EmpowerYouth!: Igniting Creativity through the Arts is a groundbreaking partnership with the Chicago Urban League that immerses teenagers in the creation of an original performance.
In the 2022/23 Season, EmpowerYouth! returns to the original in-person format. From October through March, participants work with professional artistic staff and program facilitators in learning how principles of performance, theatre, music, and dance relate to their everyday lives. These young artists will engage in a youth-centered co-creation process to devise an original showcase that tells the story of their experiences as young, Black Chicagoans. Mari DeOleo returns this year as program facilitator with Mbali Guliwe, Tanji Harper, and Shawn Wallace serving as artist mentors.
EmpowerYouth! comes full circle
Creating new works and learning skills like dancing, singing, and acting can be difficult under the best circumstances, but EmpowerYouth! participants managed to create something wonderful while dealing with the realities of spotty internet and busy schedules.
Five years of EmpowerYouth!
While young people are feeling uncertain about their future and the world around them, Lyric continues to invest deeply in educational and community engagement programs that encourage participants to express their hopes, fears, and dreams through opera.
Anonymous Donor
Nancy W. Knowles Student and Family Performances Fund
Dr. Scholl Foundation
Walter Family Foundation
The Richard P. & Susan Kiphart Family
Shure Charitable Trust
Eisen Family Foundation
Robert and Evelyn McCullen
Marsha Serlin and Jerry Sloan
Charles and M.R. Shapiro Foundation, Inc.
Terry J. Medhurst
Mazza Foundation
Buehler Family Foundation
Wintrust Community Banks
Helen Brach Foundation
The Siragusa Family Foundation
Polk Bros. Foundation
Lloyd A. Fry Foundation
Raynette and Ned Boshell
John and Rosemary Brown Family Foundation
John Hart and Carol Prins
The Simon Family Foundation
Photo: Kyle Flubacker