The Chicago Youth Shakespeare Ensemble (CYSE) is our flagship performance company, open to youth artists ages 14-19 from across the Chicagoland area. Representing a variety of communities, ethnicities, cultures, and life experiences, CYSE members create a unique, artistic ensemble fueled by collaboration, innovation, and a diversity of creative approaches and ideas. CYS is committed to providing young artists of all backgrounds with a safe, supportive, and inspiring creative environment, and to ensuring that audiences of all income levels can attend our performances.
At CYS, our mission has always been to make Shakespeare's work accessible and relevant to young artists and young audience members. We also believe in putting teenagers in the driver's seat where they belong. For these reasons, CYS productions are conceived collaboratively by the ensemble members themselves. CYS artistic staff act as facilitators, rather than directors - providing training, guidance, and support throughout the process. The road can be challenging, but O so rewarding.
Ensemble auditions and contributing artist submissions for the 2019/20 season are coming this fall, so stay tuned!
At CYS, our mission has always been to make Shakespeare's work accessible and relevant to young artists and young audience members. We also believe in putting teenagers in the driver's seat where they belong. For these reasons, CYS productions are conceived collaboratively by the ensemble members themselves. CYS artistic staff act as facilitators, rather than directors - providing training, guidance, and support throughout the process. The road can be challenging, but O so rewarding.
Ensemble auditions and contributing artist submissions for the 2019/20 season are coming this fall, so stay tuned!
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CYS production history
Summer Shakes, 2019
Ticketed performances at Raven Theatre and UIC School of Theatre and Music. Outreach show at Adventure Stage Chicago.
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Siah Berlatsky (Malvolio) reads a letter from his lady, Olivia.
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CYS ENSEMBLE 2018/'19
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Set on a modern day college campus, CYS's Othello examined issues of systemic racism, sexism, and abuse, through a contemporary lens that spoke directly to young adults. Following each of the performances, audiences engaged with the Ensemble in a some amazing conversations about race, gender equality, and the impact of theatre on social justice.
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This was up there with the best Shakespeare I have ever seen. I experienced the story through a young person's point of view which totally moved me. They brought humanity to every part, with nuances, colors, levels, and a human understanding that defied their age and experience. - Othello audience member
SUMMER SHAKES, 2018
Ticketed & outreach performances: The School of Theatre & Music at UIC and Raven Theatre
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FALL/WINTER ENSEMBLE, 2017/'18
Performances & outreach events at The Joffrey Ballet's Black Box Theatre, The Old Town School of Folk Music, and the Addison Public Library.
Artistic collaborations with percussionist, Peter Ferry, student media artist, Taylor Feld, and visiting teaching artists, Lawrence Grimm and Samuel Taylor
SUMMER SHAKES, 2017
Ticketed performances at Fury Theatre, Chase Park | Outreach shows & events at Open Books West Loop, Adventure Stage Chicago, Francis W. Parker School, & Indian Boundary Park
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Maiya Swedberg (Conrade), Nico Olszanski (Watchman), Brandon Lozano (Dogberry), Antoinette Pompe Van MeerderVort (Antonia), and Haley Seda (Sexton) at Indian Boundary Park (CPD)
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FALL/WINTER ENSEMBLE, 2016/'17
SUMMER SHAKES, 2016
Ticketed performance & outreach shows at Stage 773 Theater and Noble Street College Prep (CPS)
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Oskar Westbride (Dromio of Syracuse) and Simon Cohen (Dromio of Ephesus)
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FALL/WINTER ENSEMBLE, 2015
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Ticketed performances at Center on Halsted's Hoover-Leppen Theatrer | CPS Outreach shows at Hefferan Elementary School & Kelvyn Park High School | Artistic collaborations with Rough House Theatre (puppetry) & The Ruffians.
Karla Corona (Titania) with the Fairies.
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SUMMER SHAKES, 2015
Ticketed performances at Center on Halsted's Hoover-Leppen Theatre | Outreach shows & events at Roe Elementary School (CPS) & Unity Park in Logan Square
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Mari'jae Moore (Julius Caesar) at Center on Halsted
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FALL/WINTER ENSEMBLE, 2014
Fall/Winter Ensemble, 2014 |
Ticketed performances at Gorilla Tango Theatre & Charnel House | Outreach shows & events at
Lakeview High School (CPS) & Theodore Roosevelt High School (CPS)
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Freya Trefonides (Juliet) and Nina Sachs (Romeo)
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SUMMER SHAKES, 2014
Summer Shakes, 2014 | Ticketed performances at The Hairpin Arts Center |
Outreach shows & events at Wrigley Square at Millennium Park, Unity Park in Logan Square,
Piccolo Theatre, & The Admiral on the Lake
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Jesse Granato (Touchstone) and Sophia Carlin (Celia)
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(our very first)
FALL/WINTER ENSEMBLE, 2013/'14
FALL/WINTER ENSEMBLE, 2013/'14
Fall/Winter Ensemble, 2013/'14 | Ticketed performances at The Lincoln Park Cultural Center
| Outreach shows & events at Phoenix Military Academy (CPS) & Urban Prep Academy, Englewood (CPS)
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(uber dramatic) Cast Photo
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CYSE productions are made possible in part through generous support from
and the following program partners:
