Auditorium Theatre 2018-19 Issue 4 Point of No Return

April 11 - May 19, 2019 | AUDITORIUM THEATRE 2018-19 | 15 healing direction: My involvement in the performing arts … As I got older and found myself in a position to do so, I decided I wanted to give children who had lost a parent the same benefits I had.” Each summer, two two-week sessions are open to young people between the ages of 7-10 (session 1) and 11-14 (session 2). The sessions conclude with a final performance, giving campers the opportunity to showcase some of the things they’ve worked on while at camp, and a special balloon launch, in which campers attach handwritten notes dedicated to their loved ones to balloons and release them at Buckingham Fountain. Throughout the year, campers have the opportunity to reconnect with one another at special camp reunions, held at the Auditorium. At a recent reunion, campers and camp sta— responded to the prompt, “To me, Hearts to Art means...” Here are a selection of their answers: “Love.” “Community.” “Family, love, and the best part of summer. Lots of laughs and lots of cries (in a good way.).” “Connecting with people who experience the same things as me.” One former camper and a current Junior Counselor responded, “Hearts to Art is a place where there is a deep understanding and acceptance between campers. Having all experienced the loss of a parent, we all have a connection that is hard to find elsewhere. Though I have friends that are sympathetic to my troubles, they can never truly understand what I've gone through. Here at camp, everyone understands. Not only is there understanding, but there is so much love between everyone.” It is for these reasons, along with many others, that Hearts to Art has continued on for 15 years. We are looking forward to having our campers back with us this summer! To make a donation to Hearts to Art, visit AuditoriumTheatre.org/donate. To learn more about camp, visit HeartstoArt.org. FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE DEATH OF A PARENT. The Auditorium Theatre is proud to present Hearts to Art Summer Camp! This unique program brings together young people between the ages of 7 and 14 who have experienced the death of a parent to encourage the healing power of creative play . Hearts to Art Summer Camp takes place at Willow Creek Community Church’s Chicago campus at 1319 S Michigan Ave July 8–19 Ages 7–10 July 22–Aug 2 Ages 11–14 APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN NOW Learn more at HeartstoArt.org or email education@auditoriumtheatre.org