for the community. The success of these programs is a testament to collaborative efforts between Court Theatre teaching artists, and the teachers and administrators at our partner schools. This is always a special evening for Court Theatre, as parents, teachers, and friends gather to witness these young artists’ talent.

6:15 pm Doors Open & Scenic Design Exhibition
6:30 pm Performances
Reception catered by Piccolo Mondo immediately following, next door at Smart Museum
FREE and Open to the Public at Court Theatre | Reservations Recommended

The Exelon South Side Youth Performance Fest is the culmination of Court Theatre’s Artists-in-the-Schools program, during which students work with Court Teaching Artists in-class and after school to explore classic texts with a contemporary mindset. A select number of students participating in Court Theatre’s educational program will perform scenes and monologues or present scenic design work developed during the fall and winter school semesters. The festival affords students the chance to demonstrate skills learned during these in-school residencies, and also connect with their peers and venture outside their immediate social circles. For many students, this will be the first time they will have performed on a stage of any kind.

The Fest will feature content from Court’s Partner Schools including student performances by William R. Harper High School, Kenwood Academy High School, and Wendell Phillips Academy, as well as design work by students from Walter H. Dyett High School for the Arts and John M Harlan Community Academy High School. We are thrilled to showcase talented South Side students as part of the “Year of Creative Youth” in Chicago!

Support provided by

Willam D. and Diane S. Anderson

Betty Lou Smith Fund

Photo of the 2016 festival by Joe Mazza.