Playmakers Laboratory Theatre
Vision: A radically kind Chicago that champions childrenβs ideas
Playmakers Laboratory is an arts education that teaches creative writing and theatre to 3rd-5th grade students in Chicago Public Schools. The stories written by our students are then adapted into sketches, songs, plays, and videos in an effort to celebrate and amplify the voices of young people.
PlayMakers Laboratory (PML) is an arts education nonprofit that teaches creative writing in Chicago elementary schools and then brings studentsβ stories to life on stage. PML is a community of approximately 60 passionate actor-educators who value the creative voices of young people. Performers adapt the stories written by our students into sketches, songs, and poems, which are then performed for the school community as well as for the public. PML is seeking actor-educators of all ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities, and silhouettes who have great collaborative skills, improvisation abilities, and a passion for working with and performing for youth.
Ideal candidates have experience in sketch, musical theatre, and/or devising original work. They are skilled teaching artists and have experience working in schools, with young people, and performing throughout the city.
PlayMakers Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer.
PlayMakers Laboratory is especially seeking performers who reflect the cultural backgrounds of the students we serve, who are primarily Black and Latino students on the South and West sides of Chicago. We are also seeking musicians who can underscore (on keys) and adapt student stories into musical numbers. Fluency in Spanish is also highly desirable.
Above all, we are looking for artists who are passionate about the work we do and the young people with whom we collaborate.
π₯π₯Video submissions are due October 10th and can be emailed to Executive Artistic Director, Brandon Cloyd at: [email protected].
βοΈFor more information on what to prepare for video submission, visit our webpage by clicking on the Link in our bioβοΈ
πLearn to fly physically, emotionally, and creatively at the Actors Gymnasium Circus School theatre Company!
β€οΈDonβt miss out on this silent auction item and many others at this yearβs Celebration of Authors Gala & Fundraiser being held at:
the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen 1852 W 19th st Chicago IL, 60608 on June 14th from 6:30pm-10:30pm.
πππππππππππππππππ
Didnβt get your tickets to the Playmakers Gala & Fundraiser yet? π―
to purchase gala tickets ποΈποΈ
We hope to see you there ! ππ
βοΈThis Friday!! Whatβs the BEST way to support creative writing for Chicagoβs youth?!
ππ»Come on out and party with us at our Celebration of Authors Gala & Fundraiser!
Silent Auction! Games! Food + Drinks! Open Bar for adult guests! 360 Photo Booth! and a show featuring stories from this yearβs PML students!
ποΈ TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE LINK IN OUR BIO! ποΈ
π€©π₯³π€©SEE YOU THERE! π€©π₯³π€©
Tag yourself! Will you be dressing FANCY or SCHMANCY on Friday?! π€© Our big FUNdraiser is only a few days away and we still have tickets to share! Visit https://tinyurl.com/24authors for tickets or to scope out our FABULOUS silent auction prizes β bid from anywhere!
This Friday!! What's the BEST way to support creative writing for Chicago's youth?! Come on out to our party! [or bid on auction items from anywhere!] https://tinyurl.com/24authors
Silent Auction! Games! Food + Drinks! Open Bar for adult guests! 360 Photo Booth! and a show featuring stories from this year's PML students!
ππCome meet our Playmakers Laboratory alumna, superstar and Guest of Honor β¦
βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈCARLY CIARROCCHI! βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ
Join us on June 14 from 6:30 PM to 10:30PM at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen.
There will be:
π A silent Auction
π Food & Beverages
β€οΈ Games & activities for kids and adults
π A live performance of stories written by our students
ππ₯³ππ₯³ AND SO MUCH MORE! π₯³ππ₯³π
This family-friendly event will be an evening you wonβt want to miss! Early Bird Tickets are available at the link in our bio. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
π₯³SAVE THE DATE! Our Celebration of Authors Gala & Fundraiser will be held at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen on June 14th.
ποΈποΈTickets go on sale April 15th. Join us for a meaningful evening at our fundraiser to support art education. ππππ
Your attendance will make a difference in the lives of students by providing them with essential resources and opportunities to explore their creativity through writing. More details to come π€ We hope to see you there!
PlayMakers Laboratory is currently seeking a summer Artistic & Production intern and an Education Program Intern. Our internships are immersive and allow interns to get a sense of PlayMakers Laboratoryβs artistic and educational programming while supporting the efforts of the artistic department or of the education department of the organization.
Because our internships require both a virtual and in-person commitment, we are looking for proactive and adaptable individuals who are comfortable working in a virtual environment for certain tasks, while also being able to thrive in in-person settings for rehearsals and events.
