Categories
focus Uncategorized

The Afterschool Podcast

Introducing the "After-School Podcast"

by The Elizabeth Youth Theater Ensemble

Welcome to the After-School Podcast, where the vibrant voices of teenagers take center stage. Produced by The Elizabeth Youth Theater Ensemble’s Walking the Beat program, our podcast is not just about conversations; it’s about empowering young minds to write their stories, sing their lyrics, and think their thoughts. This mark’s EYTE’s first podcast generation. We’re growing!

In each episode, our talented group of teenagers delves into topics that matter—from the challenges of community-based violence, reading Jason Reynolds’ Long Way Down, to the intricate dynamics of relationships. It’s not just talk; it’s a journey through the thoughts, experiences, and creativity of the next generation.

But here’s the unique twist: we don’t just talk about it; we learn about it. The After-School Podcast is not just a show; it’s a workshop. Our teens are not only hosts but also producers, learning the ropes of podcast creation from the ground up. From using AI to edit and creating their own logos seen here to mastering the art of structuring a conversation, assembling equipment, conducting interviews, and producing a show—our teens do it all.

Join us as we navigate the realms of technology and storytelling. The After-School Podcast is more than just a platform; it’s a brave space where these amazing teens can be themselves, explore their passions, and share their perspectives with the world.

Whether you’re interested in the raw authenticity of teen voices, the ins and outs of podcast production, or just crave an engaging conversation, this program is for you. Subscribe now to join our community and witness the incredible journey of self-discovery and expression.

The After-School Podcast—a space where teens not only find their voices but also learn to amplify them.

Read your words, sing your lyrics, think your thoughts. Open your mind.

The After-School Podcast Episodes

    Categories
    Events

    ENOUGH! Plays to End Gun Violence

    Elizabeth Youth Theater Ensemble presents:

    ENOUGH! Plays to End Gun Violence

    Kean University STEM Building Auditorium
    Monday, November 6, 2023 @ 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM EST
    LOCATION: Kean University STEM Building 1075 Morris Ave Union, New Jersey 07083
    ENOUGH! Plays to End Gun Violence creates space for teens to confront gun violence by creating new works of theatre that will spark critical conversations and inspire meaningful action in communities across the country.

    On the same evening across the country, theaters, schools, and community groups stage readings of a script comprised of six (6) new 10-minute plays by teen writers confronting gun violence, selected by a committee of nationally-renowned playwrights out of plays received in our Call for Submissions.

    Walking the Beat is a creative writing, theater, and multi-media workshop for students grades 9-12 and local police officers, designed to establish a groundwork for conversation and create real, achievable actions for specific communities across the country.

    Walking the Beat is funded by the NJ Office of Attorney General’s Office of Violence Intervention and Prevention’s Community Based Violence Intervention (CBVI) program.

    COVID-19 NOTICE

    Show your support for Elizabeth Youth Theater Ensemble with this mask

    Face coverings are strongly recommended. Proof of vaccination will not be required.

    Everyone should practice recommended social distancing guidelines during their time at all EYTE events.

    • In addition to using hand sanitizing stations onsite, everyone is encouraged to wash their hands regularly while at the event.
    • If you are feeling ill, we ask that you refrain from attending the performance and visit us when you are feeling healthy.
    • Please take care of yourself and your fellow patrons by respecting our protocols and procedures. If, for any reason, you refuse to abide by our safety measures, you will be removed without a refund.
    • Please contact us if you test positive for COVID-19 after attending a show.  Reach out to us at info@elizabethyouththeater.org

    COVID-19 is extremely contagious and an inherent risk in all public locations where people are present. The CDC advises that older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. People who show no symptoms can spread the coronavirus if they are infected and any interaction with the general public poses an elevated risk of being exposed to COVID-19. EYTE has put in place preventative measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19; however, we cannot guarantee that you will not become infected with COVID-19. By attending EYTE events, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure of COVID-19 and agree not to hold EYTE; or any of its affiliates, employees, or volunteers liable for any illness or injury.

