The Auditorium Theatre Sets Summer 2016 Community Programs

The Auditorium Theatre's Department of Creative Engagement announces its annual summer initiatives: the return of Hands Together, Heart to Art(HTHTA) Summer Camp July 11 through August 5 and the popular "Made in Chicago" Summer Dance Intensive June 27 through July 1.

"Throughout the year, we create ways to share the arts with children, teachers, and families not only through the public performances we present throughout our season, but also through our engagement work in Chicago classrooms and in our theatre spaces," says Henry Fogel, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Auditorium Theatre. "Summer is no exception, and we are proud to be celebrating the 12th year of our award-winning camp, Hands Together, Heart to Art, as well as our Summer Dance Intensive that is truly unique in its scope and content."

Hands Together, Heart to Art Summer Camp

Session 1 - Monday, July 11 - Friday, July 22 | Ages 7 to 10

Balloon Launch - Wednesday, July 20 | Buckingham Fountain | 1:45PM

Talent Show - Friday, July 15 | Katten-Landau Studio at the Auditorium Theatre | 3PM

Final Show - Friday, July 22 | Ganz Hall at Roosevelt University | 3PM

Session 2 - Monday, July 25 - Friday, August 5 | Ages 11 to 14

Balloon Launch - Wednesday, August 3 | Buckingham Fountain | 1:45PM

Talent Show - Friday, July 29 | Katten-Landau Studio at the Auditorium Theatre | 3PM

Final Show - Friday, August 5 | Ganz Hall at Roosevelt University | 3PM

Now in its 12th year, Hands Together, Heart to Art Summer Camp brings together children between the ages of 7 and 14, who have experienced the death of a parent, to experience the healing power of creative play. Through the exploration and creation of dance, theatre, art, and music, the camp encourages communication and collaboration, fosters emotional growth, and provides the consolation of friendship and compassion. A full time professional healing counselor is onsite throughout the duration of the camp. Former camp attendees ages 15 to 18 also have the opportunity to stay connected to the camp by participating in the Junior Counselor program.

Each year, the campers participate in a Balloon Launch designed to celebrate and commemorate the parent(s) they've lost. The children write messages to their deceased loved ones, tie them to strings attached to balloons, and release the balloons in unison into the heavens at the historic Buckingham Fountain.

Each camp session also includes a Talent Show midway into the camp that allows campers to present their individuality on stage through spoken word, music, and dance. The Final Show, open to friends and family, is the culminating camp event that showcases the kids' visual artwork along with songs, dances and skits they've created with camp teachers.

Tuition is $50 per child, and includes lunch, snacks, water, and special performances by Chicago based artists and performing arts groups. In addition, scholarships are available for families in financial need. The Auditorium Theatre is committed to making sure that Hands Together, Heart to Art is not just a camp for children whose families can afford it, but instead, a camp for children who need it.

This year, the Auditorium Theatre offers two free bus services for South Side and West Side families in need of transportation to and from camp. The South Side stop is located at Washington Park, 5531 S. Martin Luther King Dr., and the West Side stop is located at Austin Town Hall, 5610 W. Lake St.

For more information on HTHTA, click here, or contact atru-education@auditoriumtheatre.org.

Hands Together, Heart to Art is sponsored by the Lauri S. Bauer Foundation for Sudden Loss, the Efroymson Family Fund, A. Montgomery Ward Foundation, Chicago Cabaret Professionals, The Grainger Foundation, The Collins Charitable Fund, Taxman Family Foundation, and the Ivanhoe Theater Foundation.

"Made in Chicago" Summer Dance Intensive

Monday, June 27 - Friday, July 1

The "Made in Chicago" Summer Dance Intensive gives dance students ages 11 to 18 the opportunity to study various dance forms with the professionals of local Chicago dance companies featured in the Auditorium Theatre's "Made in Chicago" Dance Series. Participants benefit firsthand from the wisdom and experience of a diverse grouping made up of some of Chicago's most exceptional artists. Students also learn about the profession of dance, and discover the many ways this art form can benefit them as they move toward their future.

2016 participating companies include The Joffrey Ballet, Giordano Dance Chicago, Thodos Dance Chicago, Chicago Human Rhythm Project, Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, and DanceWorks Chicago.

This year's "Made in Chicago" Summer Dance Intensive is full, however dancers interested in learning more about the Auditorium Theatre's master classes, click here, or contact atru-education@auditoriumtheatre.or.

The Auditorium Theatre, located at 50 E. Congress Pkwy, is an Illinois, not-for-profit organization committed to presenting the finest in international, cultural, community and educational programming to Chicago, and to the continued restoration and preservation of the National Historic Landmark. In September of 2014, the Auditorium Theatre was awarded the inaugural Fifth Star Award by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

For more information about programming, volunteer and donor opportunities or theatre tours, call 312.341.2310 or visit AuditoriumTheatre.org. For a complete listing of events at the Auditorium Theatre, click here.

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