Creative Youth Productions Inc. Changing Lives Through The Performing Arts In Bridgeport

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The highly acclaimed Creative Youth Productions Inc., a youth-driven performing arts program, brings its latest hit show, “UNDER THE GUN” To Housatonic Community College on November 21, 22, and 23rd.

Creative Youth Productions Inc. (CYP) continues the excellence of youth leadership through the arts with a trailblazing after school program, serving the Bridgeport public school system, and more than 100 middle and high school students.

“UNDER THE GUN”, a groundbreaking theatrical production, created and written by youth members, returns to the Performing Arts Theater at Housatonic Community College this November for several encore performances.

In the wake of unprecedented gun violence on a local and nation level, the show brings the issue to life on stage, and reinforces the message that youth are being profoundly affected.

“The youth leaders want to bring back the production not only because they received a standing ovation last June at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre, but the phone calls and e-mails that continue to come in requesting the show to be seen again and again.” says Executive Director Donna Sue DeGuzman.

In an effort to take the show on the road, CYP is seeking donations and sponsorship. Currently, the Bridgeport Board of Education is funding CYP with matching funds from local foundations such as The Perrin Family Foundation and The Fairfield County Community Foundation. This funding helps to support the after school programs in the schools. Current funding does not allow for a touring production, so that the youth voices can be heard beyond Bridgeport.

CYP has a core of ten youth leaders who receive monthly stipends for leading classes in dance, singing, theater and film. Youth Leaders claim that the program is one of the few that pays young people to be responsible, positive role models, while growing and instilling confidence. 120 youth members are currently involved in the after school program located at two middle schools -- Cesar A. Batalla and James J. Curiale School.

Housatonic Community Theater Department has teamed up with CYP this fall by providing volunteer college interns to spend time in the after school program, while preparing them for three shows in their state-of-the-art performing arts space A101 on Thursday November 21st at 7:00p.m. Friday November 22nd at 7:00pm and Saturday Matinee at 1:00p.m.

About Creative Youth Productions, Inc.:
Creative Youth Productions was founded on October 14, 2011 as a non-for-profit corporation with an ongoing mission to develop youth leaders through the arts. Led by founder, Donna Sue DeGuzman, with a powerful 30 year background in youth development. CYP is committed to the inter-city youth of Bridgeport. In an organizationally, programmatically and creatively sound manner, CYP transforms the lives of young people by empowering them with a voice through the arts. The ultimate goal is to foster leadership, confidence and professionalism, by introducing fundamentals and advanced aspects of the arts through theater, dance, media and music. CYP has a diverse array of workshops, classes, exercises, and performances that offer a platform for freedom of expression and youth-led leadership. 

CYP is in the forefront of bringing high-quality arts education back into the Bridgeport public schools. CYP believes that giving youth a platform to be heard is making an impact and ultimately making positive change for youth, their families and the community. For more information about Creative Youth Production’s Programs, visit http://cypkids.org.

Contact Info:
Name: Donna Sue Deguzman-Executive Director
Email: Send Email
Organization: Creative Youth Productions
Phone: 203-610-4323
Website: http://creativeyouthproductions.org

Release ID: 25048

CONTACT ISSUER
Name: Donna Sue Deguzman-Executive Director
Email: Send Email
Organization: Creative Youth Productions
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