IN THE HEIGHTS!

IN THE HEIGHTS!

Young Artists Initiative (YAI) presents its TEEN production, the multiple Tony-award winning musical IN THE HEIGHTS! ST. PAUL (June 28, 2014) -- young Artists Initiative (YAI) presents its annual TEEN production, your multiple Tony-award winning musical IN THE HEIGHTS! via July 10-20 in the The Actual Performance space from Wellstone center in Neighborhood House, 179 Robie Street East, St. Paul, MN 55107-2360.

IN THE HEIGHTS! is actually the tale of a vibrant community throughout New York's Washington Heights neighborhood -- a location the area where the coffee in the corner bodega is actually light as well as sweet, the particular windows will almost usually be open, and in addition the breeze carries your rhythm of three generations regarding music. It's the neighborhood about the brink regarding change, full of hopes, goals along with pressures, the place where the biggest struggles could be deciding that traditions you're taking together with you, along with which ones you depart behind.

IN THE HEIGHTS is the winner of the 2008 Tony awards for best Musical, best Score, Greatest Choreography, and also Very Best Orchestrations.Ă‚ Please note: Scenarios as well as strong language might become inappropriate for pre-teens.

This production features an all-youth cast associated with 22 skilled performers between your ages associated with 12 as well as 18, via around the Twin Cities. Directed through Jamil Jude, along with Songs Direction by Will Lopes along with Choreography through Kelli Warder. Scenic & Properties design by Benjamin Olsen, Costume Style through Emily Jannusch, along with Lighting design through Tony Stoeri. Stage Management by simply Holly Abel.

Performances are Thursday, July 10, along with Friday, July 11 with 7:30 p.m., Saturday, July 12 with 2 and 7:30 p.m., Sunday, July 13Ă‚ at two p.m., Thursday, July 17, along with Friday, July 18 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, July 19 at two along with 7:30 p.m. Tickets are usually $10 pertaining to adults, $8.00 for students & seniors with pay as you can performance.

Tickets could be bought on the actual internet www.youngartistsmn.org or perhaps at the performance. Seating can be general admission.

Director Jamil Jude says of this production: "What draws me for you to this demonstrate is the strong a sensation of community which is set up throughout the actual show. While a new theatre maker, I'm deeply invested in creating community. Coming From the particular opening moments of the

show, your creators of this play introduce us for you to this kind of beautiful community. We see the community gossips, the particular matriarch, the actual academic star, the actual buddies in the neighborhood. We recognize these people. We're these people."

"The original Broadway output of IN THE HEIGHTS has been a significant encounter for me personally in my own development. to see this kind of dynamic exploration associated with neighborhood opened my eyes from what theatre could be. It set me on the way to generate diverse and inclusive theatre communities and to tell your stories associated with underrepresented communities. I'm honored to assist create this display with YAI and to carry this story for you to life."

Jamil Jude, director, presently may serve as Producer throughout Residence in Mixed Blood Theatre company and is actually a Playwrights' Middle Several Voices Mentee. before joining the staff from Mixed Blood, Jamil served as a New Play Producing Fellow from Arena Stage throughout Washington, DC. While any theatre artist, Jamil sees himself as an in-room collaborator. He features served as a director, producer, dramaturg and playwright. His curiosity about social justice along with theatre continues to drive his work, which includes co-founding any culturally relevant theatre company, Colored People's Theatre, in Washington, DC. Kelli Warder, choreographer, is truly a performer and freelance choreographer to acquire a selection regarding theaters, schools along with churches. This specific past winter your woman was the Assistant Choreographer with regard to Theater Latte Da's Cabaret as well as the Associate Director regarding their own manufacture of Our Town. Kelli offers performed along with Theater Latte Da, Chanhassen Supper Theaters, Theater for that Thirsty and Bloomington Civic Theatre amongst others. Your Woman choreographs in many local substantial schools and is excited to be a a portion of your YAI production staff this year. Nada es impossible!

Will Lopes, Audio Director, holds a new Master's degree inside Conducting from your University Or College involving Northern Iowa, a new Bachelor's degree throughout Songs from Brazil's Northern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Diploma within Piano and also music Theory from your Songs Conservatory with the FS State University, additionally situated in his home country involving Brazil.

