Unruly Theatre Project in rehearsal: (from left) Joey Barth (McLean), Jade Lewis (South Lakes) and Elizabeth Rudacille (Fairfax). Photos courtesy of McLean Community Center
Where and When
"The Bully Plays: by kids for kids" presented by the Unruly Theater Project at the Alden Theater, McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean. Performances: Oct. 29 and 30 at 10 a.m. For more information about the Unruly Theatre Project including performances go to: www.facebook.com/un…
The Unruly Theatre Project (UTP), a new professional teen theater troupe, has been established in McLean.
“There is a need in our community to find positive and creative outlets for our teens as well as to create open discussions about social issues affecting our area ...” said Kathy Herr, director, youth programs, McLean Community Center (MCC).
The 13-member Unruly company is built upon previous MCC experience with teen acting companies along with "the increasing level of excitement from civic groups, schools, and teens as a catalyst for further development," according to Herr. It is an acting company bringing paid opportunities to high school students. Current UTP members include high school students from McLean, Langley, Marshall, Fairfax, South Lakes and Madeira.
One of the key missions for the Unruly players is to "evoke laughter while engaging, enriching and inspiring audiences," said Herr.
The Unruly Theatre Project will also promote productive examination of social issues affecting upper elementary students such as anti-bullying. With October as Bullying Prevention Awareness Month, the first Unruly production will be "The Bully Plays: by kids for kids," an anti-bullying production to be performed at the Alden Theatre. Students from selected grades at Churchill Elementary will attend, at no cost to the school.
The UTP will also perform short-form, improv comedy and social-issue themed plays in the coming months at various locations such as coffee houses and stages in Fairfax, Arlington, Vienna, and Falls Church.
Bevy Daniels (Marshall High School) said that UTP gives her the opportunity to create theater that matters. "Whether the company is brightening someone’s day with an improv piece or giving a lesson that kids may actually listen to, the effect that UTP has on our community is vital."
"The anti-bullying messages by UTP aim to break that cycle, performing engaging and thought provoking pieces that students can actually identify with," added Daniels.
For Priya Miller (Langley High School), UTP enables her "to teach children improv rudiments or project messages about anti-bullying to crowds .… It's a really energetic yet invigorating company." Plus Miller noted that "it's important because teens need a foundation upon which they can express themselves and convey messages to others, and UTP is just that."
For the Unruly Theatre Project members, UTP is also expected to enrich their lives as they bring their enthusiasm to theater with a mission and laughter to others.