TNT (Teens iN Theatre) of Midlothian Public Library

Midlothian, IL• Pop. 14,819*• Southwest suburb of

Chicago• 47% low-income†

• Ethnic makeup†

– 25% White– 31% Black– 43% Hispanic

*2010 Census

†Illinois Report Card for Bremen High School (CHSD 228)

Who Participates

• Grades 7-12/Ages 12-18• Our students go to:

– 2 public high schools– 2 public junior highs– 1 parochial elementary

school– 1 parochial high school– Home school

What We Do

• Annual productions– Summer Play– Halloween Play– Valentine’s Day Play

• Have also done– Poetry slam/open mic– Solo-duet showcase– Readers’ theater– Puppet theater

Since 2011...

Summer Play

• 15-20 teens (cast, crew, director, assistant director, stage manager)

• Audience: Approx. 100 (family & friends)

• Saturday, after-hours (5PM), mid-July

• Main library space

Summer Play

• Purchased script• Approx. 35-40 min.• Budget around $100

(teen programming)– $50 or less for props,

costumes, scenery– $50 or less for

refreshments at after-play reception

Summer Play

• Auditions in early May• 1 evening rehearsal per

week till school is out (2 hours)

• After that, 3 rehearsals per week (usu. daytime, 2.5 hours)

• Production week– 4 daytime rehearsals– 1 after-hours dress

rehearsal on Friday night (3 hours)

Halloween/Valentine’s Day

Plays• 8-10 teens (director,

cast, crew) • Audience: Approx. 30• Weeknight

performance 6:30 PM, week of holiday

• Library meeting room• Student-written script• Approx. 25-30 min.

• Budget around $50 – $25 or less for props,

costumes, scenery

– $25 or less for refreshments

• Auditions 2 mos. prior to performance

• 1 evening rehearsal per week for one month

• 2 evening rehearsals per week for second month

Halloween/Valentine’s Day

Plays

Choosing Leaders

• Halloween, Valentine’s Plays – Director chosen by club by

consensus

– Ethic of taking turns

– Preparation for summer play direction

• Summer Play – Director chosen by interview

with librarian

– Choose most competent director

– Assistant director & stage manager = future directors in training

Student Writing Process

• Allot 3-4 weeks for writing• Keep committee small (3-

5 is ideal)• Designate a chairperson• Meet weekly (approx. 2

hours)• Use Google Doc to work

between sessions• Librarian monitors

progress

Cooperation with other teen clubs at the library

• VOICE (teen advisory board/service club)– Readers’ & puppet theater for children’s story times– Collect free-will donations for charity at summer play

• The Sword (teen writing club)

– Recruitment of scriptwriters– Brainstorming of script ideas

Watch our video!

• http://youtu.be/FL2c8NRVjrQ