“It was very educational. It put the issues in a way that kids can enjoy it and not be bored
with it.” Youth Audience Member, Age 18

ACTOUT attempts to deliver important, socially relevant and oftentimes challenging content to young audiences through creative channels that they can understand, accept, and find relevant to their lives.

Our past and current projects include the following:

DA REAL DEAL – THEATRE SHOW

ACTOUT’s first musical production made its appearance on the stage of Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People on June 27th and 28th, 2002. It takes a look at the issues surrounding our youth such as HIV and AIDS prevention, homosexuality, teen pregnancy, relationships, suicide and drug abuse. The story is told through the life of J-Rock, a rapper, who contracted AIDS and then committed suicide. The cast was fortunate enough to share their experiences with actor, Roger G. Smith (Spike Lee’s A Huey P. Newton Story, Do the Right Thing, Malcom X) and MCA recording artist, Rahzel (The Roots). Both gave personal encouragement to the youth through rehearsal participation, workshops, and show attendance.

MBA II SYMPOSIUM – PRESENTATION

The symposium took place November 13th & 14th, 2002 and was targeted to youth workers, programmers and managers in support of recreation and youth activities. ACTOUT was invited to speak on youth outreach strategies. Cast members of Da Real Deal creatively presented ideas and opinions providing a direct point of view from youth.

PLAYERS FOR PEACE – ACTING TROUPE

Sponsored by the Flemington Youth Anti-Violence Coalition (FYAVC) and the Canadian Red Cross Society, the interactive project was developed in order to educate South Asian youth on violence prevention. Utilizing an anti-racist approach, they raised awareness throughout Toronto on issues such as discrimination, anti-immigrant sentiment, local violence, Islam-phobia, and war. As a result of their hard work, they were invited to present at the Ontario Modern Language Teachers Association’s World Peach is Another Language event and the Global Citizens’ Forum 2003, a provincial conference on Global Education Strategies and Curriculum Development hosted by the Ontario Council for International Cooperation.

SHANEL LUKE FUNDRAISER

Some cast members of Da Real Deal performed at a fundraiser to raise funds for Shanel Luke’s medical needs. There is a constant understanding among the youth of the importance to give back to the community.

TWELFTH NIGHT: THE COMING OF A NU DON – THEATRE SHOW

An innovative, contemporary hip-hop musical approach to Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night made its debut at Equity Showcase Theatre February 28th and March 1st, 2003. Youth members of ACTOUT took part in many facets. Many acted as mentors and composers learning from industry professionals while taking part in a process of experiencing the behind the scenes production journey. The cast spanned from mainstream actors such as David Collins (Shaw Festival, Stratford Festival) to youth aged 6 to 25. The production gave all participants the opportunity to embrace the poetic iambic style of text, create their own lyrical translations and gain an appreciation for Shakespeare.

DRUGS IS MY WITNESS – THEATRE SHOW

This theatrical production focuses on four young females in a group home who have had a negative encounter with drugs and is dealing with the associated realities. On June 5th, 2003, the play made its debut in the backspace at Toronto’s Theatre Passe Murraille. Success of the sold out, seven day run, was due to the hard work and dedication of the production’s talented cast and crew. Support was tremendous from various organizations like T.R.I.P. independent musical artists Lorraine Reid, Fritz the Cat, actor Daveed Louza and then Toronto Councilor, Olivia Chow.

REALITY RULES – THEATRE SHOW

A sequel to Da Real Deal where J-Rock is sent back to earth to educate youth about HIV and AIDS. To prepare for the production the cast, made up of youth, is given the opportunity to participate in drama, voice, and dace workshops. They also attend HIV and AIDS awareness sessions to become more knowledgeable about the message they are delivering through their performance. The first performance took place May 19th and 20th, 2004 at Burton Auditorium, York University. At the request of the Mayor’s Office, ACTOUT teamed up with the City of Toronto Public Health and Parks & Recreation departments to re-mount the show on several occasions.

IN UNITY – THEATRE SHOW

Working with the City of Vaughan, York Regional Police and A Stroke of Art, ACTOUT branched outside of Toronto with the production of IN UNITY at City Playhouse Theatre on March 28th, 2006. IN UNITY tells stories of how teenagers from a world of racism, bigotry, and self-imposed differences band together to find siblings who have disappeared and in the process learn how much alike they really are. The purpose of the project was to promote inclusiveness, educate the community and prove that youth from all cultures, ages, and abilities can come together and make a difference.

MAKING HEALTHY CHOICES – MULTIMEDIA PROJECT

This up and coming project will focus on several issues negatively effecting youth. The project will provide those involved with the opportunity to work behind the scenes or in front of the camera. Various focus groups will be used to incorporate the opinions and ideas of youth and specialists. The final piece will be distributed to all Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs across Canada and used as an educational resource.

HEAR THE KNOWLEDGE – CD

Still in its infancy stage, ACTOUT is extremely excited about this project. The CD will be a compilation album of all new material created by youth to deal with the effects of drug and substance abuse in their communities. Youth will be provided with appropriate materials and support so they will be able to express themselves and educate peers in a positive and creative manner.