βοΈDates: Approximately 10 weeks; June-July (Flexible depending on internβs schedule)
βοΈThe summer internship will have a preferred time commitment of 10-15 hours per week.
βοΈInternships are paid a $900 stipend and may be undertaken for school credit.
For more information on each position, please visit our website by clicking the link in our BIO. Click the βGet involvedβ tab and go to βInternships and Employment.β Or email your CV to [email protected]
ππ Happy New Year to all our amazing supporters! ππ
As we bid farewell to the old year and welcome in the new, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who has supported Playmakers Laboratory throughout the year. πβ€οΈ
In the face of challenges and uncertainties, you have stood by us, showing your dedication to the arts and the power of education. Your belief in our mission has been a constant source of inspiration for us. πͺβ¨
PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING TO PLAYMAKERS LABORATORY THIS YEAR! CLICK THE LINK IN THE BIO & THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND GENEROSITY π«Άπ½β€οΈ π«Άπ½β€οΈ π«Άπ½β€οΈ
π¦ β€οΈ π¦ β€οΈ π¦ We Love Our Supporters The Way Ally from Dawes School Loves Snow Crab! π¦ β€οΈ π¦ β€οΈ π¦
In this next story you'll get an idea of what you truly mean to Playmakers Laboratory as we sing:
πΆπ΅ You'll always be a part of me
I'm part of you indefinitely
Boy don't you know you can't escape me
Ooh darling 'cause you'll always be my favorite πΆπ΅
As we bid farewell to the old year and welcome in the new, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who has supported Playmakers Laboratory throughout the year. πβ€οΈ Your contributions have made a significant impact on the lives of these young minds, empowering them to explore their creativity, develop their writing skills, and discover their unique voices. πποΈ
π«Άπ½ π π«Άπ½ THERE IS STILL TIME TO DONATE TO HELP US REACH OUR GOAL!π«Άπ½ π π«Άπ½
π CLICK THE LINK IN THE BIO TO DONATE & THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT π
CRAB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Itβs snow crab) By Ally B. Dawes School
It was the best thing I had ever put in my mouth ever. And I had put a lot of things in my mouth.
Snow crab in lemon butter sauceso tender, buttery, hard to get open though. None of my family members loved it as much as I did. They had ordered 2 pounds. Slow down ally, my mom said I was literally shoving it down my throat mmm. I had eaten about a pound and a half now. I was getting full The crab settled nicely in my stomach and I was getting ready for dessert. For Dessert: a Chocolate sundae, the best thing next to crab at red lobster (uh uh)
Did you know Playmakers Laboratory nearly closed down during the pandemic in January of 2022 but was saved by donors like you?! β€οΈ π«Ά β€οΈ π«Ά β€οΈ Staff members and supporters worked hard to organize an emergency fundraiser and it was donors like you that helped us keep our doors open.
π π«Άπ½ π π«Άπ½ There is Still Time to Donate this Year to Help us reach our GOAL! π π«Άπ½ π π«Άπ½
π $25 - Creates a story for a school show
π $50 - Buys journals for our classroom
πΆ $100 - Pays all musicians to creates 4 songs for a show
β€οΈ $500 - Pays 1 teaching artist for full residency
π¬ $1000 - Covers a director, stage manager and rehearsal rent for a show
π Your gift, no matter the size, will make a significant impact on the lives of these young storytellers. To make a donation click out link in the BIO and thank you so much for your generosity!
ποΈπ Calling all supporters of arts education π¨β¨
We invite you to join us in making a difference in the lives of students in Chicago public schools through Playmakers Laboratory's creative writing programs. ππ
By donating to Playmakers Laboratory, you can help ensure that these young minds have access to the transformative power of storytelling and self-expression. ππ
Click the link in the BIO to donate π«Άπ½ thank you so much for your support and generosity ππΎ β€οΈ
ππ We hope Santa brings you everything you want for Christmas but sometimes getting everything you want is not always what its cracked up to be. Alice knows this all too well in the story:
THE UNKNOWN BABY by Ina J., Graham Elementary School β€οΈ
Once there was a baby name Alice she was a spoiled girl she got everything she wanted but she has a flaw βchristmasβ why was it her flaw? Santa Claus never brings her presents one day she got a present itβs itβs a βbabyβ!!!!!!! Alice fainted how what was was she going to do then she got a note from Santa dear Alice this is you when you were a baby you cried, and wanted gold everything gold. Then Aliceβ¦ THE END.
Donate today and help Playmakers Laboratory continue to inspire and empower the next generation of storytellers.Your support will help provide resources, workshops, and performances that inspire and uplift young voices. To make a tax-deductible donation click the in the BIO.
