TeenTix Blog by TeenTix

Every year, Teen Tix members (that's YOU!) vote for their favorite Seattle area arts and arts organizations, and then we (that's US!) deliver those awards to the winners. Last year, we had a cheer squad, the year before that, it was singing telegrams. This year, we did a big fat art project with messages in bottles and t-shirts silkscreened by the Teen Tix Steering Committee at The Vera Project, and stuck 'em in the mail. It was super fun to see word of the awards spreading via facebook and twitter. Everybody loves getting mail! Here's a video of the whole project, start to finish:And here is a list of the winners of the 2012 Teeny Awards. Thank you a million times to all of our wonderful participating organizations, to our fantastic Teen Steering Committee for orchestrating this whole bonanza (Want to be a part of next year's Teenies? Join the Steering Committee!), to the Vera Project and our awesome silkscreening teacher Miah, and to the good men and women of the U.S. Postal Service for delivering the awards safely to their recipients.BEST DANCE PERFORMANCEWINNER: Love Stories at Pacific Northwest BalletFIRST RUNNER UP: Apollo & Carmina at Pacific Northwest BalletSECOND RUNNER UP: Petrushka at Spectrum Dance TheatreBEST ART EXHIBITWINNER: The Talent Show at Henry Art GalleryFIRST RUNNER UP: Nirvana: Bringing Punk to the Masses at EMP MuseumSECOND RUNNER UP: Gauguin and Polynesia at Seattle Art MuseumBEST PLAYWINNER: A Midsummer Night's Dream at Seattle Shakespeare CompanyFIRST RUNNER UP: Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead at Seattle Public TheaterSECOND RUNNER UP: Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead at Young Americans' Theatre CompanyBEST MUSICAL OR OPERAWINNER: Spring Awakening at Balagan TheatreFIRST RUNNER UP: First Date at ACT TheatreSECOND RUNNER UP: Carmen at Seattle OperaBEST FILM EVENTWINNER: Princess Bride Quote-Along at SIFF CinemaFIRST RUNNER UP: (1) Month of Joseph Gordon-Levitt at SIFF CinemaSECOND RUNNER UP: NFFTY (The National Film Festival for Talented Youth)BEST MUSIC EVENTWINNER: Sound Off! 2012 at EMP MuseumFIRST RUNNER UP: Handel's Messiah at Seattle SymphonySECOND RUNNER UP: Come Together: The Music of the Beatles, Seattle Men's ChorusBEST OTHER EVENTWINNER: Laser Gaga at Pacific Science Center's Laser DomeFIRST RUNNER UP: 50 Hour Improvathon at Unexpected ProductionsSECOND RUNNER UP: Khaled Hosseini at Seattle Arts & LecturesWEIRD OF THE YEARWINNER: Milk, Milk, Lemonade at Washington Ensemble TheatreFIRST RUNNER UP: I Am My Own Wife at Seattle Repertory TheatreSECOND RUNNER UP: Miss Representation at SIFFFAVORITE ORGANIZATION (LARGE)WINNER: Seattle SymphonyFIRST RUNNER UP: Pacific Northwest BalletSECOND RUNNER UP: EMP MuseumFAVORITE ORGANIZATION (MEDIUM)WINNER: Book-It Repertory TheatreFIRST RUNNER UP: Seattle Shakespeare CompanySECOND RUNNER UP: Taproot Theatre CompanyFAVORITE ORGANIZATION (SMALL)WINNER: Seattle Musical TheatreFIRST RUNNER UP: Young Americans' Theatre CompanySECOND RUNNER UP: NFFTY (The National Film Festival for Talented Youth)BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSEAwarded to the participating organization that offers Teen Tix members the best seat locationsWINNER: Pacific Northwest BalletFIRST RUNNER UP: Seattle SymphonySECOND RUNNER UP: Seattle Public TheaterBEST BOX OFFICE EXPERIENCEAwarded to the participating organization that provides the smoothest, most welcoming box office experience for Teen Tix membersWINNER: Seattle Public TheaterFIRST RUNNER UP: Pacific Northwest BalletSECOND RUNNER UP: ACT TheatreCOOLEST SPACEWINNER: EMP MuseumFIRST RUNNER UP: Henry Art GallerySECOND RUNNER UP: ACT TheatreCOOLEST AUDIENCEAwarded to the participating organization where the established audience makes Teen Tix members feel the most welcomeWINNER: Seattle Art MuseumFIRST RUNNER UP: Seattle Public TheaterSECOND RUNNER UP: Seattle Shakespeare CompanyCOOLEST VENUE YOU SHOULD GO TO MOREWINNER: Cornish College of the ArtsFIRST RUNNER UP: Young Americans' Theatre CompanySECOND RUNNER UP: UW School of DramaBEST NIGHT OUT ON A DATEWINNER: Young Americans' Theatre CompanyFIRST RUNNER UP: Pacific Northwest BalletSECOND RUNNER UP: SIFFBEST NIGHT OUT WITH A GROUPWINNER: Pacific Science Center's IMAX & Laser DomeFIRST RUNNER UP: EMP MuseumSECOND RUNNER UP: Young Americans' Theatre CompanyBEST MUSIC ORGANIZATIONWINNER: Seattle SymphonyFIRST RUNNER UP: EMP MuseumSECOND RUNNER UP: Seattle OperaBEST DANCE ORGANIZATIONWINNER: Pacific Northwest BalletFIRST RUNNER UP: Spectrum Dance TheatreSECOND RUNNER UP: On the BoardsBEST MUSEUM OR ART GALLERYWINNER: Seattle Art MuseumFIRST RUNNER UP: EMP MuseumSECOND RUNNER UP: Henry Art GalleryBEST THEATERWINNER: ACT TheatreFIRST RUNNER UP: Seattle Public TheaterSECOND RUNNER UP: Seattle Repertory TheatreBEST FILM ORGANIZATIONWINNER: SIFFFIRST RUNNER UP: Pacific Science Center's IMAX & Laser DomeSECOND RUNNER UP: NFFTY (The National Film Festival for Talented Youth)BEST UNCATEGORIZABLE ORGANIZATIONWINNER: Seattle Arts & LecturesFIRST RUNNER UP: Langton Hughes Performing Arts CenterSECOND RUNNER UP: Central District Forum for Arts & IdeasBEST SELLING SHOW OF 2011 - 2012WINNER: Don Quixote at Pacific Northwest Ballet

