Barrel of Monkeys (BOM) is an arts education theater ensemble that works with some of the most under-served students in Chicago. BOM achieves its mission by teaching fundamental creative writing skills; providing a safe and supportive learning environment; building self-esteem and confidence in children; adapting stories written by children for the stage by professional actors; and presenting a smart, funny theatre experience.

Mission Statement

Barrel of Monkeys (BOM) is an ensemble of actor/educators who create an alternative learning environment in which children share their personal voices and celebrate the power of their imaginations. BOM accomplishes this through creative writing workshops and in-school performances of children's stories. BOM also engages the broader community in support of the visions of children through public performances of their work.

Vision

BOM strives to build a community that champions the vision of every child. Our goal is to use creative drama and writing exercises, coupled with professional performance, to validate children’s ideas and help them to build self-esteem. Studies show that increasing confidence in self-expression and writing skills in 3rd-6th grades lays a strong foundation for long-term improvement of literacy skills and interest in the arts.

Programming

BOM’s programming is comprised of three branches: our in-school residency program, an after-school program, and public performances. In the 2007-2008 school year, BOM will serve 26 classrooms in 12 different Chicago Public Schools through our in-school program and continue our after-school program with 20 students per age group all year long. We will also continue to perform our weekly revue, “That’s Weird, Grandma”, at the Neo-Futurarium in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood, for 42 weeks. While each of these branches of our programming is essential to our mission of empowering the youth of Chicago with their creative voices, our school residency program is the core work of our organization.