π Thank you for your generosity and for being a part of this incredible journey. Together, we can make a difference and empower young people to share their unique perspectives with the world. πβ¨
Enjoy a story from one of our students entitled :
MONICAβS SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EVE by Freda H South Loop
Once upon a time there was a girl named Monica. Monica was in first grade and was very bad at geography. One day she received a letter from Santa. It said: Dear Monica, You are invited to a party at my workshop. On the night of Christmas Eve, a reindeer will pick you up. But, you have to tell the reindeer where to go. Love,Santa PS. There is an indoor swimming pool which is pretty warm.
βWow, I must pack warm clothes and a swimsuit,β Monica said. During the middle of Christmas Eve she heard a bell ringing. βThat must be Santaβs reindeer,β Monica said. Monica dressed up and got onto a sleigh. βNow which way shall we go,β the reindeer asked. βMy teacher told us to memorize South is up, East is left, North is down and West is right, so we have to go South which is up.β It took a long time to get to Santaβs workshop because Monica got all mixed up. When they finally arrived the party was already over. βI missed the party,β Monica sobbed. βI saved some toys and a piece of cake for you.β βYay,β Monica cheered. The End.
playmakerslaboratory
π This giving season, consider making a donation to PlayMakers Laboratory and be a part of the positive change they are bringing to communities. Your support will help provide resources, workshops, and performances that inspire and uplift young voices. πͺ
π Your gift, no matter the size, will make a significant impact on the lives of these young storytellers. Together, we can ensure that their voices are heard and their stories are valued. π
π To make a tax-deductible donation and support PML's programs, CLICK THE LINK IN OUR BIO. Every dollar counts and brings us one step closer to a future where every story matters. π
πβοΈ Playmakers Laboratory is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering creativity and literacy skills in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students.πβοΈ Through their innovative creative writing workshops, Playmakers Laboratory empowers students to find their voice, develop their imagination, and build confidence in their storytelling abilities.
π β€οΈ There is still time to make a difference. πβ€οΈ Your donation, no matter the size, will make a meaningful impact on the lives of CPS students. Together, let's give every voice the chance to be heard and support the power of storytelling.
π π Donate today and help Playmakers Laboratory continue to inspire and empower the next generation of storytellers. CLICK THE LINK IN THE BIO to donate and thank you so much for your support and generosity. π«Άπ½β€οΈπ«Άπ½
π¨ π¨ YOU HAVE ONE MORE CHANCE TO WITNESS A MIND BLOWING EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER π¨π¨ That's Weird, Grandma Is Back! Just In Time For The Holidays' last show is TOMORROW βΌοΈ Get your tickets at the LINK IN THE BIO and make sure to say hi to Jerry the Tooth Bunny π° YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS IT ! βοΈ β€οΈ βοΈ
π π πThatβs Weird, Grandma Is Back! Just In Time for The Holidays ππ π
π π π @ The Neo-Futurist Theater 5153 N. Ashland Ave, Chicago IL π π π
December 17th @ 2pm βοΈ
Canβt make it to the show? We will miss you! β€οΈπ«Άπ½ Please consider making a tax deductible donation to Playmakers Lab so that we can continue to provide creative spaces for students in CPS schools. Together, we can ensure that their voices are heard and their stories are valued. π Click the LINK in the BIO to donate and thank you so much for your support and generosity π«Ά π π«Ά π
π¨ Did you miss the opening weekend of Thatβs Weird, Grandma Is Back! π€© Just In Time For The Holidays!? π¨ Well youβre in luck because we have 2 SHOWS LEFT ! Get your tickets now because they are selling fast at the LINK IN THE BIO , You might even witness a wedding ! YOU DONT WANT TO MISS IT ! βοΈ β€οΈ βοΈ
π π πThatβs Weird, Grandma Is Back! Just In Time for The Holidays ππ π
π π π @ The Neo-Futurist Theater 5153 N. Ashland Ave, Chicago IL π π π
December 16th @ 2pm π
December 17th @ 2pm βοΈ
Canβt make it to the show? We will miss you! β€οΈπ«Άπ½ Please consider making a tax deductible donation to Playmakers Lab so that we can continue to provide creative spaces for students in CPS schools. Together, we can ensure that their voices are heard and their stories are valued. π Click the LINK in the BIO to donate and thank you so much for your support and generosity π«Ά π π«Ά π
