Halloween Family Event Held at Chicago Cultural Center

Celebrate Halloween with Barrel of Monkeys and fun-filled family activities at the Chicago Cultural Center Saturday, October 31, 2009, 10-1:30 pm

The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs celebrates Halloween with theater ensemble Barrel of Monkeys in HALLOWEd HallS: ON STAGE!, a full day of interactive workshops and performances for families. Theater professionals will train young trick-or-treaters to be their very best costumed character. The fun and educational activities include a mask and costume accessory-making craft, a playwriting and acting workshop, and a hilarious performance by Barrel of Monkeys.

All of the HALLOWEd HallS activities are free and open to all families. The Halloween day events run from 10 am to 1:30 pm in the spookily decorated GAR Hall and Claudia Cassidy Theater of the Chicago Cultural Center, at 78 E. Washington Street. Activities are recommended for children ages 7-12, and all young participants should be accompanied by an adult. Participants are welcome for the entire schedule or for individual activities listed below.

Schedule of Events

10 - 11 am Mask and Costume Making

Missing an important accessory for your costume? Teaching artists will show you how to make your own mask, crown, or animal ears. Get into character wearing you new creation.

11 am - 12 noon Playwriting and Acting Workshop with Barrel of Monkeys

Join Barrel of Monkeys and your costumed friends in an interactive writing and acting workshop. Together, you will write a short play, rehearse, and perform for your friends and family. Use your costumes and newly created accessories for inspiration.

12:30 - 1:30 pm Performances by Barrel of Monkeys

Theater ensemble Barrel of Monkeys will perform a speciAl Halloween version of their critically acclaimed play "That's Weird, Grandma."

Barrel of Monkeys is an arts education theater ensemble that works with some of the most under-served students in Chicago. BOM achieves its mission by teaching fundamental creative writing skills; providing a safe and supportive learning environment; building self-esteem and confidence in children; adapting stories written by children for the stage by professional actors; and presenting a smart, funny theatre experience.

For more information, call 312.744.6630 or visit www.explorechicago.org.

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