Thank you, Seattle Weekly, for naming Teen Tix Seattle's Best Cheap Thrill! "Have you been to the theater lately? No? Could that be because it's so darn expensive? The savvy among you know that most theaters offer rush tickets that'll cut your price in half. But if you're a teenager—or know a teenager—an even better deal is at your disposal. The Seattle Center runs something called Teen Tix. A teen signs up, gets a pass, and uses it to buy $5 tickets at an incredible array of arts institutions in town, among them most theaters, the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Opera, Pacific Northwest Ballet, EMP, and Pacific Science Center. When you consider that most theater and opera tickets are at least $40–$50, you'll know what a screaming deal this is. Better yet, on Sundays, teens get to take someone else–of any age—for $5 as well."

Review of Hedda Gabler at Intiman Theatre Festival by Reanne W.

Review of Romeo and Juliet at Intiman Theatre Festival by Olivia O.Photo by Chris BennionWhether you’ve seen it, been in it, read it in school, or maybe just watched Shakespeare in Love, you definitely know the story of Romeo and Juliet, those two star-crossed lovers that break through yonder window with a rose that would by any other name smell as sweet. Or something like that.So the question is, how do you reinvent the story that everybody knows? It seems like every production I’ve seen tries to focus on the divides: old and young, love and hate, Capulet and Montague. But instead of focusing on the divisions, this production creatively chooses to emphasize the one thing that is the same for both families: the deaths of loved ones that result from the feud. This theme is woven throughout all of the show, especially in the costumes and set. Keep an eye out for what happens as the body count rises– it’s fascinating.The actors match the creativity of this interpretation, speaking the language that we’ve heard a million times in a way that sounds new. I’m proposing that we rename the show Mercutio and the Nurse; Michael Place (Mercutio) and Marya Sea Kaminski (Nurse) steal every scene they’re in. Another standout is Shawn Law, who plays both Tybalt and Paris but is unrecognizable as being the same actor. In general, the supporting cast members outshine the leads, but the world-famous balcony scene is incredibly sweet and personal, with Romeo going into the audience and confiding his new love to us.The show is long – nearly two and a half hours including the intermission – but the time flies by. The story and characters are so well known, but true to the theme of Intiman’s theatre festival (“don’t get too comfortable”), the familiar takes off in unexpected and imaginative ways. If you think you know Romeo and Juliet, give this production a try. You just might discover that the most famous love story of all time still has more to say.Romeo and JulietIntiman Theatre FestivalThrough August 26More info at intiman.orgPlease note that Romeo & Juliet is running in repertory with the three other plays in Intiman's summer festival, which means that not every show plays every night. Please check the schedule before you go.Teen Tix tickets are available day-of-show only and in-person only, starting when the box office opens 1 hour prior to showtime. As always, availability of Teen Tix tickets is not guaranteed, as some shows may sell out before the day-of. Best chances for seats are weeknights and Sundays.

Review of Dirty Story at Intiman Theatre Festival by Olivia M.Photo by Chris BennionWatching Dirty Story is like listening to country music. It’s easy to fall deeply into the philosophical crooning, the idealist love themes and even the bittersweet turn into the second act, but take a step out into intermission or just out of the moments that the actors suck you into, and it feels a little forced. The actors and lone actress really deserve the bulk of the credit. The chemistry between Brutus and Wanda, played by Shawn Law and Carol Roscoe, respectively, is captivating, but at times drags on. Playwright John Patrick Shanley conveys a message of the power of love, hate, belonging, and territorial needs and director Valerie Curtis-Newton uses the space in Intiman's new, teeny tiny Studio Theatre really well to explore and communicate those themes. Another major theme is the idea of “non-fiction” and how audiences don’t want to hear about fiction anymore. It’s a puzzling idea even having seen the play, as if Shanley was so consumed with the idea that it’s hard to convey the gravity of his philosophies. That stage is the most redeeming factor. It forces the actors into the audience’s space, which is manipulated at different climaxes to make us want the closeness, or feel a need for separation. It is especially powerful in the one scene that gives this play its “R” rating, which I won’t give away except for the details that are especially creepy. Power tools, spotlights, and a ball gag are all be present for a compelling, yet extremely uncomfortable scene. The final connection to country music is an adorable one, as Quinn Franzen plays a slightly pudgy, cowboy cutie with an acceptable accent named Frank. Frank and his sidekick, Lawrence (Allen Fitzpatrick), take us to the softer side of the emotions expressed in the first act, with a confusing connection to the trials of Wanda and Brutus’ deteriorating relationship. They bring us to an unsatisfying ending, with a plug about the ongoing festival, but it isn’t enough for a bad recommendation. This is a talented group of actors in a new, intimate performance space, with a limited run. It’s definitely something to take part in, if only to be a part of the exuberance of the Intiman Theatre Festival, going until late August. Reward the actors for their hard work, and be thoroughly entertained. Dirty StoryIntiman Theatre FestivalThrough August 25Recommended for ages 17+More info at intiman.orgPlease note that Dirty Story is running in repertory with three other shows in Intiman's summer festival, which means that not every show plays every night. Please check the schedule before you go.Teen Tix tickets are available day-of-show only and in-person only, starting when the box office opens 1 hour prior to showtime. As always, availability of Teen Tix tickets is not guaranteed, as some shows may sell out before the day-of. Best chances for seats are weeknights and Sundays.

