High School Students Invited to Audition for Reality Theater Troupe

is looking for high school students to join its Reality theater ensemble, which delivers positive messages to adolescents using a cast of fellow teens.

Scenes presented by the Reality troupe focus on such issues as saying no to drugs and alcohol, bullying, distracted driving and divorce. 

“I think that anytime an audience of youths can listen to their peers present a message, it’s going to carry more weight than coming from teachers and even parents," said Janet Jesse, the progam’s managing director. "They can see they are going through the same things they are going through.”

Troupe members contribute to the scripts, the final versions of which are penned by the troupe’s artistic directors. Performances are held at events such as Snowflake, health fairs and the College of Lake County’s Girl Wise conference, as well as at special school programs. The first performances will be held in October at northwest suburban schools during Red Ribbon Week. 

Jesse said boys are especially needed to join the troupe, but all high-schoolers are invited to audition. About 15 past troupe members are returning this year, and the program organizers hope to expand it to about 30 members. 

“They don’t necessary have to be actors. We will teach them the skills they need. But they have to be willing to speak up,” Jesse said.

Troupe members must pledge to be completely drug, alcohol and tobacco free and must be willing to communicate such healthy lifestyle messages to their peers.

In addition to being fun, Jesse said, the program can help teens amass community service hours and develop leadership skills.

While the auditions will be held at OMNI’s Buffalo Grove location, students from the organization’s entire service area are invited to participate. Current troupe members attend , , New Trier and Fremd high schools, among others.

Auditions will begin at 4 p.m. Sept. 9. Teens should wear clothes they can move in, but do not have to prepare any material. Auditions will include script reading, improvisation from prompts, one-on-one interviews and group work.

The program does require a time commitment; rehearsals are held from 4 to 7 p.m. on most Sundays throughout the year, Jesse said. The actors may miss class up to once per month for a daytime performance, but most events are held at night or on weekends, she said.

Visit OMNI’s website for more information.