This year, the children’s theatre division of ITA would like to recognize that the term children’s theatre encompasses a wide range of theatre styles and organizations by honoring a company that is better labeled a youth ensemble.

Founded in 1997, Albany Park Theater Project, or APTP, is a multiethnic, youth theatre ensemble that creates original theater productions.  The company shares the real-life stories of Chicago youth, immigrants, and working-class Americans; humanizes and stimulates dialogue about pressing issues that impact real people; enhances the cultural vitality of Chicago and Albany Park, a neighborhood with no other arts organization; and creates a space where youth embark on lives as adventurous dreamers and accomplished achievers.

I have had the pleasure of seeing several APTP productions and I am always amazed at the high level of skill the young performers demonstrate as playwrights, dramaturges, choreographers, composers, and storytellers to devise beautiful, intelligent, relevant theater.  It is honestly some of the best theatre I have seen in the city of Chicago.  I even bought a t-shirt after their production Saffron moved me to tears!

In addition to producing great art, the record of APTP’s youth artists is impressive: when compared to Chicago norms, APTP teen artists have a 72% higher high school graduation rate; they have a 42% higher college matriculation rate; and APTP teen artists have a 650% higher college graduation rate than the average for Chicago public high school students (yes, 650%!).  This organization is clearly not leaving any child behind!  The young people involved with APTP become artists who are engaged with their community, think critically about their world, and create art with the goal of making the world more just.

Accepting the award on behalf of APTP is Monica Badlani.  Monica is a Managing Consultant with Bridge Strategy.  She has been a member of the board of directors of APTP since 2002, and is a past president of the board.  I am pleased to present the 2009 award for excellence in youth ensembles to Albany Park Theater Project.

Awards Presentation by Betsy Driver, ITA Board of Directors (Children's Theatre)

Pictured above are:  Monica Badlani (APTP Board of Directors) and Betsy Driver (ITA Board of Directors, Children's Theatre)