STORYTOWN Moves to Stage 773; Begins Open Run 3/2

Storytown has announced that Stage 773 will be its new home starting March 2. The show will perform every Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. as part of an open run at the theater, 1225 W. Belmont Ave.

"Stage 773 is excited to welcome Storytown to our home," said Brian Posen, Stage 773 Artistic Director. "There's a perfect synergy between this theatre and this amazing troupe because Storytown inspires creativity through storytelling, improvisation, music and art. Having Storytown here adds a great creative outlet and theater experience for kids of all ages."

Adding Storytown to the theater helps further develop Stage 773's increased children's programming and educational training. Storytown is an interactive arts experience for children where every show is completely unique. The audience becomes an integral part of the show, as each and every story is created based on the suggestions of the children. Every show begins with the audience choosing a location for the story to take place. Children are then invited onstage to decorate the backdrop and start to bring the story to life. As the tale unfolds, graphic artists construct props, paint backdrops, modify costumes, and create an environment as unique as the story. A pianist not only supplies live music that scores the action, but also creates inventive songs in tandem with original lyrics created on the spot by the actors. Everything from the costumes, the story, the art and the music is fueled by the creative energy of the audience.

"It has always been essential to me that a Storytown show is more than a children's show," said Andrew Ritter, Storytown Creative Director. "As a father of two children, I realized this show is not only an experience where the children are invited to be active participants of the story creation. The space also needs to be a place where adults authentically and legitimately enjoy the entire experience as much as, if not more than, the kids."

The mission of Storytown is to cultivate creativity and arts appreciation while introducing audiences to story structure and problem solving. Performers use the core improvisation

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fundamental of "yes, and" so every suggestion and idea is accepted, embraced and developed. The actors, musicians and artists work together with the audience to build the story. Previous location suggestions from the children include: the beach, Disneyland, a wedding, a hole, in a million years and even a shadow realm.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at www.stage773.com or by calling 773-327-5252. Special arrangements can be made for birthday parties. More information can be found atwww.storytownimprov.com.