OCT's Young Professionals to Present New Play CHRYSALIS

Are we at the precipice of dramatic change? From this question comes CHRYSALIS, a modern-day myth that explores transformations in the teen years. From out of hibernation, new creatures emerge. Be a part of the journey - whimsical and at times terrifying.

When four teens are abducted to a surreal landscape, they must face their internal conflicts and insecurities. Encounters with "The Braids," a chorus from another realm, force them to realize that transformation is their only escape and hope for redemption.

Presented by OCT's Young Professionals (YP) Company, the play features an ensemble cast who became a part of the play creation process with director and playwright Matthew B. Zrebski. Teens participated in a forum, followed by an eight hour workshop and discussed issues that mattered most to them.

"Their passionate assertions were staggering... concerns about gender equality, sexual abuse, economics, academic pressures, sexual orientation, religion, politics, terrorism, media, and countless other topics permeated the room," said Zrebski. "But one particular notion was dominant from these young adults: 'It seems sometimes that we may be the last generation to be able to fix everything. That's a lot of pressure.' To which I thought, 'What if they are?'"

The cast features Charlotte Karlsen as Holly; Isaac Stern as Nigel; Max Bernsohn as Dylan; Tirza Meuljic as Jace; and Connor Muhl, Emma Stewart, Martin Tebo, and Morgan Demetre as The Braids.

The production team includes Matthew B. Zrebski (Director/Playwright); Dani Baldwin (YP Artistic Director and Production); Don Crossley (Lighting Designer); Jessica Dart (Dramaturg); Kate Petralia (Stage Manager); Heidi Osaki (Assistant Stage Manager); Mikala Capage (House Manager); Grace Proschold (Costume Designer); and Rachel Peri (Dramaturg Apprentice).

IF YOU GO:

Oregon Children's Theatre Young Professionals Company presents CHRYSALIS
An Original Work Written and Directed by Matthew B. Zrebski
Dates: April 14-April 24, 2016
Times: Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:00 pm, Sundays at 2:00 pm, plus Sunday 4/24 at 5:00 pm
Location: Young Professionals Studio Theater, 1939 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland
Tickets: $12 advance purchase, $15 at the door
Box Office: 503-228-9571 or www.octc.org/boxoffice
On the web: www.octc.org
Due to mature subject matter this show is recommended for ages 14 and up. (*Includes sexual assault, gender identity issues, and abuse.)

The Young Professionals Company offers a series of plays presented by the talented Young Professionals-dedicated theater students ages 14-18 who have been selected to participate in a year-long mentoring program where they receive advanced training through exposure to a wide range of college-level workshops and professional development. The YP program is dedicated to building a supportive community of theater peers, providing them with resources, information, and professional on-the-job experience.

Founded in 1988, Oregon Children's Theatre has served well over two million children, teachers, and families. OCT is Oregon's largest non-profit professional children's theater company and a resident company of Portland'5 Centers for the Arts. Performances are held weekdays for school audiences and on weekends for family audiences. OCT serves more than 120,000 children of all ages each year. OCT offers numerous school services including study guides, teacher professional development opportunities, in-school workshops, and an extensive outreach program. In partnership with Kaiser Permanente, the Educational Theatre Program provides free touring productions that promote healthy living. OCT's year round Acting Academy offers theater classes for children ages 3-18 and Young Professionals, a mentoring program for teens.