Spring!

Spring is here in Chicago!

That means everyone in the office is cautiously optimistic that it's not going to snow next week.

That also means that we're gearing up for the end of the school year.

April through June can be very busy times for us!  Our communication workshops are incredibly popular for summer camp counselor trainings and end of the year celebrations!

Additionally, all of our programs are available all year round, so they're perfect for summer school, summer camp, staff trainings, and more!

The school year stretches until mid-June, so call us today and help us end the school year on a high note!

As always, you can learn more about our programs at www.imaginationtheater.org.

— Jeremy Schaefer, Associate Artistic Director

Performances for Whole School Districts!

Imagination Theater's message is huge: individuals have the power to positively impact their community and affect change.

Because our message is universal, it's not uncommon for whole districts to book programming.  This allows our interactive assemblies to reach each school and engage every student in a meaningful conversation.

In February we brought our Children's Sexual Abuse Prevention Program, No Secrets, to entire districts in Elmhurst and LaGrange.  Those block bookings enabled whole communities to get on the same page with sexual abuse prevention and establish shared vocabulary with which to talk about this sensitive topic.  With Erin's Law in effect throughout the state, block booking No Secrets is a powerful way to provide students with the law's vital educational component.

We've also block booked Ease the Tease and Show Some Respect in the past.  When we book whole districts, we perform at multiple schools each day, and then share the savings with the district.  By booking more shows, the district saves money and every classroom benefits.

We believe that all of our shows initiate important discussions and support communities.  We would love to share that experience with your district.

As always, you can learn more about Imagination Theater and all of our programs at www.imaginationtheater.org.

—Jeremy Schaefer, Associate Artistic Director

Audiences that Inspire

When we bring Take A Stand into high schools, we know that we're going to get some reactions.  The scenes speak to the reality of bullying in ways that can sometimes be uncomfortable and always ignite passionate, diverse responses. After many scenes audiences have audible reactions, sometimes in favor of the protagonist and sometimes in support of a dangerous choice.  Either way, the scenes always fuel needed discussion.

Through these facilitated discussions, the audience explores consequences of unhealthy choices while celebrating those who stand up for others.  The result is always empowering.

Sometimes, however, the audience is exceptional.  That was the case this past Wednesday.

While students voiced diverse opinions, the amount of support the whole audience showed each individual was incredible.  After one student passionately voiced her feelings against prejudice of any kind, the entire audience applauded.  Rarely, is an audience so supportive of one another, that people earn applause during the post scene discussions.

Every volunteer that came up on stage had their return to the audience underscored by cheers and compliments.

Many different points of view were voiced, and all were accepted.  It was a really beautiful thing to see.  I'm tremendously proud that our show promotes important conversations, and I'm optimistic for the future when I see an audience so eager to participate in the dialogue.

As always, you can learn more about Take A Stand and all of our other programs at www.imaginationtheater.org.

— Jeremy Schaefer, Associate Artistic Director

Customized Programs

Every Imagination Theater assembly is unique to the community hosting the event.  Our shows are always about the audience.  Audience members even star in the most pivotal moments of nearly every scene.

We provide the platform for communities to discuss and explore the issues that are most meaningful to them.  In order to best serve that end, we regularly work with schools and communities to customize programs and create original assemblies that address the social issues most critical to them.

Sometimes this means we're creating an entirely new show, like our upcoming programs on responsible proms and substance abuse.  On other occasions we can tailor an existing script to suit a particular community or shine a light on a specific circumstance.  This February we are touring a customized version of our No Secrets program for 6-8th grade as well as a customized version of our Aware Individuals program for high school students.

The flexibility of our style allows us to speak directly audiences about the issues that matter most to them.  It is a privilege to serve communities in this way.

As always, you can learn more about Imagination Theater and our programs at www.imaginationtheater.org.

— Jeremy Schaefer, Associate Artistic Director

Thank You and Happy New Year!

Imagination Theater's ensemble, staff, partners, and audiences feel like family.  Together, we accomplished so much this year!

We are tremendously proud of the work we do starting conversations that aren't always easy, but are always important.  Talking about an issue, hearing another point of view, and processing potential solutions make up the early stages of lasting change.  In 2014 we encouraged audiences to talk about children's sexual abuse, sexual assault on college campuses, teasing and bullying, tolerance of other cultures, religious diversity, leadership, toxic relationships, healthy decision making, environmental stewardship, and more.

All of these topics are incredibly important to us; each of these topics is bigger than us.  By working together, Imagination Theater and our extended family of supporters are taking the initial steps toward positively impacting our communities.  We are so proud of what we've accomplished together in 2014 and we are grateful to continue that work in 2015 with so many committed partners.

We wish a very happy new year to the entire Imagination Theater family!

As always, you can learn more about the work we do at www.imaginationtheater.org.

— Jeremy Schaefer, Associate Artistic Director

Holiday Shows!

The audience at this morning's Show Some Respect: Holiday Edition was definitely in the holiday spirit.  In the opening scene when a child isn't grateful for a gift from her grandfather, the whole audience leaned forward.  I overheard a few students turn to their neighbors and exclaim, "That's really mean!"  When the audience was asked about the scene, one student said "Her Grandpa got her something thoughtful that reminded him of her, and it's the thought that counts."

It really does warm the heart to hear a young audience talk enthusiastically about the importance of being grateful during the holidays.

When I left the show, I too was in the holiday spirit!

Thank you so much to all of our audiences that have moved and inspired me this year!

As always, you can learn more about Imagination Theater at www.imaginationtheater.org.

–Jeremy Schaefer, Associate Artistic Director

A Big Thanks!

Imagination Theater's mission to share social issues theater with diverse audience is supported in large part by the generosity of our partners.  We wouldn't be able to share hundreds of performances a year with thousands of audience members without the backing of our phenomenal supporters across the country!

This past Tuesday was Giving Tuesday and we are tremendously grateful for the donations we received.  Our annual partner program is happening right now, so there is still time to contribute to our mission and share social issues theater with even more audiences!

You can donate to Imagination Theater here.

You can also contribute to Imagination Theater while doing your holiday shopping by visiting www.goodshop.com or Amazon Smile and selecting Imagination Theater as your charity of choice.

Here is a selection of unselfies that our ensemble members and supporters posted to our Facebook page on Giving Tuesday.

Thank you so much for your continued support!

As always, you can visit www.imaginationtheater.org for more information about all of our interactive programs.

— Jeremy Schaefer, Associate Artistic Director.