The cast is still open to new participants for our 2011-2012 season.  To find out how to be a part click here.

Cast members must be between the ages of 13 and 19, and willing to work an average of 15 hours per week with a diverse group of peers who are also committed to finding ways to resolve conflicts peacefully. Although participants end up writing and performing in a musical based on their own life stories, no previous acting experience is necessary–only a passion to tell the truth, face tough issues, and be willing to learn.

Participants are chosen through a non-competitive audition process. Rehearsals are held Wednesday after school and all day Saturday, and include trust-building exercises, trainings, and discussions based on the shared value that to truly effect positive change, everyone’s voice must be included in the conversation. The process helps create a culture in which youths and adults respect each other and work together to create effective solutions for the issues they raise.

CAPDC participants find ways to cultivate relationships with others from different backgrounds, understanding that they have real power to overcome prejudice, prevent violence and create peace.  They discuss new-found strategies to deal with the many ways that oppression and violence show up in their homes, circles of friends, schools and communities, and they work hard to find new ways of engaging in healthy relationships and preventing violence.