Steppenwolf Theatre Company Blog – Chicago Theater, World-Class Ensemble

Ashley is the Steppenwolf for Young Adults intern.

During my time interning at Steppenwolf, I have heard the term “Public Square” at least six dozen times, and I find myself using it without always knowing quite what I am referring to. To me, the Public Square is a safe space in which the various constituents in our community can engage with each other, with the Steppenwolf staff, and with the amazing artists who make our productions possible, in meaningful and critical conversations about the social issues raised through the work we present. This safe space already exists in web format through our blog, in the intellectual space of post-show discussions, in the physical space of the future home of Steppenwolf, and also where I’ve most encountered it: in our Steppenwolf Young Adult Council.

Over the past three months, while attending a youth-led post-show discussion of Up, seeing various productions at Chicago theaters and helping to select the 2009-2010 council members, I have met so many young people that are dedicated to furthering their understanding of and participation in theater arts as well as increasing young people’s access to Steppenwolf. I have been so inspired by their passion, optimism and imagination.

Our now 20 person strong Council embodies the Public Square initiative because of their inquisitive spirit and willingness to discuss the tough questions regarding class, race, gender, sexuality, religion, culture, education, justice and the role of the artist pervasive in so much of the amazing theater they see. As a Junior at a liberal arts college where many students would rather check their Facebook in class and do the bare minimum to get a passing grade rather than fully engage in the course, it is so refreshing to see high school students, some as young as 14, excited and prepared to engage with these challenging topics.

This entry was posted by Ashley Slupski on Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 at 3:16 pm and is filed under SYA 2008-2009 Season. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.