A fresh take on "Chicago" you don’t wanna miss
Feature story on Youth Theatre Northwest's Chicago: Teen Edition
Written by TeenTix Newsroom Writer BOWIE LOGAN
On March 4th, I was invited to Youth Theatre Northwest to observe a tech rehearsal for their production of Chicago: Teen Edition. The show was so fun and well-crafted. I was lucky to also interview the director, music director, and six actors about the production. From cast to crew, every person talked with so much love for their craft; love you can see beaming through the production.
Chicago is part of YTN’s teen conservatory. The process includes a ten-week acting, singing, and choreography intensive, followed by eight weeks of rehearsal, and two weeks of tech. YTN stands out for being an educational theatre, and the entire show is developed to educate the actors and staff. Director Cory Southwell has been teaching at YTN for fourteen years, learning a new role at the theater every year that has elevated his ability to make great theater. Teen actors have similar experiences. When Southwell and his team put together the two alternating casts, their goal was to challenge actors to grow their acting, dancing, and singing while building a successful show.Photo by Cory Southwell.