We are delighted to welcome our summer intern, Meleena, who is busy mailing out new Teen Tix passes even as we speak! Know someone who should be signed up for Teen Tix but isn't? Lost your pass? Just go to our website and fill out the proper form (JOIN if you want to join, LOST PASS if you lost your pass) and Meleena will get a pass in the mail to you right away. Thanks, Meleena!

Teen Tix is pleased to fling open its doors and hand you the keys. In other words: COME AND JOIN OUR TEEN STEERING COMMITTEE!Teen Tix’s Teen Steering Committee is a group of opinionated and highly dedicated individuals who are committed to making the arts accessible for young people.Here are a few of the things that we do:• Come up with innovate marketing techniques for promoting the arts to teenagers• Award our annual Teeny Awards, recognizing the best in teen-friendly local arts• Write and create content for the Teen Tix blog, website, and other media outlets• Meet with leaders from various arts organizations to share our ideas and learn about what they do• Serve as “watchdogs” by attending venues and checking up on the box office experience• Plan and help execute special events at Participating Organizations• Act as ambassadors for Teen Tix at our schools• Help set the course for the future of the Teen Tix program• See shows!If you believe that the arts are valuable, if you want to help make the arts accessible for everyone regardless of age or income, and if you want to be a leader in Seattle’s youth arts movement, we need your voice!• The Teen Steering Committee meets monthly from September to June of each year at Seattle Center.• Participation in the committee can qualify for Service Learning Credit at your school.• First Meeting for the 2012-13 school year will be held Wednesday, September 26th from 5:00 - 6:30 in the Center House at Seattle Center.Ready to throw in your name?It’s easy! You must be nominated to join the committee. Simply have an adult (who is not your parent) or a fellow teen fill out the form below, explaining why they think you would be a great addition to our team. You can also send them directly to the nomination form using this link: http://tinyurl.com/7ngq8a7Loading...

Shostakovich is one of my favorite composers, to listen to and to play. This last season my youth orchestra (which is the middle level orchestra in an organization with four ensembles) played Shostakovich's first violin concerto with the concertmaster of the highest level orchestra, and it was amazing. Amazing. Have you heard Shostakovich's eighth string quartet? If you like Shostakovich, this is absolutely necessary.

The reviews and interviews on this blog are written by our Teen Press Corps. If you are 13 to 21 years old (yep, you can keep writing reviews even after you age out of Teen Tix), live in the Seattle area, and have an interest in writing about art, we want you! Our reviewers are all volunteers (you can get service learning credit through your school), but they do get free tickets to shows, the occasional free snack, and fame and glory!Here's how it works:You send us your name and email address (and sign up for Teen Tix if you haven't already)We add you to our list of potential reviewersYou attend one of our bi-monthly orientation sessions. The orientation session offers you three things:1. A chance to learn about how the process of being an assigned a review works, and what is expected of you in terms of completing your assignments2. A chance to learn the basics of how to write an arts review from a professional art critic3. A chance to attend a show for free and write a review of it and receive feedback on your review from the aforementioned professional arts critic Once you've completed an orientation, you can start accepting review assignments. Here's how that works:Anytime there's an opportunity to review something, you'll get an email detailing the date, time, place, and giving you some info about the show. If it interests you, you volunteer. Reviews are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.You see the art. Anytime you are assigned to review something for us, we will provide you with two free tickets. You may bring whomever you like as your guest. You write about the art. Reviews are usually due 2-4 days after you see the show. Occasionally, they'll be due sooner than that, but that will be noted in the original email. We post your review on the blog!Ready to start reviewing? Send an email to teentix@seattle.gov and we'll get you signed up!

