New York's most progressive teen theatre company to perform autobiographical dramas on December 15, 1997, 8pm, at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center.

An alternative to traditional therapy, 24*7 Theatre Company expands the use of drama therapy to incorporate live performance.

NEW YORK--24*7 Theatre Company, the city's most innovative and therapeutic theatre program for children and teens, is scheduled to perform at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center on December 15, 1997.

    The only teen theatre program in New York that offers therapeutic effects, as well as theatrical training, 24*7 has been called "progressive, healing and professional," by Big Apple Magazine. Weighted heavily on the Drama Therapy method, an active approach in achieving positive change and personal growth, the December production is the culmination of twelve weeks of classes that include writing skills, technical training and therapeutic processing. The ensemble, comprised of 18 New York City teenagers ranging in age and demographics, works with socially responsible intentions leading to provocative and meaningful theatre. Openly and often humorously, the players create works centered around violence, drug use, AIDS, eating disorders, sexuality, media, politics and more. The one night performance on December 15 is expected to cover topics such as recent gang activity in NYC, teenage suicide, parental relations, educational reform, etc...

    24*7 offers New York's youth an environment in which to explore their individual, emotional and social concerns in an entertaining and healthy way, giving them the opportunity to "let out" rather than "act out." During each season the cast works with material evoked from deep personal exploration likening it to psychotherapy. With the emotions close to the surface, the players mold potentially negative or inactive feelings into energy that advocates positive change and growth. With the use of role play, role reversal and projective techniques, alternatives are examined and introjected into standards of behavior and thought both in the staged dramas and everyday life. The exploration, authoring and performing of autobiographical material, in front of an audience, builds a child's self esteem and promotes a healthier transition to adulthood as has been noted by parents and teachers.

    Led by Silvia Beltramini and Jacqueline Cohen, theatre educators who studied for their Masters in Drama Therapy at New York University, 24*7 directs it's players in the writing and staging of autobiographical dramas about social and emotional issues that affect today's youth. Using the tools of drama therapy, the two directors focus on themes that can be explored, resolved and performed giving the actors a safe and creative environment for problem solving.

    Founded in 1994, 24*7 is comprised of an ensemble of young actors and writers who author original and autobiographical material. The company's mission is to teach young persons to trust themselves and the creative process, while developing self esteem, leadership qualities, non-violent means of communication and conflict management skills. Immediate goals for each season include a decrease in drug and alcohol use, teen violence and high school drop out rates and improved parent/child relations. It is believed that through 24*7's method of theatre therapy healthy, empowering and humanitarian paradigms can be developed to stimulate healthy life choices.

    24*7 Theatre Company, a name that refers to the hours in a day and the days in a week, offers two sessions of 12 weeks per session. The non-profit program costs $300 per session and has a limited number of scholarships and internships available. For further information regarding enrollment, class schedules, scholarships and internships please call 212-541-8282 or 212-366-0473.

Tickets for the one-night December 15th production cost $12 and can be purchased by contacting The Tribeca Performing Arts Center Box Office at: 212-346-8510.