π¨ Did you miss the opening weekend of That's Weird, Grandma Is Back! π€© Just In Time For The Holidays!? π¨ Well you're in luck because we have 2 SHOWS LEFT ! Get your tickets now because they are selling fast at the LINK IN THE BIO and watch a story where Ingrid and Eviatar explain their favorite holiday, π Hanukkahπ , to an alien in 'Dear Hidolya' " YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS IT. βοΈ β€οΈ βοΈ
π π πThat's Weird, Grandma Is Back! Just In Time for The Holidays ππ π
π π π @ The Neo-Futurist Theater 5153 N. Ashland Ave, Chicago IL π π π
December 16th @ 2pm π
December 17th @ 2pm βοΈ
Can't make it to the show? We will miss you! β€οΈπ«Άπ½ Please consider making a tax deductible donation to Playmakers Lab so that we can continue to provide creative spaces for students in CPS schools. Together, we can ensure that their voices are heard and their stories are valued. π Click the LINK in the BIO to donate and thank you so much for your support and generosity π«Ά π π«Ά π
π¨YOU HAVE 2 MORE CHANCES π¨TO SEE THATβS WEIRD, GRANDMA IS BACK ! JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS. Join us this weekend to celebrate unconventional holidays, like Tax Day in βIRS Dog Nappersβ - you wonβt be disappointedβ€οΈππ½β€οΈ Donβt miss out ! CLICK THE LINK IN THR BIO FOR TICKETS ποΈ ποΈποΈποΈ
π π πThatβs Weird, Grandma Is Back! Just In Time for The Holidays ππ π
π π π @ The Neo-Futurist Theater 5153 N. Ashland Ave, Chicago IL π π π
December 16th @ 2pm π
December 17th @ 2pm βοΈ
Canβt make it to the show? We will miss you!β€οΈ Please consider making a tax deductible donation to Playmakers Lab so that we can continue to provide creative spaces for students in CPS schools. Click the link in the bio to donate and thank you so much for your support and generosity π«Ά π π«Ά π
Did you attend the opening of βThatβs Weird, Grandma is Back! Just in Time for The Holidaysβ ?! πβ€οΈ If not you have 2 MORE CHANCES! Join us this weekend and celebrate Monicaβs favorite holiday in the story βMonicaβs Special Christmas Eveβ where youβll meet Santa π
π½ and his Reindeer.π
πΏ Donβt miss out ! CLICK THE LINK IN THR BIO FOR TICKETS ποΈ ποΈποΈποΈ
π π πThatβs Weird, Grandma Is Back! Just In Time for The Holidays ππ π
π π π @ The Neo-Futurist Theater 5153 N. Ashland Ave, Chicago IL π π π
December 16th @ 2pm π
December 17th @ 2pm βοΈ
Canβt make it to the show? We will miss you! Please consider making a tax deductible donation to Playmakers Lab so that we can continue to provide creative spaces for students in CPS schools. Click the link in the bio to donate and thank you so much for your support and generosity π«Ά π π«Ά π
π£ π£ IT'S FINALLY HERE! π£ π£ The opening night of That's Weird, Grandma Is Back! π€© Just In Time For The Holidays! Featuring holiday story classics like Monica's Special Christmas Eve! And meet new characters like Jerry The Tooth Bunny! Get your tickets at the link in the bio for this limited run! YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS IT. βοΈ β€οΈ βοΈ
π π πThat's Weird, Grandma Is Back! Just In Time for The Holidays ππ π
π π π @ The Neo-Futurist Theater 5153 N. Ashland Ave, Chicago IL π π π
December 8 @ 7pm π
December 9 @ 2pm π
December 10th @ 2pm π
December 16th @ 2pm π
December 17th @ 2pm βοΈ
Can't make it to the show? We will miss you! Please consider making a tax deductible donation to Playmakers Lab so that we can continue to provide creative spaces for students in CPS schools. Click the link in the bio to donate and thank you so much for your support and generosity π«Ά π π«Ά π
We are only ONE day away from the opening night of "That's Weird, Grandma Is Back! Just In Time for the Holidays! TICKETS ARE SELLING FAST! CLICK THE LINK IN THE BIO TO GET YOURS TODAY ποΈ π ποΈ π ποΈ π ποΈ π AND HAPPY CHANNUKAH! π β€οΈ π β€οΈ
π π πThat's Weird, Grandma Is Back! Just In Time for The Holidays ππ π
π π π @ The Neo-Futurist Theater 5153 N. Ashland Ave, Chicago IL π π π
December 8 @ 7pm π
December 9 @ 2pm π
December 10th @ 2pm π
December 16th @ 2pm π
December 17th @ 2pm βοΈ
Can't make it to the show but would still like to support Playmakers Lab? Please click the link in to bio to make a tax-deductible donation and support PML's programs,. Every dollar counts and brings us one step closer to a future where every story matters. π
Please enjoy the video of a story entitled Dear Hidolya π π
DEAR HIDOLYA
By Ingrid P. & Eviatar H., Skinner North Classical School
Dear Hidolya, My favorite holiday is Channukah. (Han-ik-a). We eat latkes, gelt, matzo ball soup, and we get presents. Channukah is mainly about how the Jews burned oil that was supposed to last one day, but it lasted eight!
