Auditorium Theatre 2018-19 Issue 4 Point of No Return

14 | AUDITORIUM THEATRE 2018-19 | April 11 - May 19, 2019 T his summer, young people between the ages of 7 and 14 will come together to sing, dance, act, create, play, and perform. They’ll put on a talent show, highlighting skills from singing to balloon-making to whistling. They’ll workshop with professional artists from organizations like Barrel of Monkeys, an improvisational comedy troupe, and Young Chicago Authors, a literary arts organization. This is a typical summer camp session at Hearts to Art, the Auditorium Theatre’s performing arts camp for young people who have experienced the death of a parent. Through the exploration and creation of dance, theatre, and music, Hearts to Art provides these young people with a space to communicate, collaborate, grow, and connect with others who have had similar life experiences. Hundreds of campers have attended Hearts to Art over the years, and many campers go on to become Junior Counselors after they “graduate” from camp. Hearts to Art started in the summer of 2005, originally known as Hands Together, Hearts to Art. The Auditorium Theatre’s executive director at the time, Brett Batterson, lost his father to a heart attack when he was 7 years old. “This is a story that can be told by countless children on a daily basis in America,” Batterson said. “Luckily, I had an outlet that allowed me to channel my grief into a positive, Celebrating 15 Years of Hearts to Art! Hearts to Arts campers performing for friends and family in the final camp showcase Campers’ balloons floating into the sky at a balloon launch GENE SCHIAVONE AUDITORIUM THEATRE