Lyric Opera 2022-2023 Issue 1-Ernani

Lyric Opera of Chicago | 38 Through the program,participants develop movement and dance skills that are used in their performances. EmpowerYouth! While EmpowerYouth! is one of the most exciting activities under the Lyric Unlimited umbrella, it was also one of the hardest hit during the pandemic. Begun five years ago as part of Lyric’s ongoing commitment to community engagement, the main activity of the initiative is to engage young people from Chicago high schools in a robust artistic devising process alongside professional artists. Artists and program participants alike made it through the height of the pandemic with virtual sessions, but of course there is no substitute for in-person creative collaboration. This season, EmpowerYouth! is up and running as it was intended to, bringing young people and artists together in-person to create performances that amplify the unique perspectives of the participants. The program continues as it began, in partnership with the Chicago Urban League. Participants in the program work with artistic staff and program facilitators to learn how principles of performance, the written word, music, and dance relate to their everyday lives. The magic lies in the artist mentors showing students how their ideas can translate into exciting live theatre. Lyric Opera of Chicago Jaclyn Simpson The powerful partnership between Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Chicago Urban League continues to provide ongoing opportunties for students to explore working in the arts and making art from their own lives.This season, the collaboration will (finally) take place in person again.