Ovations Theatre Partners with Umttr for SPRING AWAKENING

OVATIONS Theatre's performances of the award-winning rock musical Spring Awakening will carry more than just a tune. During the run of the production December 2, 3 and 4 at the JCC's Kreeger Theatre, OVATIONS will partner with umttr, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing teen suicide, by promoting awareness, raising funds and offering resources on the topics explored in the show.

"Theater has great power to move and to motivate. Knowing that we can potentially help even one young person through this partnership inspires and emboldens our whole company," said OVATIONS Artistic Director Darnell Patrick Morris.

Winner of the 2007 Tony Award for Best Musical, Spring Awakening confronts issues of rape, teen pregnancy, sexual orientation, mental illness and suicide, depicting a society that closes the door on these rather than shining a light.

Founded by students in memory of Winston Churchill sophomore Evan Rosenstcok umttr is a community of young adults leading a movement to change the story from bullying, depression and suicide to a compassionate culture where every person matters.

The link to umttr was made possible by OVATIONS student and Churchill junior Josie Weinberg, who plays Ilse and approached Morris to forge the partnership.

"umttr is a lifeline to teens who are struggling. Following the tragic loss of students in our community, I was inspired to not only bring to life on stage the struggles teens face but also raise awareness and try to prevent future tragedies," said Weinberg.

Launched and led by Morris, OVATIONS, now in its second season, offers education and performance opportunities for young people from elementary to high school across the Washington metropolitan area.

Spring Awakening is recommended for middle school and up and contains language, mature themes and sexual situations.

Tickets are available online at www.ovationstheatre.com for $20 or will be sold at the door 30 minutes before each performance for $25.

For more information about Spring Awakening and OVATIONS THEATRE, visit www.ovationstheatre.com. For more information about umttr, visit www.umttr.org.