Barrel of Monkeys Performs Hearts to Arts' Camper Stories

On November 4, Chicago ensemble Barrel of Monkeys (BOM) performs Who Tells Your Story?, a series of sketches written by campers from Hearts to Art, an Auditorium Theatre summer camp that encourages young people who have experienced the death of a parent to engage in the healing power of creative play.

Barrel of Monkeys brings its family-friendly style of sketch comedy for young audiences, seen in shows like the long-running series That's Weird, Grandma, to the Auditorium Theatre's Katten-Landau Studio on November 4. Who Tells Your Story? provides an experience for the whole family, introducing young people to live storytelling and theatre in an entertaining format that everyone will enjoy.

Members of Barrel of Monkeys collaborated with campers over the two summer 2017 sessions of Hearts to Art. Campers wrote creative fictional tales, persuasive arguments, and comedic dialogues in small groups that they performed for their fellow campers. Barrel of Monkeys has taken a selection of these stories and transformed them into short skits and musical acts.

"We are so excited to see our campers' stories come to life in this Barrel of Monkeys performance," says Kristen Hansel, Director of Creative Engagement at the Auditorium Theatre. "Hearts to Art campers had a great time working with the company this summer, exploring how they can use the power of storytelling to persuade listeners to consider a new point of view, spark the imagination, or simply make others laugh!"

"The campers were clever, funny, charming, and game to jump into creative writing and creative play," says Brandon Cloyd, Artistic Director for Barrel of Monkeys. "We had a wonderful time reading all of the campers' stories, and we are thrilled to present this original show [based on] their writing."

About Barrel of Monkeys

Barrel of Monkeys is an ensemble of actors and educators who create an alternative learning environment in which children share their personal voices and celebrate the power of their imaginations. BOM accomplishes this through creative writing workshops and in-school performances of children's stories. BOM also engages the broader community in support of the visions of children through public performances of their work.

About Hearts to Art

Hearts to Art is a unique summer camp that brings together young people between the ages of 7 and 14 who have experienced the death of a parent, encouraging them to experience the healing power of creative play. Through the exploration and creation of dance, theatre, and music, Hearts to Art inspires communication and collaboration, fosters emotional growth, and provides the consolation of friendship and compassion.

Performance Information

Who Tells Your Story? A Collaboration with Barrel of Monkeys

Saturday, November 4 | 2PM

Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Tickets are available online at AuditoriumTheatre.org, by phone at 312.341.2300, or in person at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E Congress Parkway).

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