FAQ
What is REALITY Theatre?
REALITY Theatre is a program of OMNI Youth Services, the largest and most comprehensive youth service organization in Chicago’s northwest suburbs. REALITY is an ensemble of teens who present positive healthy choices through the medium of original theatre. REALITY combines the power of creative drama with the impact of youth speaking directly to youth – positive peer-to-peer communication. Topics include the dangers of underage drinking, drugs, healthy body images, strong relationships, self esteem, bullying, cyber-safety, and more. Members write, develop, rehearse, and perform material based on their own stories. The plays, both humorous and serious, are presented in a language that youth can relate to and that offer alternatives to unhealthy behavior.
How can I become a part of REALITY Theatre?
REALITY troupe members are high school students representing schools throughout the northwestern suburbs of Chicago. Interested students may audition in the spring of each year. Auditions for the 2013 – 14 school year will be held Sunday, May 5 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 11 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at OMNI Youth Services, 1111 W. Lake Cook Road, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089. (Visit our "Join REALITY" page for more information!)
What are the requirements to be part of REALITY Theatre?
You must be a high school student in good standing. Graduating eighth graders (incoming freshmen) are encouraged to audition. You must be committed to spreading the word to other young people the benefits of good relationships, combating bullying, staying away from drugs and alcohol. All REALITY members sign a pledge to remain drug, alcohol, and cigarette free. We are looking for teens who wish to be leaders and spokespersons for their generation.
Do I have to have acting experience?
Acting experience is not necessary. During rehearsals and the summer program, You will be taught acting skills, improvisation, and writing. You will also be trained in leading group discussions and workshop activities that follow school performances.
What is the time commitment?
Rehearsals are every Sunday (except holidays) from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at OMNI Youth Services, 1111 W. Lake Cook Road, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089. Through an arrangement with the high schools in OMNI’s service area, troupe members are allowed to miss one day of school per month to perform at other schools. There are also occasional evening and weekend performances for civic organizations, youth conferences, and resource fairs.
Who operates REALITY Theatre?
Troupe Director Melissa Jacobs Estes is a long-time high school teacher and theatre director. She taught in both urban and suburban schools in Houston, TX, and most recently taught for 15 years at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire IL. REALITY Theatre Troupe Coordinator Janet Jesse has worked in development, event planning, and administration for Public Broadcasting, Lamb’s Farm, and Girl Scout Councils. Most recently, she was the long-time coordinator of Odyssey, an all-school fine arts festival held bi-annually at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire. REALITY Theatre Troupe Assistant Director Samantha Gassel holds a B.A. in Theatre Education from Emerson College and has taught theatre in Cambridge, MA and at New Trier High School in Winnetka. She is currently President of the Youth Council at the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago and has a social media internship at Loud Interactive in Chicago. (Click here for full Creative Team biographies)
How can I book a performance of REALITY Theatre?
To schedule a performance of REALITY Theatre, please contact Troupe coordinator Janet Jesse at [email protected] or 847-353-1706. Visit our "Book a Show" page for more information about where we perform.
How do I get to OMNI Youth Services?
We are located at 1111 W. Lake Cook Rd., Buffalo Grove, IL 60089. Click here to get directions.
REALITY Theatre is a program of OMNI Youth Services, the largest and most comprehensive youth service organization in Chicago’s northwest suburbs. REALITY is an ensemble of teens who present positive healthy choices through the medium of original theatre. REALITY combines the power of creative drama with the impact of youth speaking directly to youth – positive peer-to-peer communication. Topics include the dangers of underage drinking, drugs, healthy body images, strong relationships, self esteem, bullying, cyber-safety, and more. Members write, develop, rehearse, and perform material based on their own stories. The plays, both humorous and serious, are presented in a language that youth can relate to and that offer alternatives to unhealthy behavior.
How can I become a part of REALITY Theatre?
REALITY troupe members are high school students representing schools throughout the northwestern suburbs of Chicago. Interested students may audition in the spring of each year. Auditions for the 2013 – 14 school year will be held Sunday, May 5 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 11 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at OMNI Youth Services, 1111 W. Lake Cook Road, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089. (Visit our "Join REALITY" page for more information!)
What are the requirements to be part of REALITY Theatre?
You must be a high school student in good standing. Graduating eighth graders (incoming freshmen) are encouraged to audition. You must be committed to spreading the word to other young people the benefits of good relationships, combating bullying, staying away from drugs and alcohol. All REALITY members sign a pledge to remain drug, alcohol, and cigarette free. We are looking for teens who wish to be leaders and spokespersons for their generation.
Do I have to have acting experience?
Acting experience is not necessary. During rehearsals and the summer program, You will be taught acting skills, improvisation, and writing. You will also be trained in leading group discussions and workshop activities that follow school performances.
What is the time commitment?
Rehearsals are every Sunday (except holidays) from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at OMNI Youth Services, 1111 W. Lake Cook Road, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089. Through an arrangement with the high schools in OMNI’s service area, troupe members are allowed to miss one day of school per month to perform at other schools. There are also occasional evening and weekend performances for civic organizations, youth conferences, and resource fairs.
Who operates REALITY Theatre?
Troupe Director Melissa Jacobs Estes is a long-time high school teacher and theatre director. She taught in both urban and suburban schools in Houston, TX, and most recently taught for 15 years at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire IL. REALITY Theatre Troupe Coordinator Janet Jesse has worked in development, event planning, and administration for Public Broadcasting, Lamb’s Farm, and Girl Scout Councils. Most recently, she was the long-time coordinator of Odyssey, an all-school fine arts festival held bi-annually at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire. REALITY Theatre Troupe Assistant Director Samantha Gassel holds a B.A. in Theatre Education from Emerson College and has taught theatre in Cambridge, MA and at New Trier High School in Winnetka. She is currently President of the Youth Council at the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago and has a social media internship at Loud Interactive in Chicago. (Click here for full Creative Team biographies)
How can I book a performance of REALITY Theatre?
To schedule a performance of REALITY Theatre, please contact Troupe coordinator Janet Jesse at [email protected] or 847-353-1706. Visit our "Book a Show" page for more information about where we perform.
How do I get to OMNI Youth Services?
We are located at 1111 W. Lake Cook Rd., Buffalo Grove, IL 60089. Click here to get directions.