Causes: Arts & Culture, Arts, Culture & Humanities, Performing Arts

Mission: Barrel of Monkeys (BOM) is an ensemble of actors-educators that creates an alternative learning environment in which children share their personal voices and celebrate the power of their imaginations. BOM accomplishes this through creative writing workshops and in-school performances of children''s stories. BOM also engages the broader community in the visions of children though public performances of their work.
BOM achieves this mission by:* Teaching fundamental creative writing skills* Providing a safe and supportive learning environment* Building self esteem and confidence in children*Adapting stories written by children for the stage by professional actors* Presenting a smart, funny theatre experience. * Building a community that respects the value of each child''s personal and artistic contribution, and the diversity of his or her perspective.
BOM strives to build a community that champions the vision of every child as a way to develop young people who believe in themselves.

Target demographics: Students in under-served Chicago public elementary schools.

Direct beneficiaries per year: 950

Geographic areas served: Chicago IL

Programs: Barrel of Monkeys goes into select Chicago Public School classrooms once a week for six week to lead creative writing workshops. At the end of each workshop, the BOM performers adapt some of the children's stories for an original stage performance.