Cleveland Teens Create Original Play AWAKENING HEART as Part of CPT's STEP Tour

Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) Executive Artistic Director Raymond Bobgan is proud to present the return of CPT's celebrated Student Theatre Enrichment Program (STEP), Cleveland's longest-running arts and job training program for urban teens. STEP celebrates its 22nd year with the latest original play, AWAKENING HEART, on tour to Cleveland city parks from August 2-12.

Created and performed by the STEP 2016 ensemble, AWAKENING HEART is a reimagining of civilization's oldest known epic, the tale of Gilgamesh. In this ancient Sumerian text, a mighty king - part-god, part-man - is confronted by his community when his wealth and power walls him off from his own heart and humanity. Gilgamesh is forced to meet his match, the earthy Enkidu, and their clash propels Gilgamesh into a world of Goddesses, Gods, Spirits, Rebels, Lovers, Death and the Keeper of the Elixir of Life. Woven with original dance and song, AWAKENING HEART features the creativity of Cleveland youth as they find their voice, speak truth to power, and affirm the greater human pursuit for connection, love and life. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy free theatre in the park!

Founded in 1995, CPT's Student Theatre Enrichment Program (STEP) celebrates its 22nd year of providing rigorous arts education and job training for low income urban teens. STEP is an 8-week intensive that offers youth the opportunity to earn money while working and training in close collaboration with professional artists. Each year, the CPT Teaching Artists, led by Education Director Chris Seibert, select works of literature that serve as a starting point for the teens to create an original theatrical production. STEP participants meet five hours per day, five days per week to engage in acting, writing, movement, percussion, voice, dance, technical production and touring while developing valuable job skills such as timeliness, commitment and teamwork. The program culminates in the creation of an original theatrical production that tours to indoor and outdoor venues across the city. Through STEP, the youth see themselves as positive and inspirational forces, and watch as their work impacts the larger Cleveland community. Many youth return to the program year after year, eventually going on to assume leadership roles inside of the program.

Cleveland Public Theatre's STEP 2016 presentation of AWAKENING HEART will be performed at the following outdoor locations. Rain locations are indicated.

8/2/16 Tues - Herman Park, W 58 & Herman Ave (Rain Location: Cleveland Public Theatre 6415 Detroit Ave) at 7pm

8/3/16 Wed - Riverside Park Community Center, 17800 Parkmount Ave (Rain Location: Community Room) at 2pm

8/4/16 Thurs - Outhwaite Community Center, 2452 E 46 & Quincy Ave (Rain Location: Gymnasium) at 3pm

8/5/16 Fri - Lincoln Park, W 14 & Starkweather Ave (Rain Location: Pilgrim Church 2592 W 14) at 7pm

8/6/16 Sat - St. John's Church, 2600 Church Ave & W 26 (Rain Location: Church) at 5pm

8/8/16 Mon - St. Stanislaus - Iron Ward Festival, 3649 E 65 & Forman Ave (Rain Location: Social Center 6601 Baxter) at 7pm

8/9/16 Tues - Harvard Community Services Center, 18240 Harvard Ave East (Rain Location: Community Room) at 12noon

8/9/16 Tues - St. Luke's Foundation - Britt Oval, 11327 Shaker Blvd (Rain Location: Gymnasium) at 7pm

8/10/16 Wed - Denison Elementary School, 3799 W 33 & Denison Ave (Rain Location: Gymnasium) at 7pm

8/11/16 Thurs - Thomas Jefferson International Newcomers Academy, 3145 W 46 & Clark Ave (Rain Location: Gymnasium) at 3pm

8/12/16 Fri - Gilmore Park, W 134 & Puritas Ave (Rain Location: Fogarty Hall at Blessed Trinity Church, 14040 Puritas Avenue) at 6pm

Co-Directors Adam Seeholzer and Molly Andrews-Hinders

Dance Instructor Madi Jackson

Assistant Instructors Brandon McSwain and Sarah Moore

Administrative Assistant Shannon Sharkey

Tech Team Leader Val Kozlenko

Tech Team Instructor Ryan Patterson

Tech Assistant Tyree Franklin

Intern Natalie Phillips

Junior Instructors E'Lyric Christopher and Terah McGowan

Junior Tech Instructor Dezhanay Simmons

Costume Designer Inda Blatch-Geib

Set Designer Ian Petroni

Script Consultant and Acting Coach Holly Holsinger

Program Manager Chris Seibert

Performance Ensemble: Yasmin Adam, Janea Anderson, Makia Broadnax, Hatim Elsair, Felicia Harris, Axel Irizarry Negron, Jeliel King-Weaver, Tasheania Lee, Terriona Lee, Ahmed Mohammed, Ruba Mohammed, Alvin O'Neill Jr., Naseya Owens, Neivay Patterson, Stephanie Perez, Ja'Nique Perryman, Alex Ramirez, Aaryan Stewart, Anthony Stiegelmeyer, Denzel Williams

Tech Team: Elyccia Bailey, Alise Buckner, Mizan Byansi, Hezekiah Galloway, Riakeem Gardner, Denasia Grove, Ellen Harris, Cam'Ron Jones, Terron Lee, DeAsia Lewis, Da'Von Martin, Heavenli Pass, Taleaha Phillips, Manuel Rivera, Natalia Rivera, Slemer Robinson, Jaiya Young Smith, Amarealis Wilson, Dwight Wilson, Heaven Wright

Very special thanks to Councilpersons: Anthony Brancatelli, Phyllis Cleveland, Brian J. Cummins, Brian Kazy, Martin J. Keane, Kerry McCormack, Mamie J. Mitchell, Terrell H. Pruitt, and Matt Zone

For more information on the Cleveland Public Theatre's STEP program, 2016-2017, visit online at www.cptonline.org.