LOCAL TEENS KEEP IT REAL

REALITY Theatre presents its community theatrical debut of REALITY Renewed.  REALITY Theatre a program of OMNI Youth Services in Buffalo Grove is a diverse ensemble, which represents a range of performers and youth leaders from high schools in Chicago’s north/northwest suburbs.  The ensemble requires a minimum one-year contract from its teen actors.  Members give 25-30 hours per month in writing scripts, rehearsing and performing.  Each year, REALITY teens must audition and make the commitment to living a healthy, substance-free life.  REALITY combines the drama with youth speaking directly to youth – positive peer-to-peer communication.

Topics of this year’s performance include: being on the outside looking in, challenges of making healthy choices in a culture that glamorizes drinking, drugs and sex, bonds of friendship, healthy relationships, thrill seeking, teen speak, and pop culture.   The show is guaranteed to make you laugh, cry and want to get up and dance.  Tickets for the show are $5 each and FREE for incoming high school freshman and sophomores by emailing jjesse@omniyouth.org.  The shows are Friday, April 19th 7:30-9:00 pm and Sunday, April 21st 2:00-3:30 pm at the Forest View Alternative School, 2121 S Goebbert Rd., Arlington Hts. Tickets can be purchased online at www.realitytheatre.weebly.com.

Parents and their preteens and teens should attend, it is a great way to start open communication and dialog about the challenges they will encounter.  Teens who want tips from other teens on how to navigate today’s challenges, or just want to laugh and cry at your realities .   Adults, who care about teens, can gain the teen’s perspective of your ability to influence teen choices.  Theater goers should take the time to see local budding artists; these young people produce a high quality theatrical performance.   If you’re an incoming freshman or high school student interested in theater, leadership and community service should make it a priority to check out REALITY Renewed.

About OMNI Youth Services

Started in 1972 by a volunteer group consisting of mental health professionals, elected officials, school personnel, clergy, police, and concerned parents and youth, OMNI was established to provide a comprehensive youth service system that would respond more effectively to the needs of young people.  In an of era dwindling resources for mental health and youth services, OMNI serves thousands of youth and their families, many with limited alternatives. Programs include: counseling services, mentoring programs, substance abuse and treatment programs, services to juvenile offenders, community service projects, youth development programs, work with neglected and abused children, multicultural resource programs and internationally-recognized Youth Development and Outdoor Wilderness Programs.  OMNI Youth Services headquarters are located in Buffalo Grove, and serves primarily the northern communities of Cook County, and southern communities of Lake County. For more information visit www.omniyouth.org and join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OMNIyouth.