outreach update

T&L is proud to announce partnerships with New Thought Chicago and Young Chicago Authors for our first show of the 2008-09 season.

New Thought Chicago is dedicated to global transformation through individual consciousness. In an effort to promote Peace and Non-violence they are producing the first annual Peace on Earth Film Festival in Chicago, August 29-30 at the Biograph Theatre. Presenting over 40 films based on the genre of peace, this event will provoke thought about what peace is and how it is attained. The Festival also explores the use of entertainment and pop culture to promote ideas of peace.

Young Chicago Authors encourages self-expression and literacy through creative writing, performance and publication. YCA provides student-centered, artist-led workshops free to youth ages 13-19 in schools and communities. The process emphasizes artistic development, mentorship, and creating safe spaces where a young person's life matters. It is believed that through their words, young people can promote tolerance and remove barriers to transform their lives and society.

Peace on earth film festival

Peace On Earth Film Festival (POEFF) has been established to celebrate and encourage the work of independent films from around the world on the themes of peace and non-violence. POEFF is a not-for-profit film festival whose primary objective is to raise an awareness of peace as a possibility, by bringing attention to independent films from around the world. Through the power of motion pictures, POEFF endeavors to enlighten and empower individuals, families and communities to step out of the ignorance of conflict, violence and divisiveness into the light of communication, compassion and understanding.

Part of T&L's mission is to expand the audience of theatre. By partnering with a Film Festival, we hope to encourage movie-goers to experience the power of live performance. "Dancing at the Revolution", with it's themes of struggling for peace and freedom is the perfect companion piece to the Festival. T&L will be donating discounted tickets to members of New Thought Chicago. Ensemble members will also be on hand at the Film Festival to promote our production as a further exploration of using entertainment to promote peace.

young chicago authors

• In partnering with Chicago Young Authors, T&L will provide tickets free of charge to the students and staff. In addition to themes of freedom and peace, the main crux of "Dancing at the Revolution" is Emma Goldman attempting to finish her autobiography. By having the opportunity to see the play, the students will learn the power of words both to inspire and to engage.
• As a follow-up, ensemble members will be on hand at a Saturday class to facilitate a workshop on what it means to write for theatre. Themes will include writing dialogue, understanding the theatrical process (how what you write will be reinterpreted by various artists), knowing your audience, and conveying ideas in a dramatic way. By partnering the experience of seeing a production with talking about writing for production, the students will come away with a better understanding of communicating ideas for a theatrical audience.

To help or partner with T&L:

Outreach projects like those listed above require time, energy, enthusiasm, and funding. If you would like to volunteer or contribute please contact Kimberly Logan, Development Director, at KimberlyLogan@ThunderAndLightning.org.

If you would like T&L to develop a partnership program for your community, please also contact Kimberly at KimberlyLogan@ThunderAndLightning.org.