JOIN TEEN TIXI LOST MY TEEN TIX PASSHOW TO USE TEEN TIXPICK OF THE WEEKQTET's Beyond Boxes @ Washington Ensemble TheatreCAPITOL HILL | 206.325.5015 | map | more infoDATES: Jun 21 - 25SHOWS REMAINING: 5BEST CHANCE FOR SEATS: Thu Jun 21 & Fri Jun 22. Note that $5 tickets are available IN ADVANCE! Follow this link to purchase.2 FOR $10: Sun Jun 24, plus Teens get in FREE Saturday, June 23IN BRIEF: In the last week of school, big decisions loom large: prom, college, family, acceptance. Written and performed by the Queer Teen Ensemble.GOOD FOR: Those sick of plays about middle-aged people, those who like their theatre honest & personal, teens looking for youth-friendly Pride weekend fun!PREVIEW: "...we were blown away by these articulate, smart, funny [young artists]" - Seattle Gay Scene.RECOMMENDED FOR: Ages 13+TOPJUMP TO:TEEN TIX NEWSWEIRD OF THE WEEKTHEATREMUSICDANCEBOOKSMOVIES & LASERSVISUAL ARTTEEN TIX NEWSVOTE in the Teeny Awards, win $50!Once a year, teen audiences become the most powerful force in the Seattle arts scene. That time is now. The Teeny Awards are like a local Teen Choice Awards for the arts. You've got the power! Vote for your favorite plays, movies, music shows, dance performances, and art exhibits of the year. Tell us which organization gives Teen Tix members the best seats, the best box office service, which is the best for taking a date out, and dozens of other categories. Vote by June 30 and be entered to win $50! Vote here: surveymonkey.comSummer Arts Opportunities for TeensWhat are you doing this summer? If you answered that you are doing something fun and exciting that will help you develop a new skill, make friends, express yourself creatively, look good on college applications, and, at the very least, be an alternative to obsessively reloading your facebook every 30 seconds, then don't follow this link. For the rest of you, here is a massive compendium of all of the arts classes and workshops you can do at our participating orgs this summer! Link: teentix.blogspot.comVous aimez la France, oui?France Education Northwest and The Next 50 are seeking entries from teens for their Bastille Day exhibit at Seattle Center, exploring the differences and similarities between Seattle and Paris between 1962 and now. Submissions can be drawings, paintings, film, photography, stories, music, or whatever! More info at fenpnw.orgTOPWEIRD OF THE WEEKMorlot Conducts The Damnation of Faust @ Seattle SymphonyDOWNTOWN | 206.215.4747 | map | more infoRUNS THROUGH: Jun 23SHOWS REMAINING: 2BEST CHANCE FOR SEATS: Thurs Jun 212 FOR $10: No 2 for $10IN BRIEF: Seattle Symphony Chorale, NW Boy Choir, and soloists perform this genre-defying, unorthodox choral masterwork about an aging scholar who barters his soul to the devil.GOOD FOR: The Voice fans who want to hear some TRULY incredible voices perform live, symphony-curious theatre wonks, those who like their stories dark and dramatic.PREVIEW: "Benaroya will be bumping." - Jen Graves The Stranger.RECOMMENDED FOR: Ages 13+TOPTHEATRERomeo and Juliet on the WaterfrontPIKE PLACE MARKET | map | more infoRUNS THROUGH: Jul 1SHOWS REMAINING: 52 FOR $10: All performances are freeIN BRIEF: Two actors + 1 cellist = a young, urban, edgy retelling of Shakespeare's classic, complete with sunset backdrop and post-show bands.GOOD FOR: Those who can't stand being cooped up in the summertime, out-of-the box-experience seekers, cool kids, snugglersPREVIEW: One of Seattle Magazine's "30 Perfect Summer Nights in Seattle"RECOMMENDED FOR: Ages 13+Love, Death, and the Prom, YATC @ Theatre4, Seattle CenterSEATTLE CENTER | map | Jun 29 - Jul 1 | more infoYoung artists, young protagonists, young themes, high school, short plays, poignant, funny, wry, hard-hittingCLOSING: As You Like It @ Seattle Shakespeare CompanySEATTLE CENTER | 206.733.8222 | map | Through Jun 24 | more infoShakespeare, inventive, romantic, enchanting, sharp, smart, comedy, great actingCLOSING: Frost/Nixon @ Whidbey Island Center for the ArtsWHIDBEY ISLAND | 206.221.8268 | map | Through Jun 23 | more infocontemporary, dramatic, historical, tense, compelling, political, intriguing, suspenseful, sharp | ages 14+ One Slight Hitch @ ACT TheatreDOWNTOWN | 206.292.7676 | map | Through Jul 8 | more infoLewis Black, farce, comedy, riotous, zany, romantic, smart, modern, weddingNo Sex Please, We're British @ Driftwood PlayersEDMONDS | 425.774.9600 | map | Jun 22 - Jul 8 | more infocomedy, funny, farce, silly, light, naughty, British | ages 15+TOPDANCElove: subject/object, Spectrum Dance Theater @ Daniels Recital HallDOWNTOWN | 206.325.4161 | map | more infoRUNS: Jun 21 - 30SHOWS REMAINING: 6BEST CHANCE FOR SEATS: Thursdays2 FOR $10: No 2 for $10IN BRIEF: Two world-class cellists perform while Spectrum's magnificent dancers explore themes of love on two island