STEP (Student Theatre Enrichment Program)

STEP engages inner-city teens in a rigorous and fun theatrical journey, focusing on excellence in performance, play creation, writing, and production. Since its beginning in 1995, STEP has received multiple awards and recognitions including those from the City of Cleveland, The President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Reviewing STEP for Cool Cleveland, Linda Eisenstein writes, "a program that blows away preconceptions of 'educational' or 'outreach' theatre...The results are riveting and inspirational."

Every summer, CPT Teaching Artists guide inner-city teens with little or no previous performance experience on a journey of self discovery and awareness through the dramatic arts. During the 8-week intensive, each participant undergoes rigorous training in acting, writing, movement, voice, dance, production, and touring. Students develop an original play or an inventive adaptation of an existing work, and then tour it to indoor and outdoor venues throughout the city of Cleveland. Students ages 14-19 are eligible for participation, and earn money while learning and practicing valuable job skills such as timeliness, commitment and teamwork. Through STEP, inner-city teens see themselves as a positive and inspirational force, and watch as their work has an impact on the larger Cleveland community.

STEP is currently recruiting for the 2012 summer intensive. No experience is necessary to participate in the interview/audition process. STEP seeks teens who can work well with others and who have an interest in the arts.

The last STEP audition date is:

· Saturday, May 26th 1-4pm

Teens who are interested in auditioning must:
1. Call 216-631-2727 ext 207, leave your name and the date you will audition
2. On audition day, be on time and stay the entire time
3. Prepare 1 minute of a song, dance, monologue, poem or your own writing
4. Wear gym shoes and clothes appropriate for lots of movement
5. Work well with the whole group for the entire time (2-3 hours depending on the audition date)
6. No previous expreience is needed, just the desire to work hard and learn

For more information on STEP opportunities at Cleveland Public Theatre, please contact Chris Seibert, Education Director at 216.631.2727 x 201 or via email at cseibert@cptonline.org.