Brooklyn Arts Exchange Announces Youthworks Performance, 1/29 and 1/30

Started in 1991, YOUTHWORKS is a unique yearly opportunity for young people (ages 7- 18) to imagine, create, and perform their own original performance work at BAX. Artists come in from all over the City, most with nothing more than the desire to create "something," and set themselves to work. First, the young artists organize their ideas and figure out ways to get them out of their head and into a performance setting. The artists continue by finding form to their work, and wrap up by working on their performance skills and adding production elements like costumes and lighting. Professional artists work as coaches to guide these aspiring young artists through this 8-week creative process that begins in the BAX studios. These coaches volunteer their time and assist the young artists by giving feedback, asking questions and supporting these original works.

Many YOUTHWORKS (formerly Kids Outback) artists go on to pursue careers in the performing arts. Pele Bauch, for example, currently manages The Field's career and creative development curriculums. She also recently presented her work, H to Oh, to a sold out audience at The Chocolate Factory. Former participant Zoe Klien and her dance company, PARADIZO DANCE, left a lasting impression on fans nation-wide as semi-finalists in the "America's Got Talent" TV competition in the summer of 2009. These are just a few of the professional artists who began creating work in YOUTHWORKS and have gone on to achieve numerous successes.

YOUTHWORKS is FREE to all participants. Past performances have included plays, dances, poetry in performance, original songs and a movie short. Pieces have been solos, group pieces and have even included a father/daughter collaboration! YOUTHWORKS director, Donna Costello, assisted by the festivals coordinator, leads the orientation session (mandatory for participants), recruits the coaches, coordinates rehearsals and produces the performance. The culminating performance is fully produced (with lights, sound and stage manager) and takes place in the theater space.

See the 2010-2011 Youthworks performance!

Tickets: $5

Saturday, January 29, 2011 @ 7:00 pm
Sunday, January 30, 2011 @ 5:00 pm

For reservations call 718-832-0018.