MCC Youth Theater Presents UNCENSORED 2012, 5/18-20

One effort of the MCC Education & Outreach Department is the MCC Theater Youth Company, a free after-school program for under-served city youth interested in learning playwriting and acting from theater professionals. “As MCC Theater’s extremely successful 2011-2012 season comes to a close, it seems fitting to turn our attention to the next generation of theatrical artists showcased in our annual Uncensored presentation,” commented Bernard Telsey, one of MCC Theater’s founding Artistic Directors. “In a year in which MCC presented the world premieres of Jeff Talbott’s The Submission and Thomas Higgins’ Wild Animals You Should Know and brought the musical Carrie back to New York City, we are extremely eager and excited to see what these gifted students have in store for us when given the time and space to express truly emergent artistic talent with no restrictions or rules.”

The ongoing MCC Theater Youth Company program is comprised of weekly Acting and Playwriting Labs, and a newly launched Satellite Youth Company in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. Between both Youth Company ensembles, MCC worked with more than 90 teens in the 2011-2012 school year, representing all five boroughs of New York City and more than 40 schools.
Uncensored, the annual spring presentation of the Youth Company, presents the Youth Company’s artistic talents without censorship or the parameters designated by their school system. The performance includes individual works developed over months of rehearsal. The performances provide a rare, unrestricted glimpse into the hearts and minds of a unique group of individuals. Each actor has the opportunity to articulate their hopes, fears, and dreams through original monologues, dialogues and ensemble pieces which can be comic or dramatic but are always meaningful expressions of their inner lives. It is an equally rewarding and enjoyable experience for both the performer and the audience.

Uncensored 2012 is scheduled for May 18 at 7:00 p.m., May 19 at 5:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m., and May 20 at 2:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. Tickets are a suggested donation of $10 for adults and $5 for students. Seating is limited and reservations are highly recommended. For reservations and additional performance information, please contact MCC Theater at 212-727-7722 ext. 221.