As the jazz/pop singer, Lopes had the opportunity perform in several studio recordings within Brazil, as a soloist, backup singer and vocal coach/arranger, recording jingles with regard to companies just like Coca-Cola and Levi's Jeans. Lopes is a section leader for the MN Chorale (official choir for your MN orchestra) and contains recently appeared inside the operas like Don Giovanni, Carmen and Rosenkavalier. Lopes in addition has been commissioned to compose choral/orchestral pieces as well as present choir arrangements regarding higher schools and also universities around the country.

He lives within Minnesota along with serves because the Worship Arts Director in Grace church Roseville, Minn.

Holly Abel, stage manager, has been operating as a stage manager, director, and (occasionally!) an actor throughout Minnesota as well as California for your past 6 years. The Lady was raised in Los Angeles nevertheless provides begun for you to contact the particular Twin Cities home. Holly holds the BA coming from Carleton College, where the girl studied Theater Arts and Educational Studies.

The Girl is presently any post-baccalaureate student studying American Signal Language Interpretation at St. Catherine University.

Benjamin Olsen, set and also props designer, is a scenic designer located in Minneapolis and also St. Paul. He trained in the liberal arts from St. Olaf College; studied theatre throughout London, artwork in Manhattan, and also literature within the West Indies; and received the actual Bonde award with regard to excellence in scenic design from St. Olaf's Middle regarding Integrative Studies.Ă‚ Furthermore to always be able to freelancing, he functions as getting a resident designer

at St. Paul Academy and quite often as becoming a teaching artist. Whenever he's certainly not designing, you could locate Ben painting, reading, writing, gardening, or even playing croquet. previous scenic designs include St. Olaf Dept. associated with Theatre: "The Tempest," "Three Sisters," "The Imaginary Invalid;" Saint Paul Academy: "Once on this Island;"Ă‚ Philly Productions: "Philly" (props). Upcoming: "The complete Functions regarding William Shakespeare" (Abridged) from BCT; "Zen Ties" at Levels Theatre Co.; as well as "The Glass Menagerie" from St. Olaf College.

Emily Jannusch, costume designer, is delighted to produce her debut as costume designer with most the Small Artists Initiative getting labored this prior 12 months like a costume design assistant in Lakeshore Players Theater and as a new costume and also props intern at the Minnesota Children's Museum. The Girl received the girl Bachelors involving Arts in Theater from your University Or College regarding Minnesota where the girl studied costume style as well as technology. Emily wishes saying thanks to the woman's mentors and additionally the many individuals that have supported your ex along the way.

Tony Stoeri, Lighting designer, is truly a freelance lighting designer within the Twin Cities. recent function includes The Particular Sexual life involving Savages (Walking Shadow Theatre Company), Letters for you to Sala (Sabes Jewish community Center), along with Macbeth (Mission Theatre Company). He furthermore serves since the touring designer and technical director regarding Sossy Mechanics' Trick Boxing. Whenever not really designing, Tony functions as a possible electrician from many Twin Cities theaters, such as your Guthrie, the particular Children's Theater, Penumbra, Mixed Blood, and also the Jungle. Upcoming work: The Particular Minnesota Fringe Festival, Detainee (Mission Theatre Company).

Benjamin Lacina, YAI Co-founder & Artistic Director. Since founding Youthful Artists Initiative in 2004, Ben features served as Director, Audio Director, Set Designer, Lighting Designer and also sound Designer with regard to numerous YAI productions. He provides diploma within Vocal Songs Education, Gifted Education And Learning & Expertise Development, and also Educational Leadership. Pertaining To seven many years he served as Audio Specialist regarding Highwood Hills Fundamental College upon Saint Paul's East Side, producing more than ten original student-written plays along with musicals. Pertaining To six years, he was the particular Arts Coordinator at Anoka Center Institution for your Arts, and he now serves since the Gifted Education/Talent Development Coordinator for your Anoka-Hennepin Institution District. Ben additionally presents nationally concerning interdisciplinary curriculum along with arts education.

Youth actor bios Alexa Akre-Ensemble will probably be any senior with Excellent River school within the fall, and contains appeared because the lead in the assortment of obscure school-sponsored productions, both throughout Winona, MN along with here within the Twin Cities, too as in the small production for the Fantastic River Shakespeare Festival. The Lady is definitely an aspiring film director along with hopes to obtain as far from Minnesota as soon as she can as soon as the lady graduates.

