Photo Flash: About Face Youth Theatre Presents SCARY STORIES TO SAVE YOUR LIFE

The About Face Theatre Youth Theatre Ensemble is pleased to present the world premiere of SCARY STORIES TO SAVE YOUR LIFE, horror-inspired tales informed by the social and political anxieties facing today's LGBTQ+ youth, devised and performed by members of the About Face Youth Theatre Ensemble and directed by Associate Director of About Face Youth Theatre Donny Acosta and special guests. SCARY STORIES will play July 14 - 22, 2018 at The Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St. in Chicago. Tickets for ($20 or pay-what-you-can) go on sale Monday, June 18, 2018 at aboutfacetheatre.com or by calling (773) 784-8565.

Need an antidote for your increased anxiety since the 2016 Presidential election? The award-winning About Face Youth Theatre presents an original horror play that will shock you right back into your senses. In a world of disappearing protections and increased violence against LGBTQ+ youth across the country, AFYT is serving up a collection of real life stories of survival, resistance and victory against the dark side.

Associate Director of About Face Youth Theatre and director Donny Acosta comments, "The ensemble this year was ready to tackle this heavy topic of anxiety through a horror lens. This play, or shall I say collection of scary stories, will bring the fear this summer. Walking home late at night with friends, experiencing cyberbullying, being misgendered at the hospital, and other scenarios crack open some really deep fears for LGBTQ youth and ultimately, fear is something we all have in common."

Adds About Face Artistic Director Megan Carney, "The youth ensemble is passionate about tackling tough subjects head on. Many young people are feeling especially vulnerable in this political climate and that is showing up in an increase of anxiety. With all of the ways to handle that - mindfulness, medication, you name it - the creative process can also be an antidote. This ensemble is working on transforming anxiety by facing it directly and taking action through choreography, storytelling, writing, performance, accessing resources. I think they've made a smart, at times wildly funny, horror show for everyone who ever feels scared and wants to be brave."

The production team for SCARY STORIES TO SAVE YOUR LIFE includes: Via Haman (costume/make-up design), Claire Sangster (lighting design), Spencer Meeks (sound design) and Jenna Meyers (stage manager).

Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow