The Red Kite Project
For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL, Friday, October 19, 2007 -
Contact
Carol Fox & Associates
(773)327-3830
http://www.chicagochildrenstheatre.org/pr
CHICAGO CHILDREN'S THEATRE LAUNCHES THE RED KITE PROJECT,
A NEW EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVE TO SERVE CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
A collaboration with London's Oily Cart Theatre Company, in association with Chicago Children's Museum and The Autism Program at The University of Illinois-Chicago
CHICAGO – Chicago Children's Theatre proudly announces the launch of a major new educational initiative for their 2007-2008 season with The Red Kite Project. Created with London's Oily Cart Theatre Company, The Red Kite Project is a highly interactive and multi-sensory educational performance installation that focuses on the needs of children with autism. The project is presented in association with Chicago Children's Museum and The Autism Program at The University of Illinois-Chicago.
Chicago Children's Theatre will officially launch The Red Kite Project in October 2007 when it brings members of London's Oily Cart Theatre Company to Chicago for a series of workshops taking place Oct. 8 -19. Led by Oily Cart founders Artistic Director Tim Webb, Designer Amanda Webb and Composer Max Reinhardt, the workshops will include Chicago-based theater artists, special education teachers and Chicago Children's Theatre artistic staff. The principal goal of the October workshops will be to identify thematic content for the performance installation and to generate design ideas. In mid-April 2008, Chicago Children's Theatre will install The Red Kite Project at Chicago Children's Museum for a limited run.
“As founders of Oily Cart, we are delighted to have been invited to Chicago, a city with such a rich cultural life and in particular we are honored to be working with that dynamic organization, Chicago Children's Theatre,” says Tim Webb. “Together we will be exploring and developing theater for young people with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder. This is an audience that, in the U.K. at least, is sadly neglected but which is surely as entitled to imaginative, artistic provision as any other group in society. I am convinced that the synergy created by the collaboration of our two companies will accelerate the development of theater that truly engages these young people and the people who live and work with them.”
Oily Cart Theatre Company is committed to developing theatrical work for children with complex disabilities and the very young. Formed in 1981, Oily Cart focuses on the needs of disabled youth and their families, adapting work especially for them. Using its own original scripts, the company draws upon a vast array of theatrical styles and techniques. Recognizing the audience's demands, Oily Cart develops new forms of need- and age- appropriate theater that excites the senses and encourages family interaction. Communication and shared experience are among the best tools for families dealing with autism and Oily Cart has developed proven methods for stimulating each.
The driving force behind The Red Kite Project is Chicago Children's Theatre's Artistic Director, Jacqueline Russell. In her capacity as an artist in residence for the past decade at Agassiz Elementary School, Russell has had the opportunity to work with students with autism, witnessing first hand the benefits of theater for this unique audience.
“Recent statistics indicate one out of every 166 children is born with an autistic spectrum disorder and the rates continue to climb,” notes Russell. “In our short history, Chicago Children's Theatre has worked to create meaningful education programs for children and it is clear that this is an important and underserved segment for us to address. Now, with the help of Oily Cart, Chicago Children's Museum, The Autism Program, and the generous support of the Pritzker Pucker Foundation, we feel well versed and prepared to take on this exciting and much needed educational initiative.”
Chicago Children's Theatre's education programs have reached over 10,000 children in Chicago. In the autumn of 2007 the company will focus its efforts exclusively on the development of The Red Kite Project. The intent is to offer The Red Kite Project to as broad and diverse a community as possible. Ideally, the project will be replicated throughout Illinois and, in the long-term vision, the country.
About Chicago Children's Theatre
Chicago Children's Theatre aspires to enrich our community through diverse and significant theatrical programming that engages and inspires the child in all of us. Chicago Children's Theatre focuses on the production of first-rate children's theater in Chicago, with top writing, performing and directorial talent and high-quality design and production expertise.
Led by Artistic Director Jacqueline Russell, Executive Director Claude Binder and Board Chair Todd Leland, the company is supported by a dynamic Board of Directors comprised of dedicated individuals from the fields of entertainment, philanthropy and business, and a committed Artistic Council of Chicago-based actors, directors, musicians and designers.
Founded in 2005 with its Inaugural Production, A Year With Frog and Toad, Chicago Children's Theatre strives to provide affordable and accessible theater for families and area school children. The inaugural 2006-2007 season included Dandelion Wine, the Amsterdam-based skating show, 4-Ish, Go, Dog. Go! and Honus and Me. To enhance the impact of any given production's themes, Chicago Children's Theatre offers educational materials and programs for families and educators.
Productions scheduled for the 2007-2008 season include The Selfish Giant, adapted from the story by Oscar Wilde; Hana's Suitcase, adapted from the book by Karen Levine; and Esperanza Rising, based on the book by Pam Munoz Ryan. For more information about Chicago Children's Theatre visit www.chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call 773.227.0180.
About The Autism Program
The Autism Program is a network of services and supports for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families. All of the services and supports are intended
to model best practice standards for diagnosis, treatment and support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, based on current leading research and expert consensus.
The Autism Program consists of three Regional Centers and two affiliate sites which includes The Autism Program Metro-Chicago Regional Training & Service Center at
The University of Illinois at Chicago. For more information visit www.theautismprogram.org or call 312.413.4624
About Chicago Children's Museum
Chicago Children's Museum's mission is to create a community where play and learning connect. Every day, CCM presents innovative programs that make math, science, reading, the arts, and learning about different cultures fun for the whole family. CCM
is committed to providing exhibits, programs, and public spaces that are inclusive and interactive for all visitors, regardless of their diverse backgrounds and abilities. For
more information visit www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org or call 312.527.1000.
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