Free Street Theater

XANDER MENDOZA

admin — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:47:17 +0000

Free Street helps us with being ourselves. In the beginning (of rehearsals), everyone is shy and afraid to show themselves. Through the writing process, we get to know what people are on the inside.

I like how we discuss different ideas as a group. We talk about issues in our community—it makes us really think about what’s going on and how we can fix it.

Xander is 14 yrs. old, attends Nicholas Sen High School and returns to the ensemble this fall from the summer.

Portrait by Anna Sodziak, Summer 2011

A PRODUCTION TAKES FORM

admin — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:02:15 +0000

Writing prompt: What are the voices that are holding you back?

The Resident Ensemble’s spring production is taking form on Free Street’s stage. Ideas are amassed, discussed and fleshed out by the ensemble. Over the next few months, their daily writings shape their play. On the table: youth empowerment.

LEAH OTTO

admin — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:23:59 +0000

This past summer I learned so much, I can’t even begin to explain it. I met plenty of new amazing people. I learned how to work as a group and get the job done without complaining or being bothered by the size of the task at hand. I learned how to respond with “Ok–Let’s get to it.”

Free Street’s process is a way to free your mind and let your true self come out, even if you don’t know who that true self is. Outside of Free Street, it’s helped me tons in expressing myself and being less afraid of judgement.

This fall, I’m really excited about the new people and the concept of revolution as our topic because this past year has been revolution filled all over the world.

Leah Otto is 16 years old, attends Jones College Prep and is a returning ensemble member this fall.

Portrait by Anna Sodziak, Summer 2011