platforms that the audience can walk around (or not).GOOD FOR: music lovers and dance fans looking for something new, those who like lifts, leaps, and other grand dancy things, those who hate sitting in one place, lovers of lovePREVIEW: "In contrast to the gritty, cynical takes on love the company performed earlier in the year, this one comes with a hopeful note." - Seattle MagRECOMMENDED FOR: All agesTOPMUSICSing Out: You Pick the Hits, Seattle Men's Chorus @ McCaw HallSEATTLE CENTER | 206.388.1400 | map | more infoRUNS: Jun 22 & 23SHOWS REMAINING: 2BEST CHANCE FOR SEATS: Either night2 FOR $10: No 2 for $10IN BRIEF: The Chorus performs audience favorites PLUS winners of local singing competitions compete in "Chorus Idol," and audience votes pick the winner!GOOD FOR: screaming fans, choral music aficianados, anyone looking for a super fun evening of raucous entertainmentRECOMMENDED FOR: All agesThe Matrix Live: Film in Concert @ Seattle SymphonyDOWNTOWN | 206.215.4747 | map | Jun 28 & 29 | more infofilm, sci-fi, live soundtrack, costumes encouraged, pop culture, multi-media, fun | Ages 15+Disney in Concert: Magical Music from the Movies @ Seattle SymphonyDOWNTOWN | 206.215.4747 | map | Sat Jun 30 | more infoDisney, film, pop culture, multi-media, kid-friendly, vocalists, musical, playful, light, nostalgicOstad Hossein Omoumi @ Cornish College of the Arts' PONCHO Concert HallCAPITOL HILL | map | Sat Jun 30Classical, Persian, world music, beautiful, poetry, percussion, flute, celebrated artists, vocalists, rare opportunities, intimate settingTOPMOVIES & LASERSCastles in the Sky @ SIFF Cinema UptownLOWER QUEEN ANNE | 206.324.9996 | map | more infoRUNS: Jun 22 - Jul 5SHOWS REMAINING: 42BEST CHANCE FOR SEATS: weekdays2 FOR $10: Sundays Jun 24 & Jul 1IN BRIEF: Films from Tokyo's studio Ghibli, with originality, dazzling animation, and epic storytelling: Howl's Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, and more.GOOD FOR: dreamers, animation buffs, lovers of light and magic, people who like a good story, beautifully told, film lovers of all stripesREVIEW: “It's very easy to understand Princess Mononoke’s phenomenal popularity...this intricate, epic fable is amazing to behold." – The New York TimesRECOMMENDED FOR: Ages 13+CLOSING: Goodbye First Love @ Northwest Film ForumCAPITOL HILL | 206.829.7863 | map | Through Jun 21 | more inforomance, young protagonists, teen themes, French, foreign, tender, touching, poignant | contains nudity and sexual content, ages 16+ Lost Bohemia @ Northwest Film ForumCAPITOL HILL | 206.829.7863 | map | Jun 22 - 28 | more infodocumentary, artists, unusual, fascinating, thought-provoking, real, New York City, historical, cool, Carnegie HallLaser Gaga, Laser Beatles, and more @ Seattle Laser DomeSEATTLE CENTER | 206.443.2850 | map | DAILY | more infofun, silly, cool, laser art, music, Gaga, Beatles, Tool, Michael Jackson, Sublime, Queen, Pink Floyd, Daft PunkMummies: Secrets of the Pharoahs, Mysteries of Egypt, and more @ Pacific Science Center's IMAXSEATTLE CENTER | 206.443.2850 | map | DAILY | more infofascinating, cool, film, documentary, history, 3D, big screen | NOTE: Prometheus & Rock of Ages are not Teen Tix eligibleTOPVISUAL ARTCLOSING: Morning Serial: Webcomics Come to the Table @ Henry Art GalleyU-DISTRICT | 206.543.2280 | map | more infoRUNS THROUGH: Jun 30DAYS REMAINING: 82 FOR $10: The Henry is ALWAYS FREE for Teen Tix members and you can always bring a guest for $5!IN BRIEF: Webcomics grew from the anti-establishment comix of the ‘60s and ‘90s ‘zine culture that prompt us to reconsider our definition of "comics".GOOD FOR: comics nerds, zine heads, visual art newbies, lovers of illustration, story, sounds, and interactivity, boundary-pushersRECOMMENDED FOR: Ages 13+Ancestral Modern: Australian Aboriginal Art @ Seattle Art MuseumDOWNTOWN | 206.344.5275 | map | Through Sep 2 | more info"The art creates a desire to continually stare, searching for the source of the motion." - Chloe L.Bold Expressions: African American Quilts @ Bellevue Arts MuseumDOWNTOWN BELLEVUE | 425.519.0770 | map | Through Oct 7 | more infoAmerican, folk art, distinctive, woman-made, traditional, everyday materials, recycling, quilting, technique, colorful, textiles, fascinatingNative American Dolls @ The Burke MuseumU-DISTRICT | 206.543.5590 | map | Through Jul 24 | more infoNative American, traditional, craft, Arctic, Alaska, whimsicalTOPNote: Although Teen Tix strives to always promote only age-appropriate material, we cannot take responsibility for the content of individual arts programs. We encourage teenagers and parents who are concerned about content to contact the presenting organizations directly to discuss those concerns before attending a show or exhibit.Questions? Want to unsubscribe? Email us at teentix@seattle.gov