    Your contribution to the Elizabeth Youth Theater Ensemble makes you an ally in our efforts to help young people build capacity for social change through art-making.

    As an organization committed to deepening artistic engagement in communities, while fighting for justice, we are looking for your support!

    Join our mission now.

    Categories
    Events

    2023 Elders in Residence Program

    Elizabeth Youth Theater Ensemble presents:

    2023 Elders in Residence Program

    Your contribution to the Elizabeth Youth Theater Ensemble makes you an ally in our efforts to help young people build capacity for social change through art-making.

    As an organization committed to deepening artistic engagement in communities, while fighting for justice, we are looking for your support!

    Join our mission now.

    Categories
    Events

    Walking The Beat 2023

    Elizabeth Youth Theater Ensemble presents:

    Walking the Beat 2023

    Sat, September 09, 2023 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM EDT


    Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy

    27 Martin Luther King Jr, Blvd

    Elizabeth, NJ 07201

    United States

    A Satire, Written and arranged by Angela Kariotis and members of the devised theater cohort Directed by Theo Perkins

    In a world grappling with the sobering reality of gun violence (heartbeat), the stage becomes a mirror reflecting the complexities of human behavior and society’s struggles.

    While the subject matter itself is undeniably grave, satire provides an avenue to dissect the absurdities, contradictions, and hypocrisies that surround the discourse on guns. By exaggerating these aspects through humor, satire allows us to dissect the intricacies of society’s relationship with firearms – from the political wrangling over regulations to the glorification of violence. We chose satire and comedy to protect our own well-being too, we will not display our traumas, our cries, and our pleas–because that has not worked. When 21 little first graders were blown away in Connecticut, and white children at that, when that moment did not work to affect any change, what will? The only thing that happened was the continuous community based gun violence effectively ignored for decades because of systemic racism and more shootings, this time, 4th graders, in Uvalde.

    Through laughter, discomfort, and self-reflection, satire provides a lens to confront the underlying factors that perpetuate gun violence. The root of the problem is necessary to explore because we believe gun violence is a public health crisis, not a criminal justice issue. We thank the police for working with us on this work. We all have a role in public safety. We all play a role in keeping each other safe.

    Our play seeks to ignite conversations that may otherwise remain buried beneath the weight of statistics and sorrow.
    The characters that will grace the stage are not caricatures, but rather vessels through which we explore the shades of humanity – from the victims and perpetrators to the policymakers and armchair critics. We are challenged to contemplate the role we play in the perpetuation or prevention of this epidemic. Instead of frozen in shock, let’s take… ACTION! PLACES PLACES…Take your PLACE. Where do YOU stand?

    COVID-19 NOTICE

    Show your support for Elizabeth Youth Theater Ensemble with this mask

    This event is Outdoors. Face coverings are strongly recommended. Proof of vaccination will not be required.

    Everyone should practice recommended social distancing guidelines during their time at all EYTE events.

    • In addition to using hand sanitizing stations onsite, everyone is encouraged to wash their hands regularly while at the event.
    • If you are feeling ill, we ask that you refrain from attending the performance and visit us when you are feeling healthy.
    • Please take care of yourself and your fellow patrons by respecting our protocols and procedures. If, for any reason, you refuse to abide by our safety measures, you will be removed without a refund.
    • Please contact us if you test positive for COVID-19 after attending a show.  Reach out to us at info@elizabethyouththeater.org

    COVID-19 is extremely contagious and an inherent risk in all public locations where people are present. The CDC advises that older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. People who show no symptoms can spread the coronavirus if they are infected and any interaction with the general public poses an elevated risk of being exposed to COVID-19. EYTE has put in place preventative measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19; however, we cannot guarantee that you will not become infected with COVID-19. By attending EYTE events, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure of COVID-19 and agree not to hold EYTE; or any of its affiliates, employees, or volunteers liable for any illness or injury.

    Your contribution to the Elizabeth Youth Theater Ensemble makes you an ally in our efforts to help young people build capacity for social change through art-making.

