Shadowbox & Metro HS Produce A Sketch/Rock 'n' Roll Show

As the first part of a new community outreach program, Shadowbox will partner with Metro High School to co-produce a one-night-only sketch comedy and rock 'n' roll show featuring the students from the STEM-focused school (science, technology, engineering, mathematics).

The show, 'Metro Rocks the Box' is planned for Monday, May 18th at Shadowbox¹s home base in the Easton Town Center. Weekly rehearsals leading up to the event will take place at Metro High School after regular school hours.

Shadowbox directors / performers will work with the Metro students on specific sketch comedy characters and songs that are included in the one-off show. "Our plan is to work with the kids one-on-one to teach character development, vocal projection, stage craft, audience connection, and
physical confidence," said Shadowbox Community Relation Director Stacie Boord. "Rather than taking a classroom approach, these rehearsals will be structured like performance workshops so the kids can participate freely, develop a rapport with the directors and their fellow cast members, and get a sense of what it¹s like to be a part of an ensemble."

The Metro project is the first of several community-based projects being pursued by Shadowbox, and with Metro¹s curriculum focusing on math and the sciences Shadowbox is able to help fill the arts niche for the students. Metro High School is supported by Battelle, OSU, and the Coalition of
Essential Schools National, and does not currently have a lot of arts education as part of it¹s curriculum.

"I think we can all agree that the arts play a critical role in our society," said Steve Guyer, Shadowbox Executive Producer and CEO. "Through the arts we learn tolerance and personal expression, creativity and free thought. And yet, arts education is one of the first things to go when school budgets get cut. We (Shadowbox) cannot save arts education in America, but we can look for opportunities to make an impact on kids who would otherwise not have any experience with performing. That's the over-arching goal of the Metro project."

Shadowbox is video taping the entire project and plans to air a documentary on Time Warner Cable's On-Demand. Students, teachers, friends and family will be able to see the making of the Metro show as well as parts of the show itself at their convenience on Time Warner channel 1111.

Tickets to "Metro Rocks the Box" are $30 / $20 students and seniors. All proceeds benefit Metro High School. To make reservations contact the Shadowbox Box Office at 614-416-7625

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