Lily Akre-Ensemble is in 7th grade this year as well as wants to read, sing, and also tune in to music. she was created throughout Winona, MN. The Lady is actually selfemployed and also works at a lemonade stand. This is her initial YAI production. The Girl likes chocolate. The Girl also likes The Actual Fault inside Our Stars and also the Harry Potter series.

Matthew Bachmeier-Piragua Guy is 14 years involving age and attends Henry Sibley high School. This may be Matthew's seventh demonstrate together with YAI. Matthew loves singing, acting, and also dancing, so he is extremely happy which he got to be a new section of this show. He would actually like to thank his relatives and buddies with regard to their own support, and the particular man hopes you like the actual show.

Van Cheatham-Usnavi can end up being a junior in Henry Sibley Secondary School and your man can be reprising his role as Usnavi for the 2nd time for your YAI production of "In the Heights." He provides held it's location in multiple productions including straight theater for you to on-camera work. He is also very involved in music, having numerous bands along with musical projects presently. Van would like you to definitely realize an individual rock with regard to coming in order to offer the show!

Maddie Clark-Abuela Claudia is all about to get into your ex senior 12 months from Maple Grove Senior Substantial where she centered on working powering your scenes in many university musicals. The Lady is beyond honored to get your ex 1st role take an outstanding production along with YAI. Your Woman sends want to your ex mothers as well as fathers and also sisters whom always believed in her.

Jalayna Daye-Graffiti Pete is actually a sophomore from Eastview high School. This can easily be the girl 1st YAI production. The Lady is extremely excited to produce new friends. everyone is so sweet along with friendly. The idea is your ex dream to become able to own her very own bakery. she hopes everyone will benefit from the show. Jalayna's family, originally via New York, wishes her well inside Within the Heights!

Amirah Ellison-Nina Rosario recently graduated South Senior Substantial School throughout Minneapolis. In South, the girl were built together with a chorus role within "Sweet Charity" and also would become a Dynamite inside "Hairspray." This really is the woman's first YAI production and she or perhaps he will be grateful with regard to this opportunity.

Matthew Her-Ensemble can become a 17 yr outdated aspiring artist who has been simply born along with raised inside Madison, Wisconsin. He began performing in the age of 7 at local churches and also shelters. Since he got older, he begun to perform in bars and in skill exhibits across St. Paul. He hopes to create it inside the industry 1 day as a successful musician.

Ana Keller-Flores-Ensemble can be 13 years old and also visits college from Excellent River Montessori. Your Woman offers experienced 3 exhibits with YAI. Ana would actually like by way of thanking the actual directors to be super cool and also the woman's mothers and fathers and the cast for being supportive. This present was obviously a excellent encounter for Ana and she hopes you'll have fun here as significantly as the lady did.

Johanna Keller-Flores-Vanessa is a flippin' college freshman this fall with Kalamazoo. She's carried out the large amount of shows in school along with using YAI along with Steppingstone. The Lady lately is at "Little Go shopping regarding Horrors" as Chiffon in great River School. She's psyched being in the woman's own favorite musical of time. IN DA HEIGHTS. Joe Kelly-Kevin Rosario is sixteen years old and visits Eagan Substantial School. This is his 1st musical encounter via any organization and your man plans to become inside much more productions. Joe likes to experience guitar, sing, songwrite, and perform. Joe would like by means of thanking his family along with friends for Investment Homes merican University Park DC that great support!

Amelia Montie-Ensemble can become a junior in Fantastic River School. The Lady provides always were built using a love with regard to audio and it has become interested in acting inside past years.

Your Woman has been in university performances such as Bye Bye Birdie and many musical performances. The Girl additionally will be in the team referred to end up being able to as Prelude at MacPhail that focuses on each vocal range as well as acting. This may be her 1st YAI production and he as well as she will be glad to become a part of it.

Lauren Moy - Ensemble is actually 13 years old and it is heading to be a freshman from Eagan Higher School. The Girl is in band and also plays the flute, too because the piano, and Gu-zheng (Chinese instrument). Lauren in supplement has taken portion in CAAM Chinese Dance Theater with regard to 9 years. she has been in addition inside basketball this winter. The other shows Lauren provides experienced with YAI are usually The Actual Monkey King, Willy Wonka Jr., The Actual Wiz, As soon As about This particular Island Jr., Narnia, Honk Jr., Peter Pan, dreams of a Cobbler's Son and also Oliver! Lauren would actually like by way of thanking everybody which includes helped get this to demonstrate possible.

