One Night Only! Barrel of Monkeys presents KIDS WRITE IT: 20 YEARS OF INTERGENERATIONAL STORYTELLING

Barrel of Monkeys celebrates its 20th anniversary of arts education in Chicago Public Schools with a special one-night-only event: KIDS WRITE IT: 20 YEARS OF INTERGENERATIONAL STORYTELLING, featuring student-written stories from each of its 20 years, performed by the company's talented team of actor-educators and directed by Artistic Director Joseph Schupbach. KIDS WRITE IT will be held on Thursday, July 27 at 7:30 pm at The Athenaeum Theatre Main Stage, 2936 N. Southport Ave. in Chicago. Tickets go on sale Friday April 21, 2017 at www.athenaeumtheatre.org, by calling(773) 935-6875 or in person at The Athenaeum Theatre Box Office.

The brilliant imaginations of young authors come to life on stage as Barrel of Monkeys celebrates the many alumni of its arts education programs in Chicago's public school and parks over the past two decades! Throughout the school year, Barrel of Monkeys teaches creative writing workshops with 2nd through 7th graders, both in-school and through its free after-school program. Barrel of Monkeys' actor-educators then adapt the students' stories into entertaining and compelling sketches, songs and dramatic pieces performed first for the student authors at their schools - and later for the public.

Since its formation in 1997, Barrel of Monkeys has worked in over 60 underserved Chicago Public Schools, serving more than 50,000 students. 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 students with tools for creative expression while building literacy skills, self-esteem, and confidence in their abilities.

Proceeds from KIDS WRITE IT: 20 YEARS OF INTERGENERATIONAL STORYTELLING will help fund future educational programming.