What are you doing this summer? If you answered that you are doing something fun and exciting that will help you develop a new skill, make friends, express yourself creatively, look good on college applications, and, at the very least, be an alternative to obsessively reloading your facebook every 30 seconds, then you may not need to read this blog post.For the rest of you, here is a list of all of the summer opportunities being offered by our participating organizations and community partner organizations. Enjoy.- Team Teen TixWRITINGBOOK-IT REPERTORY THEATRE is looking for an independent teen who is a good writer with the confidence to talk to all manner of people to conduct a series of interviews artists, artisans, audiences, and staff regarding their work with Book-It for next season. These interviews will be posted online throughout the season. Interested? Email patricia@book-it.org for more info.EMP's Summer Teen Artist Workshops (grades 8 - 12) include Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing, a week-long sci-fi/fantasy writing class that's guaranteed to be anything but boring. Tim (and his surprise guests) will talk about spaceships, alien worlds, and mutated house pets, but teens will also learn the secret story elements that keep readers coming back for more. Tuition is $250 and scholarships are available. For more info, visit empmuseum.org/education.THEATREACT THEATRE invites youth ages 14 - 19 to join their Ramayana Youth Ensemble where you'll get FREE lessons in storytelling, music, dance, and puppetry, explore the culture of South and Southeast Asia, AND perform at Bumbershoot this summer! Participation in the Ramayana Youth Ensemble is free. Applications are due June 1. For more info, visit acttheatre.org/Youth/RamayanaYouthEnsembleSEATTLE PUBLIC THEATER offers three great opportunities:1. Technical theatre internships for people ages 13 - 19. Internships are available in technical direction, stage management, light design, sound design, costume design, prop design, running crew/board operation, and directing/dramaturgy. Tuition is $100, and scholarships are available. For more info, visit seattlepublictheater.org/tech-internships.htm2. SPT Youth Ensemble summer productions (for youth ages 10 -18): Sweeney Todd and Attack of the Killer Murder...Of Death. Tuition ranges from $425 - $510, and scholarships are available. For more info, visit seattlepublictheater.org/education-programs.htm#summer2012.3. One - three week camps and classes including Hunger Plays, an all-girl drama intensive for girls ages 10 - 15, SPT Fight Club, a stage combat class for ages 10 - 15, Thrilling Tales for Guys, for boys ages 10 - 14, and more. Tuition ranges from $150 - $285, and scholarships are available. For more info visit seattlepublictheater.org/education-programs.htm#summer2012.SEATTLE MUSICAL THEATRE is holding auditions July 9th for their SummerStock production of Les Miserables. Anyone 14 - 19 years old may audition, and everyone is guaranteed a part! Tuition is $495, and scholarships are available. For more info, visit seattlemusicaltheatre.org/SummerStage.EDMONDS DRIFTWOOD PLAYERS offers two opportunities:1. Aspiring actors ages 12 - 18 to be a part of their Summer Youth Ensemble production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast Jr.. Auditions are Sunday, July 1, with an audition workshop on Saturday, June 30. Tuition is $375, and scholarships are available. For more info, visit driftwoodplayers.com/education/youth.asp2. A week-long residency with teachers from Missoula Children's Theatre, July 30 - August 4. Classes include Let's Make Up (grades 1 - 12) and Intro to Mime (grades 6 - 8). Tuition is $85. For more info, visit driftwoodplayers.com/educationSEATTLE SHAKESPEARE COMPANY's summer camp, Camp Bill, gives participants ages 10-17 hands-on experience with voice and text work, scene study, Elizabethan dance, and stage combat in Seattle and Edmonds. Classes include: One-Week Introductory Camp, Two-week Intermediate Camp, Production Intensive (Twelfth Night), and All The World's A Tent: Shakespeare Circus with Teatro Zinzanni. Tuition ranges from $300 - $845. For more info, visit seattleshakespeare.org/education/campbill.asp.CORNISH COLLEGE OF THE ARTS' Summer at Cornish Theater Program offers a number of an exciting, intensive performance experiences for students ages 15 to 18 who want to explore the performing arts in a professional art school setting. Classes include Perfecting the College Audition, Musical Theater Workshop, Improvisation, Playwrighting, Stage Makeup, Wigs & Facial Hair, and more. Tuition ranges from $300 to $1800 (for the full pre-college program). For more information, visit cornish.edu/summer/theater.TOPFILMREEL GRRLS offers a host of summer camps for tween and teen girls, including The Camera That Rocked The World: DSLR Filmmaking, Graphics in Motion: After Effects, Animate Your Imagination: Stop-motion Workshop, and RG Productions Apprenticeship Program. Tuition ranges from $145 - $395. Reel Grrls has a pay-what-you-can policy and no student is turned away due to lack of funds. For more info, visit reelgrrls.org/upcoming-programs.NORTHWEST FILM FORUM offers two summer camps for teens: Mixed Animation Camp (ages 14 - 17) and Two-week Filmmaking Camp (ages 11 - 14). Tuition is $500, and scholarships are available. For more info, visit nwfilmforum.org/live/page/workshopsEMP's Summer Teen Artist Workshops (grades 8 - 12) include Digital Filmmaking, and Film Acting. Tuition is $250. For more info, visit empmuseum.org/education.TOPVISUAL ARTHENRY ART GALLERY's Summer Art Intensive is a two-week camp for middle school youth who want to learn the fundamentals of photography, drawing, and painting using the Museum's galleries as studios. Tuition is $385. For more info, visit summer-camp.uw.eduBELLEVUE ARTS MUSEUM has a TON of summer opportunities for youth, including workshops like Creative Photography with Pinhole Cameras, Fashion Illustration, and Intro to Architecture. BAM also invites teens to attend their Teen Arts Council open house on Wednesday, June 20th to learn about their Teen Arts Council, and to attend their Back to School (yes, sorry, we said it) Bash on September 21st. More info on all of this at bellevuearts.org/education.CORNISH COLLEGE OF THE ARTS' Art + Design program offers a number of an exciting, intensive studio experiences for students ages 15 to 18 who want to explore the visual arts in a professional art school setting. Courses include Introduction to Typography, Comics Studio, Textiles, Beginning Black and White Photography, and much more. Tuition ranges from $300 - $1800 (for the full pre-college program). For more info, visit www.cornish.edu/summer/art_design.EMP's Summer Teen Artist Workshop (grades 8 - 12) include Rock Music Photography, where you'll learn how to capture captivating images of live bands with one-on-one training from EMP photographer Brady Harvey. Tuition is $250, and scholarships are available. For more info, visit empmuseum.org/education.TOPDANCEACT THEATRE invites youth ages 14 - 19 to join their Ramayana Youth Ensemble where you'll get FREE lessons in storytelling, music, dance, and puppetry, explore the culture of South and Southeast Asia, AND perform at Bumbershoot this summer! Participation in the Ramayana Youth Ensemble is free. Applications are due June 1. For more info, visit acttheatre.org/Youth/RamayanaYouthEnsembleSummer Dance at CORNISH COLLEGE OF THE ARTS is a long-standing program that integrates current and guest faculty in a classical ballet and modern dance curriculum. Courses include Bound For Broadway Musical Theatre Intensive, Ballet Technique Lab (Intermediate and Advanced), Teen Dance Intensive, Mark Morris Dance Group Intensive, and more. Tuition ranges from $16 (for drop-in classes) to $895. Some course require audition. For more information, visit cornish.edu/summer/dance.EMP's Summer Teen Artist Workshops (grades 8 - 12) include Heartbeat: Beyond Hip-Hop Dance, a class exploring explore different hip-hop dance styles and music, and will encourage participants to develop their own groove. You'll make moves on the dance floor while also looking at hip-hop as a social movement. This class is open to all young people, regardless of their knowledge or background in dance. Get ready to get down! Tuition is $250 and scholarships are available. For more information, visit empmuseum.org/education.SPECTRUM DANCE THEATER offers numerous summer classes for teens, including Intermediate Youth Intensive (Ballet, Contemporary, Lyrical, Brazilian Samba, improvisation and choreography), and Learn the art of “Partnering” Pas de Deux Workshop. They offer single-day workshops as well as longer camps. More info at spectrumdance.orgTOPMUSICACT THEATRE invites youth ages 14 - 19 to join their Ramayana Youth Ensemble where you'll get FREE lessons in storytelling, music, dance, and puppetry, explore the culture of South and Southeast Asia, AND perform at Bumbershoot this summer! Participation in the Ramayana Youth Ensemble is free. Applications are due June 1. For more info, visit acttheatre.org/Youth/RamayanaYouthEnsembleCORNISH COLLEGE OF THE ARTS' Summer Music Program affords students ages 12 to 19 the opportunity to study with the renowned Cornish music faculty and special guest artists in a series of one week or two week-long intensive workshops designed especially for the aspiring young musician. Courses include The Rock Band Project, Super Strings!, Classical Voice Intensive, Songwriting Lab, Beginning Conducting, and much more. Tuition ranges from $395 - $800. For more info, visit cornish.edu/summer/music.EMP's Summer Teen Artist Workshop (grades 8 - 12) include Songwriting and Performance, Rockband, Guitar 101, DJing and Beatmaking, and Blues Guitar. Tuition is $250 and scholarships are available. For more information, visit empmuseum.org/education.

