VARIETY AT PLAY

Tent 26 Provides Variety of Opportunities for the Children of Illinois.

When Variety of Illinois developed the Variety-at-Play theater-tour program, the goal was to reach as many children as possible. Sure, the children got to see movies like Kung Fu Panda, Space Chimps and The Great Debaters before any of the rest of us did. And they got to learn how to make popcorn and receive a behind-the-scenes tour of the theater. It was funny. It was cool… I didn't know you put that much butter on popcorn, shouted Kaylin, age 8, of the Boys and Girls Club of General Wood. But it was more than just an morning at the movies.

In 2008, Variety of Illinois worked with more than 200 children ages 6 to 18. The Illinois chapter used its theater roots to partner with the historic Chatham movie theater, a theater owned by Inner City Entertainment (ICE). With the help of Variety-board President Michelle Baert, and Chatham Theater staff led by Venisha White-Johnson, they hosted tours as part of ICE Theater's mission to revive movie theaters in inner-city neighborhoods and to inspire pride in the surrounding south-side communities. For organizations such as Beacon's Therapeutic, the Boys and Girls Clubs, and Hephzibah Home, the Illinois tent provided more than just a trip to the movies; it provided an experiential learning program to children living in struggling neighborhoods on Chicago's south side.

Variety-at-Play participants come from predominantly low-income households, some of whom are living in foster care where there are few opportunities to positively connect with others and the community. Program content was adapted to meet the interests of various age groups and included fun, hands-on learning opportunities. The Variety theater-tour program showed the kids the ins and outs of the movie theater—everything from how to make cotton candy and popcorn, to how to operate the projection booth. Everyone was also shown how a film arrives, is built up on the platter, and then threaded into the projector to be viewed on the big screen. Children even got to bring the popcorn and cotton candy that they made into the theater to enjoy a movie compliments of Variety.

Tours for preteens and teenagers offered them a little glimpse into vocational training including what to wear on an interview, how to fill out a job application, and what is generally expected of theater employees. It was fun and I learned a lot of things about getting a job at the movie theater, said Roland, age 12, from the Boys and Girls Club. The emphasis on vocational training in a fun, informal environment also allows the theater to get to know potential employees in their community while Variety-at-Play's participants learn about how to prepare for what many teenagers call their first job.

It is truly a gift of hope for our children. The way you have reached out and embraced our children with the opportunity to be exposed to the entertainment industry is truly amazing, said Beacon's Therapeutic teacher, Peggy Rourke during the 2008 Variety Annual Meeting in November. Our kids still talk about their experience with Variety-at-Play. This type of experience is something that will be a once in a lifetime opportunity.

And, in true Variety fashion, to ensure the program really is a learning experience, each one ends with a series of questions—a little more fun than a pop quiz in school.

The Illinois chapter is excited to continue teaching children how to apply a love of the theater to real-world applications.

For more information about our Variety at Play program, , please contact us at info@varietyofillinois.org
or call (312) 822-0660.