TEENS

THE TEEN STREET MISSION:
to provide a safe and supportive environment that supports teen members in their desire to express themselves
artistically, to improve as performing artists, to use the arts as a vehicle to build leadership skills, and to
prepare for the next step in their careers, be it university auditions or the exploration of entering into
professional performing arts careers.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

How does Teen Street differ from other programs for young actors in Tucson?
Professional Training. Students who spend time with Steve quickly discover the power of graduate-level and
professional training. They become more inspired than ever before and their work as artists becomes strong enough
to compete with industry professionals, as well as other teens across the country who are competing for positions in
university programs. As one student put it, "Wow! That's what acting is supposed to feel like!"

Original Work. Teen Street also focuses on the creation of original theatre and film pieces, which is an
empowering experience for the teens who are doing the creating. There is nothing like the feeling of 'owning' a new
work of art. And, if original work is good enough, the possibility of becoming published is not out of the question.
Company members will also spend time working with existing scripts that reflect what they will encounter in the
real world, such as commercial auditions, films, and plays.

Headshots & Demo-Reels. The actor's calling card is their headshot. Company members will receive a free sitting
with a professional photographer. When more funding is available, the reproduction of those headshots will also be
included. In the meantime, low-cost reproduction contacts will be provided to the actor. Another calling card for the
actor, particularly for those pursuing a career in film and television, is the actor's demo-reel. The program will work
with local cinematographers and editors to create a demo-reel for each company member.

Representation/Work Opportunities. While Teen Street is not an 'agency,' company members will be connected to
audition opportunities. Unlike most agencies, there will be no exclusive contract and no agent's fee will be expected
from the pay an actor receives if they book a gig (typically 10-15%). We will do this by creating a network of
connections to producers and casting directors in the region, who will inform us of upcoming audition opportunities.

How much are company dues?
As we launch Teen Street Tucson, members will be required to pay company dues of $60/month. Ultimately, the
program will be funded through grants and other fundraising efforts, along with box office receipts, with the goal of
paying members for rehearsal and performance. Dues may be paid in a single payment to cover the remainder of the
season or monthly, due the first week of each month. Some scholarships will be available to low-income families. If
you are accepted into the company and are in need of a reduced fee, please contact Steve to discuss some options.

What is the time committment?
Ongoing Training. Teen Street will begin with weekly sessions on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. The first
semester will be devoted to training and group jam sessions on creating new material for live theatre and film.

Rehearsals. As we progress and begin to develop material that will be rehearsed for live performance or film shoots,
rehearsal time will be added. Those schedules will be determined based on the material and individuals needed.

Film Shoots & Performances. For film projects, the commitment includes only rehearsals and shoot schedules. For
live theatre performances, the minimal commitment will include a final production in May, 2010 over one or two
weekends (Tech Week leading up to a Friday evening opening, Saturday evening, and Sunday matinee). Performance
dates will be set shortly after the company is selected. There is also the possibility of touring a show to local and
regional schools and other arts facilities, during which company members would perform and conduct workshops for
kids. This program will be developed to be launched in the Fall of 2010.

Theatre Cafe. Along the way, we will be exploring producing various events at the future Theatre Cafe space at
ARTFARE. These events will be low-production events, such as poetry readings and actor's showcases. Company
members will participate by performing, but also helping serve pastries, cappucino, and the like. Again, the ultimate
goal is to actually pay company members for their time, which could happen for these events if receipts are strong
enough. The 'cafe' space is in the dream stage and will require much work, but it has great potential.

Keeping your grades up. Every effort will be made to create a schedule that does not overwhelm company members,
allowing them to continue to focus on school. For company members who find themselves struggling with grades at
school, other options for participation can be explored, such as technical theatre and stage management. The
possibility of peer tutoring will be explored as well. For example: while half the group is rehearsing, the other half
may spend an hour helping each other out with homework. Quite often, peer tutoring can be extremely effective.
This also feeds into the philosophy that company members need to be accepting and fully supportive of each other.

Who is the director?
Aside from his many professional accomplishments (see biography), Steve has long served the teen community. He
holds an MFA in Acting and a Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education.