β Ingrid
Dear Hidolya, The way you celebrate Hanukkah is to invite all your family and eat sufganiyot (jelly-filled pastries with powdered sugar on top) and latkes (potato/sweet potato pancakes). We light menorahs ( a 8 in 1 candle holder) and we β Eviatar (From Earth, 3rd planet, TU solar system, 11, 4, 15. THE END.
You could be Ariana Grande and get your purse stolen by a troll at Starbucks this weekend, (I know, tempting) OR you can come watch the highly anticipated, limited run of:
π π That's Weird, Grandma Is Back! Just In Time For The Holidays! π π Grab your tickets now at the Link in the Bio! Also enjoy the video of a story called "Ari's Crazy life" and you can read ther story at the end of this post. Thank You! NEXT π
π π πThat's Weird, Grandma Is Back! Just In Time for The Holidays ππ π
π π π @ The Neo-Futurist Theater 5153 N. Ashland Ave, Chicago IL π π π
December 8 @ 7pm π
December 9 @ 2pm π
December 10th @ 2pm π
December 16th @ 2pm π
December 17th @ 2pm βοΈ
If you can't make it to the show Please consider donating to Playmakers Lab so that we can continue to provide creative spaces for students in CPS schools. Click the link in the bio to donate and thank you so much for your support and generosity π«Ά π π«Ά π
Ariβs Crazy Life
By Machenzie, Anthony, Symone, Nijeer, Faith, Chloe, Nevah, Brownlee, Austin Town Hall Park
One day Ariana Grande was on tour in Alabama. She was going to New York next, while she was there, she met a unicorn named Bella Que Pasa. They decided to go to Target to get fruit, Starbucks, and to look for boyfriends. While in line at Starbucks, a big, stinky, blehhh troll came up and took Arianaβs purse. Bella Que Pasa said βAhh! Why did you take the purse?β Ariana Grande started singing βthank you, nextβ and ran after the troll and got her purse back and bought her and Bella Que Pasa Hubba Bubba, material girl pink drinks, and they lived happily ever after. The End.
Did you know Playmakers Laboratory nearly closed down during the pandemic in January of 2022 but was saved by donors like you?! β€οΈ π«Ά β€οΈ π«Ά β€οΈ
The pandemic was brutal for many non-profits like Playmakers who receives funding from
in-person instruction in schools and live performances which unfortunately were restricted during the shutdown. Staff members and supporters worked hard to organize an emergency fundraiser and it was donors like you that helped us keep our doors open. π Your gift, no matter the size, will make a significant impact on the lives of these young storytellers. To make a donation click out link in the bio and thank you so much for your generosity!
Also, π π That's Weird, Grandma Is Back! Just In Time For The Holidays! π π Grab your tickets now at the Link in the Bio!
π π πThat's Weird, Grandma Is Back! Just In Time for The Holidays ππ π
π π π @ The Neo-Futurist Theater 5153 N. Ashland Ave, Chicago IL π π π
December 8 @ 7pm π
December 9 @ 2pm π
December 10th @ 2pm π
December 16th @ 2pm π
December 17th @ 2pm βοΈ
The first agreement we teach students π π in our Playmakers Lab writing workshops is: EVERY IDEA π‘ IS A GOOD IDEA π‘ And we think it is a good idea if you buy tickets to That's Weird ,Grandma Is Back! Just in Time for the Holidays π βοΈ π because we open this weekend! TICKETS AVAILABLE @ THE LINK IN THE BIO. ποΈ β€οΈ ποΈ
π π πThat's Weird, Grandma Is Back! Just In Time for The Holidays ππ π
π π π @ The Neo-Futurist Theater 5153 N. Ashland Ave, Chicago IL π π π
December 8 @ 7pm π
December 9 @ 2pm π
December 10th @ 2pm π
December 16th @ 2pm π
December 17th @ 2pm βοΈ
Can't make it to the Show but would still like to support? π We will miss you! Consider donating to Playmakers Laboratory so we can continue to offer a save space where student voices can be heard. CLICK LINK IN THE BIO TO DONATE & THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY π«Ά β€οΈ π«Ά β€οΈ
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