    As an organization committed to deepening artistic engagement in communities, while fighting for justice, we are looking for your support!

    Join our mission now.

    Categories
    Events Fundraising Support Us

    Enough Play Reading

    Elizabeth Youth theater ensemble fundraising event

    2023 Holiday Mixer Celebration

    Your contribution to the Elizabeth Youth Theater Ensemble makes you an ally in our efforts to help young people build capacity for social change through art-making.

    As an organization committed to deepening artistic engagement in communities, while fighting for justice, we are looking for your support!

    Join our mission now.

    Categories
    Uncategorized

    Unreal Engine 5

    Unreal Engine LOGO

    Unreal Engine Cohort

    Click below to test our Ready Player Me avatar and learn more about art, tech, UE5, and our Cohort Instructor, Jacob Rosa 

    AI Public Safety Animation

    Introduction to Unreal Engine:

    What is Unreal Engine? It’s primarily used to create interactive 3D experiences, including video games.

    Realistic Visuals and Interactivity: Unreal Engineenables creators to build highly detailed and realistic virtual worlds, enhancing immersion and engagement.

    How Unreal Engine Works:

    Rendering and Graphics: Unreal Engine uses advanced rendering techniques to create lifelike graphics.

    Blueprint Visual Scripting: Unreal Engine features a visual scripting system called Blueprints. This allows developers to create complex interactions, behaviors, and gameplay mechanics without extensive coding knowledge

    Physics and Simulation: The engine incorporates physics simulations that enable realistic object interactions, fluid dynamics, and environmental effects

    Exploring Gun Violence and Solutions:

    Interactive Simulations: Unreal Engine can be used to create interactive simulations that mimic realworld scenarios. In the context of gun violence, it can simulate various situations to explore the impact of different choices and actions

     

    Empathy and Awareness: Through immersive experiences, Unreal Engine can help users understand the emotional and physical consequences of gun violence. It can be a tool to foster empathy and raise awareness about the challenges faced by affected individuals and communities

    Solutionoriented Scenarios: Creators can use Unreal Engine to design scenarios that explore solutions for addressing gun violence. These scenarios can showcase conflict resolution, mediation, policy changes, community engagement, and more

    Education and Training: Unreal Engine’s interactive nature makes it a valuable tool for educational purposes. It can be used to train law enforcement, educators, policymakers, and community members about gun violence prevention strategies and intervention techniques. 

    Facilitating Dialogue: By experiencing interactive narratives centered around gun violence, individuals can engage in productive discussions about the complexities of the issue and brainstorm potential solutions.

    Conclusion:

    As students engage with Unreal Engine to explore gun violence and its solutions, we have the opportunity to harness technology and creativity for social impact, raising awareness and fostering positive change, all while learning valuable and marketable hard skills for the future

    Categories
    Events Fundraising Support Us

    2023 Holiday Mixer

    Elizabeth Youth theater ensemble fundraising event

    2023 Holiday Mixer Celebration

    Your contribution to the Elizabeth Youth Theater Ensemble makes you an ally in our efforts to help young people build capacity for social change through art-making.

    As an organization committed to deepening artistic engagement in communities, while fighting for justice, we are looking for your support!

    Join our mission now.

    Categories
    Events Social Justice

    For the Sake of Our Bodies

    For the Sake of Our Bodies
    An Exploration of Cop and Teen Relations

    Walking the Beat 2018 - New Jersey

    For the Sake of Our Bodies was developed as part of Walking the Beat: an ongoing arts-in-education
    residency supported by The Elizabeth Youth Theater Ensemble, The Office of Youth, Will & Jada Smith Family Foundation, and HBO


    Wednesday and Thursday, 
    September 12 and 13, 2018 @ 8pm
    Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy

    CAST

    Students:

    Cooper Mendonssa
    Fatima Laurent
    Gryffin Mendonssa
    Janay Martinez
    Jared Delante Smoot
    jayleen Camargo Ojeda
    Masiyah Harrison
    Natalia Chancafe Santos
    Oniyah Mina
    Selena Jean- Pierre
    Skylin Pereira
    Trevon McClain
    Marie Isme
    Bryan Rodriguez
    Angelica Medina
    Ariana Montoya

