CPT's Teen STEP Program 2018 On Tour July 31 - Aug 10

Cleveland Public Theatre's (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 24th year with the latest original play, After the Shadow, created and performed by the 2018 STEP cast and tech ensemble, on tour to Cleveland city parks from July 31 - August 10.

ABOUT THE SHOW

After the Shadow follows three sisters as they battle a fearsome monster in the belly of a labyrinth, challenge a heinous queen, and encounter a magical woman, giver and taker of life. The sisters must confront death to discover hidden sides of themselves. Inspired by traditional stories of Greece, Sumer, and Russia, After the Shadow is a moving tale with song, dance, and vibrant performances. Uncover trust and love in the face of fear and hate as Cleveland youth celebrate the light, even within the darkness. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy free theatre in the park!

ABOUT STUDENT THEATRE ENRICHMENT PROGRAM (STEP)

Founded in 1995, CPT's Student Theatre Enrichment Program (STEP) celebrates its 24th 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 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 2018 presentation of After the Shadow will be performed at the following outdoor locations. Rain locations are indicated.

7/31/18 Tues Herman Park (W 58 & Herman Ave I Rain Location: Cleveland Public Theatre 6415 Detroit Ave) 7pm

8/1/18 Wed Outhwaite Community Center (2452 E 46 & Quincy Ave I Rain Location: Gymnasium) 4pm

8/2/18 Thurs Riverside Park Community Center (17800 Parkmount Ave I Rain Location: Community Room) 4pm

8/3/18 Fri Saint Luke's Foundation - Britt Oval (11327 Shaker Blvd I Rain Location: Gymnasium) 7pm

8/4/18 Sat Lincoln Park (W 14 & Starkweather Ave I Rain Location: Pilgrim Church 2592 W 14) 7pm

8/6/18 Mon St. Stanislaus - Iron Ward Festival (3649 E 65 & Forman Ave I Rain Location: Social Center 6601 Baxter Ave) 7pm

8/7/18 Tues Cleveland Public Theatre (6415 Detroit Ave I Rain Location: inside CPT) 7pm

8/9/18 Thurs Thomas Jefferson International Newcomers Academy (3145 W 46 I Rain Location: Gymnasium) 3pm

8/10/18 Fri Woodhill Homes Community Center (2491 Baldwin Place I Rain Location: Gymnasium) 4pm

Co-Director & Program Manager Adam Seeholzer
Co-Director Molly Andrews-Hinders

Co-Director Darius Stubbs

Teaching Instructors Tyree Franklin, Hillary Wheelock

Dance Instructor Alexandria (Lexy) Lattimore

Administrative Assistant Terah McGowan

Tech Team Leaders Ryan T. Patterson, Inda Blatch-Geib

Tech Instructors Chialla Geib-Fenske, Dred Geib, Devin Powell, Dezhanay Simmons

Costume Designer Inda Blatch-Geib

Performance Ensemble: Siwita Ali Shah, Le'Ana Christian, Elijah DeBerry, Sherai Haynes, Marteese Jarmon, Tyler Jefferies, Timothy Jennings, Radjabu Kasole, Lois Krajnak, Dionna Lawson, Quenisha Moss, Intisar Musa, Ryan Reid, Tylin Ross, Aleiya Sawyer, Shameia Sims, Anthony Stiegelmeyer, Adéwé Stovall, Jennae Taylor, Moriah Toles, Nia Turner, Ethan Williams-Taylor

Tech Team: Kiarra Chaney, Malik Ford-Williams, Alasia Gordon, Tiajhanae Jennings, Ernest Morris III, Natalia Rivera-Santiago, Gyasi Turner, Gabrielle Williams

Very special thanks to Councilpersons: Anthony Brancatelli, Phyllis Cleveland, Blaine Griffin, Martin J. Keane, Kerry McCormack, Matt Zone

Made possible through the generous support of: Cleveland City Council and the Mayor's Office of Prevention, Intervention, and Opportunity for Youth and Young Adults; Cleveland Foundation; George W. Codrington Foundation; Florence Crittenton Services Fund; Cuyahoga Arts & Culture; First Federal Lakewood; Char & Chuck Fowler Family Foundation; George Gund Foundation; Howley Family Foundation; Martha Holden Jennings Foundation; KeyBank; David & Inez Myers Foundation; Nordson Corporation; Ohio Arts Council; PNC Bank; Saint Luke's Foundation; Kelvin & Eleanor Smith Foundation

Special thanks to these Community Partners: Bellaire-Puritas Development Corporation; Broadway Public Art; Burten, Bell, Carr Development, Inc.; City of Cleveland Department of Community Development; Cleveland Metropolitan School District; Cleveland Public Library; Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority; Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization; Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation; LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland; Metro West Community Development Office; Ohio City Inc.; Omni Media; Partnership for a Safer Cleveland; Pilgrim UCC; Slavic Village Development; Sweet Moses Soda Fountain & Treat Shop; Tremont West Development Corporation

Thank you to our Partner Organizations: LAND studio, UCI Future Connections, and Youth Opportunities Unlimited

For more information on the Cleveland Public Theatre's STEP program, 2018/2019 season, or to schedule an interview, please contact Caitlin Lewins, Director of Audience Engagement and Media Relations at clewins@cptonline.org or 216-631-2727 x211 or visit www.cptonline.org.