Paige Moy - Daniela can be fifteen years old, and it is heading to become a new sophomore this fall in Eagan high School. Paige has been playing piano and bouncing along with CAAM Dance for 20 years now. One other exhibits Paige provides been in together with YAI are usually The Actual Monkey King, Willy Wonka Jr., Your Wiz, As soon As on This kind of Island Jr., Narnia the Musical, Honk! Jr., Peter Pan, dreams of a Cobbler's Son, and also Oliver! Final fall Paige ran cross-country as well as taken component in monitor this spring. The Lady is indeed excited being a part of this musical.

Jane Mulcahy-Ensemble is surely an 8th grader with Fantastic River School. she features played Belligerent Man from Again associated with Auditorium in "Our Town," Fur Coat in "Way's End," and also Strawberry seller inside "Oliver!" This really is your ex 2nd YAI production and the girl or perhaps he is very excited to be taking part in one of your ex favorite shows. WEPA! Jonah O'Hara-David - Benny will be 13 yrs . old and also rising to the 8th grade this fall from Ramsey middle throughout St Paul. He graduated coming from grade-school theatre (including numerous Shakespearean plays) in order to Oliver! together with YAI earlier this year. He in addition has taken part in many acting workshops at each Children's Theatre company as well as Youth Performance Company. Jonah sang using the Minnesota BoyChoir throughout 2013.

Sara Price-Ensemble can always be a seventh grader from Skyview middle School, where she recently appeared inside "The little Mermaid Jr" as Ensemble. The Girl has also appeared throughout "Annie," "Narnia," "Honk Jr," "Hello Dolly," and also "Beauty and furthermore the Beast." Sara is quite excited to become a a portion of "In the actual Heights." The Lady want to thank the woman's parents, Mindy as well as Joe, pertaining to constantly along with commitment.

Vivian Scheel - Carla began acting with Steppingstone Theatre and contains performed throughout exhibits including, The Actual Heartbeat with the Drum, The Particular Emperor's New Clothes, and also the Greatest Christmas Contest ever - twice. She's also performed inside multiple shows with Hillcrest Neighborhood Theater along with Ordway Middle for that Doing Arts. This specific fall, she'll become beginning 8th grade. In addition in order to musical theater, your woman enjoys reading, drawing and hanging out outdoors. Within the particular future, your woman hopes to harness the effectiveness of art as well as theater to find cures and also comforts pertaining to households facing cancer.

Juan Soto-Ensemble can be 17 years old as well as attends Sibley Higher School. He plays football and also wrestles. This is his initial YAI production.

Julianne Vitt-Camila Rosario is a senior with DeLaSalle Substantial School. Along With YAI, she's played the particular Mother inside "Dreams of your Cobbler's Son." with DeLaSalle she has played Sampson in "Romeo and Juliet," an Angel inside "Anything Goes," Madame Gabelle in "A Tale regarding A Pair Of Cities," and was inside the ensemble regarding "Into your Woods." The Lady has additionally experienced a couple of ensemble-created original shows: "Feel Alive" and "Is There Existence in Mars?" she would truly like to thank the awesome cast and creative tea sm! Nada es impossible!

Joe Weikert-Ensemble Joe will be a freshman from Henry Sibley Substantial School. He loves acting. This may be his 2nd production along with YAI. He played the role regarding Hans Christian Andersen throughout YAI's dreams of a Cobbler Son. He has additionally appeared in a Christmas Carol and Charley and the Chocolate Factory. He also plays cello and is about Sibley's swim team. He will be excited being inside the show.

Peter Williams-Sonny can be 12 yrs . old along with goes to Highland Park Center School. He is in his 2nd year of summer acting, his initial present being at North high as Chip inside "Beauty and the Beast." It will be his newbie acting from YAI and your man will be pumped to be a a component of "In your Heights."

YAI can end up being a 10-year-old executing arts organization based on Saint Paul's East Side. We provide superb theater programming with regard to young artists inside our community and also higher quality, exciting, inexpensive performances regarding audiences at the Wellstone Theater in St. Paul's West Side.

YAI encourages youth to perform as well as accomplish with peak level, increase confidence, discover regarding his or her inventive potential, and frequently exceed their own as well as audiences' expectations with regard to artistic achievement. We honor every younger person for who he/she is, as well as work as getting a neighborhood along with shared values, creating bridges in between and amongst diverse communities inside the Twin Cities metropolitan area.