Cleveland Act Now

Cleveland Act Now (CAN) is a year-round theatre arts program for young artists ages 5-14.

CMHA CAN

CMHA CAN (formerly Brick City Theatre) takes place in partnership with Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) at community centers for children and families who live in public housing. Under the guidance of CPT Teaching Artists, young artists learn how to create and perform their own plays, dance, poetry, music, and visual art. These multidisciplinary performing arts activities improve academic skills, instill empathy and responsibility, build character, and enhance creative thinking. The students regularly perform at CMHA community centers as well as arts festivals throughout Cleveland. CMHA CAN is offered at four CMHA estates: Lakeview Terrace, Woodhill Homes, Outhwaite Homes, and Riverside Park. Scroll down to watch a video about Riverside Park CAN and Playground, a documentary about the making of I’ll be There…, an original play created and performed by the youth of Lakeview Terrace CAN.

CAN ACADEMY

CAN Academy is a free performing arts program for younger teens and youth from Cleveland and surrounding neighborhoods, held on-site at the theatre. Young artists engage in rigorous (and fun!) theatre training, learning acting fundamentals, script analysis, storytelling techniques, and play creation. Click here or scroll down to watch a short documentary about Cleveland Act Now.

CMHA CAN

CMHA CAN (formerly Brick City Theatre) takes place in partnership with Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) at community centers for children and families who live in public housing. Watch the video below for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Riverside Park CAN.

PLAYGROUND

PLAYGROUND, a documentary by StoryLens Pictures, features the youth and educators of Cleveland Public Theatre’s CMHA CAN (formerly Brick City Theatre) at Lakeview Terrace Estates as they build and perform an original play I’ll be There…, created in response to gun violence and loss in their community.

CAN ACADEMY

CAN Academy is a free performing arts program at Cleveland Public Theatre for younger teens and youth from Cleveland and surrounding neighborhoods. Watch this short documentary to learn more.

CAN IN THE NEWS

“Brick City Theatre 10.13.2017.” We The People. WKYC-TV. Oct 13 2017. Click here to watch: http://www.wkyc.com/entertainment/television/programs/we-the-people/brick-city-theatre-10132017/483174826

Smedley, Chealsia. “A New Ohio City Mural Paints a Community of Togetherness.” Cleveland Magazine. Cleveland Magazine, 9 February 2017. Web. Click here to read: http://www.clevelandmagazine.com/entertainment/articles/new-ohio-city-mural

Dissell, Rachel. “‘Kings and queens’ of Lakeview Terrace reflected on mural wall that for decades has divided residents from Ohio City (photos, videos).” The Plain Dealer 13 November 2016. Web. Click here to read: http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2016/11/kings_and_queens_of_lakeview_terrace_reflected_on_mural_wall_that_for_decades_has_divided_residents_from_ohio_city_photos_videos.html

Dissell, Rachel. “Two Brick City alums reflect on how the theatre program helped shape their futures.” The Plain Dealer 13 November 2016. Web. Click here to read: http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2016/11/two_brick_city_alums_reflect_o.html

Litt, Steven. “Cleveland Foundation launches arts initiative for children in need with $500k grant to Cleveland Public Theatre.” The Plain Dealer 1 April 2016. Web. Click here to read: http://www.cleveland.com/arts/index.ssf/2016/04/cleveland_foundation_launches_1.html

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CAN, PLEASE CONTACT NICOLE SUMLIN, CPT EDUCATION DIRECTOR AT NSUMLIN@CPTONLINE.ORG, OR 216.631.2727 EXT. 203.

CLEVELAND ACT NOW IS GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY:

Cleveland Foundation
Dollar Bank
Gund
16 (10)
16 (13)
George W. Codrington
Char and Chuck
Hankins
16 (11)
16 (14)
Arts and Culture
Harry K. Fox
Mardi Gras
16 (12)
16 (15)