Barrel of Monkeys Celebrates 20 Years of Arts Education in Chicago

Barrel of Monkeys is pleased to mark 20 years of providing vital arts education to Chicago Public School students through its unique in-school programming. The company's ensemble of teaching artists and performers conducts six-week creative writing workshops with 3rd through 5th grade students, then transforms the students' stories into professionally performed theater, presented both in-school and for the general public through its revues.

Since 1997, Barrel of Monkeys has worked in over 60 Chicago Public Schools, serving more than 50,000 students in underserved schools. In 2004, Barrel of Monkey also implemented a year-round after-school program at Loyola Park Fieldhouse, in partnership with the Chicago Park District. These programs provide a rare opportunity for creative expression and build literacy skills, self-esteem, and confidence in students' ideas and abilities.

In 2001, Barrel of Monkeys launched THAT'S WEIRD, GRANDMA, a revue for the general public at the Neo-Futurist Theater in Andersonville featuring student-written stories, songs and sketches performed by Barrel of Monkeys Company Members. THAT'S WEIRD, GRANDMA showcases over 175 stories annually, with new sketches at every performance!

"Back in 1997, our founders, Dr. Erica Halverson and Halena Kays, saw a need for programming that used theatre, collaboration, and imaginative play to develop kids' writing skills and their confidence in creative self-expression," comments Barrel of Monkeys' Executive Director Corinne Neal. "Twenty years later, we continue to employ a curriculum that uses the arts to give voice to every child's inner storyteller. Our ever-expanding community of school partners, donors and audience members understands the importance of what we're doing in the classroom and on stage, and has helped build Barrel of Monkeys into a strong, sustainable nonprofit that is poised to thrive for the next 20 years and beyond."

Barrel of Monkeys is also pleased to announce the 20th Anniversary Line-up of THAT'S WEIRD, GRANDMA, performed at the Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. in Chicago. Tickets ($12 for adults, $6 for children under 12) are available at www.barrelofmonkeys.org or by calling (773) 506-7140.