TNT (Teens iN Theatre) of Midlothian Public Library
TNT (Teens iN Theatre) of Midlothian Public Library
Midlothian, IL• Pop. 14,819*• Southwest suburb of
Chicago• 47% low-income†
• Ethnic makeup†
– 25% White– 31% Black– 43% Hispanic
*2010 Census
†Illinois Report Card for Bremen High School (CHSD 228)
Who Participates
• Grades 7-12/Ages 12-18• Our students go to:
– 2 public high schools– 2 public junior highs– 1 parochial elementary
school– 1 parochial high school– Home school
What We Do
• Annual productions– Summer Play– Halloween Play– Valentine’s Day Play
• Have also done– Poetry slam/open mic– Solo-duet showcase– Readers’ theater– Puppet theater
Since 2011...
Summer Play
• 15-20 teens (cast, crew, director, assistant director, stage manager)
• Audience: Approx. 100 (family & friends)
• Saturday, after-hours (5PM), mid-July
• Main library space
Summer Play
• Purchased script• Approx. 35-40 min.• Budget around $100
(teen programming)– $50 or less for props,
costumes, scenery– $50 or less for
refreshments at after-play reception
Summer Play
• Auditions in early May• 1 evening rehearsal per
week till school is out (2 hours)
• After that, 3 rehearsals per week (usu. daytime, 2.5 hours)
• Production week– 4 daytime rehearsals– 1 after-hours dress
rehearsal on Friday night (3 hours)
Halloween/Valentine’s Day
Plays• 8-10 teens (director,
cast, crew) • Audience: Approx. 30• Weeknight
performance 6:30 PM, week of holiday
• Library meeting room• Student-written script• Approx. 25-30 min.
• Budget around $50 – $25 or less for props,
costumes, scenery
– $25 or less for refreshments
• Auditions 2 mos. prior to performance
• 1 evening rehearsal per week for one month
• 2 evening rehearsals per week for second month
Halloween/Valentine’s Day
Plays
Choosing Leaders
• Halloween, Valentine’s Plays – Director chosen by club by
consensus
– Ethic of taking turns
– Preparation for summer play direction
• Summer Play – Director chosen by interview
with librarian
– Choose most competent director
– Assistant director & stage manager = future directors in training
Student Writing Process
• Allot 3-4 weeks for writing• Keep committee small (3-
5 is ideal)• Designate a chairperson• Meet weekly (approx. 2
hours)• Use Google Doc to work
between sessions• Librarian monitors
progress
Cooperation with other teen clubs at the library
• VOICE (teen advisory board/service club)– Readers’ & puppet theater for children’s story times– Collect free-will donations for charity at summer play
• The Sword (teen writing club)
– Recruitment of scriptwriters– Brainstorming of script ideas