Student Theatre Enrichment Program (STEP) 2016: Awakening Heart

August 02, 2016 - August 12, 2016

Times and locations vary, see below,

55 min

FREE

Cleveland Public Theatre’s celebrated Student Theatre Enrichment Program (STEP) is Cleveland’s longest-running arts and job training program for teens. STEP returns to Cleveland city parks this summer, celebrating its 22nd year with an original new play, AWAKENING HEART.

Created and performed by the STEP 2016 ensemble, AWAKENING HEART is a reimagining of civilization’s oldest known epic, the tale of Gilgamesh. In this ancient Sumerian text, a mighty king – part-god, part-man – must confront his own heart and humanity, hidden behind a wall of wealth and power. Gilgamesh meets his match in earthy Enkidu, and their clash propels Gilgamesh into a world of Goddesses, Gods, Spirits, Rebels, Lovers, Death and the Keeper of the Elixir of Life. Woven with original dance and song, Awakening Heart features the creativity of Cleveland youth as they find their voice, speak truth to power, and affirm the greater human pursuit for connection, love and life. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy free theatre in the park!

Co-Directors Adam Seeholzer and Molly Andrews-Hinders
Dance Instructor Madi Jackson
Assistant Instructors Brandon McSwain and Sarah Moore
Administrative Assistant Shannon Sharkey
Tech Team Leader Val Kozlenko
Tech Team Instructor Ryan Patterson
Tech Assistant Tyree Franklin
Intern Natalie Phillips
Junior Instructors E’Lyric Christopher and Terah McGowan
Junior Tech Instructor Dezhanay Simmons
Costume Designer Inda Blatch-Geib
Set Designer Ian Petroni
Script Consultant and Acting Coach Holly Holsinger
Program Manager Chris Seibert

Performance Ensemble: Yasmin Adam, Janea Anderson, Makia Broadnax, Hatim Elsair, Felicia Harris, Axel Irizarry Negron, Jeliel King-Weaver, Tasheania Lee, Terriona Lee, Ahmed Mohammed, Ruba Mohammed, Alvin O’Neill Jr., Naseya Owens, Neivay Patterson, Stephanie Perez, Ja’Nique Perryman, Alex Ramirez, Aaryan Stewart, Anthony Stiegelmeyer, Denzel Williams

Tech Team: Elyccia Bailey, Alise Buckner, Mizan Byansi, Hezekiah Galloway, Riakeem Gardner, Denasia Grove, Ellen Harris, Cam’ron Jones, Terron Lee, DeAsia Lewis, Da’Von Martin, Heavenli Pass, Taleaha Phillips, Manuel Rivera, Natalia Rivera, Slemer Robinson, Jaiya Young Smith, Traveonna Wicks, Amarealis Wilson, Dwight Wilson, Heaven Wright

Tasheania Very special thanks to Councilpersons: Anthony Brancatelli, Phyllis Cleveland, Brian J. Cummins, Brian Kazy, Martin J. Keane, Kerry McCormack, Mamie J. Mitchell, Terrell H. Pruitt and Matt Zone

Made possible through the generous support of: Cleveland Foundation, City of Cleveland, George W. Codrington Foundation, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, Cyrus Eaton Foundation, Eaton Corporation, George Gund Foundation, Howley Family Foundation, KeyBank, Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, David & Inez Myers Foundation, Ohio Arts Council, PNC Bank, St. Luke’s Foundation, Kelvin & Eleanor Smith Foundation, United Black Fund, Thomas H. White Foundation

Special thanks to these Community Partners: ACLU of Ohio; Art House; Bellaire-Puritas Development Corporation; Broadway Public Art; Burten, Bell, Carr Development, Inc.; City of Cleveland Department of Community Development; Cleveland Metropolitan School District; Cleveland Public Library; Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority; Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization; Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation; Harvard Community Services Center; Kamm’s Corners Development Corporation; LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland; Near West Family Network; Ohio City Inc.; Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation; Omni Media; Partnership for a Safer Cleveland; Pilgrim UCC; Slavic Village Development; Stockyard, Clark-Fulton & Brooklyn Centre Community Development; Sweet Moses Soda Fountain & Treat Shop; Tremont West Development Corporation; WIRE-Net