CONGRATULATIONS EXTENDED TO ALBANY PARK THEATER PROJECT ON THE OCCASION OF
THEIR 20th ANNIVERSARY
WHEREAS, Albany Park Theater Project, a multi-ethnic youth theater ensemble that develops original plays about social justice issues based on the life experiences of immigrant, working-class communities, is celebrating its 20th anniversary; and
WHEREAS, This august body has been informed of this special occasion by the Honorable Margaret Laurino, Alderman of the 39th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Founders David Feiner and the late Laura Wiley were drawn to the diversity of Albany Park and created an organization that explored the relationships between theater, performance and social justice; and
WHEREAS, Albany Park Theater Project brings together as many as 40 culturally diverse teenage artists from Chicago Public Schools each year. The company creates original plays that humanize the social justice issues they are passionate about, at times taking advocacy beyond the stage to fight for change in the larger community and institutions; and
WHEREAS, In their 20 year history, APTP teens have created more than 50 original plays performed for over 34,000 people. Their art enriches the cultural vitality and quality of life in their Albany Park community and throughout Chicago. APTP critically acclaimed performances have become one of the hottest theatrical tickets in Chicago; and
WHEREAS, APTP has developed a reputation for consistently producing some of the highest quality, more emotionally affecting, theater in Chicago. They've received numerous local and national awards including an Award of Excellence from the Illinois Theater Association, the Midwest Light of Human Rights Award from the National Immigrant Justice Center, and the Coming Up Taller Award from the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities; and
WHEREAS, APTP goes beyond theater and performance, providing a tutoring college access/success program for all ensemble members. They accompany students on college visits, hold regular tutoring sessions, and guide students as they complete their college applications. As a result, over 70% of APTP youth graduate from college by the age of 25, more than 7 times the national college graduation rate for low-income students. Teens emerge from APTP as young leaders with the vision and capacity for a lifetime of personal success and community engagement; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor, and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this 24th day of May 2017, do hereby extend our heartiest congratulations to the Albany Park Theater Project on their first 20 years and look forward to their next 20 years; and
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Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Albany Park Theater Project.