    Officers:

    Tamiko Brooks
    Darin Williamson
    Lamar Hartsfield
    Ed Pinkevicz (on camera)
    Ina F. Silva (on camera)
    Jennifer Perez (on camera)
    Categories
    PERFORMANCES Social Justice

    The Privilege of Living

    The Privilege of Living
    An Exploration of Cop and Teen Relations

    Walking the Beat 2019 - New Jersey

    Saturday Se[ptember 14 at 7pm
    Sunday, September 15 at 2pm

    Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy 

    Project Facilitators 

    Theo Perkins – EYTE Founder, Executive & Artistic Director 

    Angela Kariotis – EYTE Curriculum Director & Program Facilitator; Writer/Performer 

    CAST

    Students:

    Angelica Medina
    Briyana Albornoz
    Fatima Laurent
    Janay Martinez
    Jared Delante Smoot
    Kenneth Roman
    Lougayen Souryal
    Masiyah Harrison
    Natalia Chancafe Santos
    Oniyah Mina
    Santos Colon
    Selena Jean- Pierre
    Trevon McClain

    Officers:

    Romina Cannon
    Karim Gad
    Isa McClendon
    Darin Williamson

    Guest Artists:

    Choreography sequences by Nicholas Rodriguez

    Drama therapist work by Brooke Campbell

    Trauma BaseD Yoga by Tina LeMAr

    Drama therapist work by Brooke Campbell

    Trauma BaseD Yoga by Tina LeMAr
    Credits

    Director/Producer – Theo Perkins

    Writer- Angela Kariotis
    (based on writings from participants)

    Program Assistant –
    Bryan Rodriguez

    Video and Graphics –
    Adler Lafleur /Cinematic Hitman, LLC

    Stage Crew –
    members of TJAA Drama Division


    Special Thanks


    City of Elizabeth
    Mayor J. Christian Bollwage
    Councilwoman, Perkins-Auguste
    The Elizabeth Board of Education
    Dir. Krishna Garlic, Dir. Earl Graves
    Deputy, Chief Giacomo Sacca
    Michael Ojeda
    Sandra Toll
    Erika Hicks
    Mary Rivera
    Dennis Williams
    Kenn Foster
    USC Arts Leadership Program
    Cornelius Smith Jr
    Delores Perkins
    Monica Perkins
    Valencas Restaurant
    The Elizabeth Police Department
    Skylin Pereira
    Cooper Mendonssa
    Sarai Smith
    Categories
    INTERGENERATIONAL

    Everything Is a Re-Mix

    Theater for all generations

    Everything Is a Re-Mix
    An Intergeneration Theater Experience
    Siloam Hope Cares, CDC & the Elizabeth Youth Theater Ensemble Present:

    Everything Is a Re-Mix An Intergeneration Theater Experience

    Fri, June 22, 2018 @ 7pm
    Sat, June 23, 2018 @ 2pm

    African-American Cultural & Learning Center 420 Spring Street, Elizabeth

    CAST


    Emily Alarcon
    Marty Brandon
    Fleeta Bulle
    Jayleen Camargo Ojeda
    Janiyah Fullwood
    Zachary Halley
    Selena Jean-Pierre
    Eva Kotsonis
    Bilal McCray
    Cooper Mendonssa
    Gryffin Mendonssa
    Miles Mendonssa
    Anthony Owens
    Dolores Perkins
    Bryan Rodriguez
    Sarai Smith
    Kelley Tate
    Sandra Toll
    Jorge A. Toll
    Juliet Toll Luchsinger
    Lucas Toll Luchsinger



    Theodore Perkins – EYTE Founder & Producer
    Angela Kariotis – Workshop Facilitator, Writer/Director
    Bryan Rodriguez – Program Assistant
    Janeé Howard – Lighting Operator