'Hands Together, Heart to Art' Camp Returns for 13th Summer at The Auditorium Theatre

The Auditorium Theatre's acclaimed summer camp Hands Together, Heart to Art™ (HTHTA) returns for two sessions in 2017, from July 10-21 (ages 7-10) and July 24-August 4 (ages 11-14).

The camp provides young people who have experienced the death of a parent with the chance to explore the healing power of the performing arts. This year, the camp is themed around works by playwright and composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, with the July 10-21 session focusing on storytelling principles introduced in the Disney film Moana and the July 24-August 4 session taking a closer look at concepts found in Hamilton: An American Musical.

"At the Auditorium Theatre, we know that the performing arts have the ability to transform lives," says Tania Castroverde Moskalenko, Auditorium Theatre CEO. "We are so pleased to offer Hands Together, Heart to Art™ again this summer, giving young people who have experienced an incredibly difficult life event the opportunity to engage with their peers and celebrate the healing power of dance, music, and theatre."

During a typical day at camp, professional artistic and clinical staff lead campers in activities that encourage ensemble work and individual talents. Campers also participate in small group sessions facilitated by professional healing counselors, allowing them to express themselves and share their feelings with peers. A full-time grief counselor is also on site throughout the duration of camp. At the end of each session, campers collaborate on a performing arts showcase.

"By giving our campers solid storytelling tools and the agency to voice their joys, humor, and heartbreak, we hope to create a ripple of positivity throughout their lives and communities," says Camp Director Colt Neidhardt.

Tuition for Hands Together, Heart to Art™ is $50 per child for an entire session. Scholarship opportunities are available. For more information, visit HTHTA.org or call 312.341.2353. Applications for HTHTA can be found here (available in Spanish here). Camp applications and scholarship applications are due by Friday, June 23.

Auditorium Theatre's 2016-17 Season Upcoming Performances:

May 19-21: Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg - Red Giselle

June 10: Giordano Dance Chicago

The Auditorium Theatre, located at 50 E Congress Pkwy in Chicago, is an Illinois, not-for-profit organization committed to presenting the finest in international, cultural, community, and educational programming to Chicago, and to the continued restoration and preservation of the National Historic Landmark.

The Auditorium Theatre 2016-17 Season is made possible in part with support from theMacArthur Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council, and the Palmer House Hilton. For more information about programming, volunteer, and donor opportunities or theatre tours, call 312.341.2310 or visit AuditoriumTheatre.org. For a complete listing of events at the Auditorium Theatre, click here.