Review of Hunky Dory at Seattle International Film Festival by Jessika G.Ever take time to get to know yourself? Or better yet, give your students the chance to get to know themselves? When high school teacher Vivienne (Minnie Driver) gets her students to put on a rock musical of Shakespeare's The Tempest, not only does she face hormonal teenagers finding themselves, but she has her own problems with keeping the musical program in the school. In 1976 there were just as many problems keeping art programs in schools just as there are today. Not many teachers realize that, for some students who cause problems in regular classes, the only thing keeping them going is the art programs that the schools want to cut. When the school's theater building is burned down overnight, the ongoing argument start backs up. Nine students, each with their own personal story, express their true selves in the final production of the play. "Our rebels are ended and these, our actors now as i told you, are all spirits that have melted into air. Into thin air. And like this substantial play has faded, leave not a rack behind. We are some stuff as dreams are made of and our little life is rounded with a seam."If you enjoy a real life musical, Hunky Dory is a must-see! SIFF is over. We apologize for the delay in posting this review.

Review of Ancestral Modern: Australian Aboriginal Art at Seattle Art Museum by Chloe L.

Yes, friends, our favorite season is once again upon us: Teeny Awards season! For those just joining the fun: The Teeny Awards are like an annual Teen Choice Awards for local arts. They are given by the Teen Tix Teen Steering Committee and voted on by YOU, the Teen Tix membership! Here is a video of the Teeny Awards Delivery Squad surprising last year's Teeny Award winners:Teeny Awards voting is NOW OPEN. If you are a Teen Tix member, please make your voice heard by voting here.The 2011 - 2012 Teeny Award nominees are:Teen Pick: BEST ART EXHIBIT 2011-12Jon Gierlich: Currents, Cornish College of the ArtsNirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses, EMP MuseumGauguin and Polynesia: An Elusive Paradise, Seattle Art MuseumLuminous: The Art of Asia, Seattle Art MuseumThe Talent Show, Henry Art GalleryTravelers: Objects of Dream and Revelation, Bellevue Arts MuseumTeen Pick: BEST DANCE PERFORMANCE 2011-12Petrushka, Spectrum Dance TheatertEEth: Make/Believe, On The BoardsNew Moves Concert 2011, Cornish College of the ArtsLove Stories, Pacific Northwest BalletApollo& Carmina, Pacific Northwest BalletZoe|Juniper: A Crack in Everything, On The BoardsTeen Pick: BEST PLAY 2011-12Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Seattle Public TheaterTartuffe, Taproot TheatreAll My Sons, Intiman TheatrePygmalion, Seattle Shakespeare Company at Intiman PlayhouseDog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead, Young Americans' Theatre Company at the Center House TheatreSylvia, Seattle Repertory TheatreA Midsummer Night's Dream, Seattle Shakespeare CompanyTeen Pick: BEST MUSICAL OR OPERA 2011-12First Date, ACT TheatreCarmen, Seattle OperaSpring Awakening, Balagan TheatreHELP, Seattle Children's TheatreA Chorus Line, Seattle Musical TheatreEvil Dead: The Musical, ArtsWestThe Pajama Game, Seattle Musical TheatreMadama Butterfly, Seattle OperaTeen Pick: BEST FILM EVENT 2011-12The Princess Bride Quote-Along, SIFF CinemaBorn to be Wild, Pacific Science Center's IMAX TheatrePassione: A Musical Adventure, Northwest Film ForumLangston Hughes African American Film Festival 2012(1) Month of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, SIFF CinemaNFFTY 2012, The National Film Festival for Talented YouthThe 2011 Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, Three Dollar Bill CinemaTeen Pick: BEST MUSIC PERFORMANCE 2011-12Come Together: The Music of the Beatles, Seattle Men's ChorusErin Jorgensen & Steve Fisk | Redemption, On the BoardsPlay! A Video Game Symphony, Seattle SymphonySound Off! 2012, EMP MuseumThe Dawn Clement Quartet, Cornish College of the Arts Music SeriesHandel's Messiah, Seattle SymphonyTeen Pick: BEST OTHER EVENT 2011-12Khaled Hosseini, Seattle Arts & LecturesAn Improvised Christmas Carol, Unexpected ProductionsSeattle Confidential, ACT Theatre/Central Heating LabLaser Gaga, Seattle Laser Dome50 Hour Improvathon, Unexpected ProductionsJohn Koethe & Troy Jollimore, Seattle Arts & Lecturesred, black & GREEN: a blues, CD Forum, Seattle Art Museum & Seattle Center at Intiman PlayhouseWEIRD OF THE YEARMilk, Milk, Lemonade, Washington Ensemble TheatreI Am My Own Wife, Seattle Repertory TheatreMorning Serial: Webcomics Come to the Table, Henry Art GalleryMiss Representation, SIFF CinemaMariano Pensotti | El pasado es un animal grotesco, On the BoardsHarvey, Driftwood PlayersA Lie of the Mind, Collektor at ACT Theatre/Central Heating LabBEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE:ACT TheatreArtsWest Playhouse and GalleryBook-It Repertory TheatreINTIMAN TheatrePacific Northwest BalletSeattle Arts & LecturesSeattle Men's Chorus & Women's ChorusSeattle Musical TheatreSeattle OperaSeattle Public TheaterSeattle Repertory TheatreSeattle SymphonyTaproot Theatre CompanyWhidbey Island Center for the ArtsBEST BOX OFFICE EXPERIENCEAll participating organizations are nominatedBEST NIGHT OUT ON A DATEAll participating organizations are nominatedBEST NIGHT OUT WITH A GROUPAll participating organizations are nominatedFAVORITE ORGANIZATION, LARGEACT TheatreBellevue Arts MuseumBurke Museum of Natural History and CultureCornish College of the ArtsEMP MuseumHenry Art GalleryINTIMAN TheatrePacific Northwest BalletPacific Science Centers’ IMAX & Laser DomeSeattle Art MuseumSeattle Children’s TheatreSeattle International Film Festival | SIFF CinemaSeattle OperaSeattle Repertory TheatreSeattle SymphonyUW School of DramaFAVORITE ORGANIZATION, MEDIUMArtsWest Playhouse and GalleryBook-It Repertory TheatreNorthwest Film ForumOn the BoardsSeattle Arts & LecturesSeattle Public TheaterSeattle Men's Chorus & Seattle Women's ChorusSeattle Shakespeare CompanySpectrum Dance TheaterTaproot Theatre CompanyThree Dollar Bill Cinema (Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival)Whidbey Island Center for the ArtsFAVORITE ORGANIZATION, SMALLBalagan TheatreCentral District Forum for Arts and IdeasDriftwood PlayersLangston Hughes Performing Arts CenterNational Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY)Seattle Musical TheatreSiS ProductionsUnexpected Productions (TheatreSports)Washington Ensemble TheatreYoung Americans' Theatre CompanyBEST FILM ORGANIZATIONNational Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY)Northwest Film ForumPacific Science Center's IMAX & Laser DomeSeattle International Film Festival | SIFF CinemaThree Dollar Bill Cinema (Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival)BEST MUSEUM OR ART GALLERYBellevue Arts MuseumCornish College of the ArtsBurke Museum of Natural History and CultureEMP MuseumHenry Art GallerySeattle Art Museum & Seattle Asian Art MuseumBEST DANCE ORGANIZATIONCornish College of the ArtsOn The BoardsPacific Northwest BalletSpectrum Dance TheaterBEST MUSIC ORGANIZATIONCornish College of the ArtsEMP MuseumOn The BoardsSeattle Men's & Seattle Women's ChorusesSeattle OperaSeattle SymphonyBEST THEATERACT TheatreArtsWest Playhouse & GalleryBalagan TheatreBook-It Repertory TheatreCornish College of the ArtsDriftwood PlayersINTIMAN TheatreOn The BoardsSeattle Children's TheatreSeattle Musical TheatreSeattle Public TheaterSeattle Repertory TheatreSeattle Shakespeare CompanySiS ProductionsTaproot Theatre CompanyUnexpected ProductionsUW School of DramaWashington Ensemble TheatreWhidbey Island Center for the ArtsYoung Americans' Theatre CompanyBEST ORGANIZATION THAT DOESN'T FIT INTO ANY OF THE OTHER CATEGORIESCentral District Forum for Arts & IdeasSeattle Arts & LecturesLangston Hughes Performing Arts CenterPlus, members will be asked to vote in three brand new categories, which will be announced publicly once voting is complete.Congratulations to all of the nominees, and happy voting!

A very articulate and endearing review - may you embrace ballet throughout your lifetime! Seattle is so fortunate to have such a jewel of a company & school. My hope is that your well written review will entice many other young audiences to love ballet as I do as an "old PNB Board member."Thanks!

PNB gives Teen Tix members the best seats that are available when they arrive to purchase their tickets, so they end up seated all over--sometimes in the balcony, sometimes in the third row!

nice use of the word noob

Where are teen tix members seated??

Review of Gary Hill: glossodelic attractors at Henry Art Gallery by Olivia M.Gary Hill. Withershins [installation view at Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1996]. There are two things I’m certain I’ll always enjoy: free stuff and that exhilarating sense of uneasiness one gets from scary movies, and glossodelic attractors by Gary Hill provides both. The first is in the form of old school, paper 3D glasses to view a piece about LSD on three screens, where a pony-tailed Hill speaks in backwards gibberish, or maybe a new language. Twenty minutes later I still didn’t know which it was, but before leaving I went back for more, as I did with each of the other pieces. They are all delightfully confusing. I don’t know what Hill is trying to say, but I know I wanted to figure it out. Hill uses what appears to the common technology “noob”, yours truly, to be high-tech equipment, combining eight individual works into one tribute of an exhibition. These range from an interactive space which secretly takes a very pixelated picture of you which is incorporated into the exhibit for a short time, to a dark room filled only with a rotating telescope, projecting light. I could only stay in the latter for a short time, because it was so inexplicably eerie. That’s just one example of how Hill’s expressive prowess is something to be explored and absorbed when you go. That’s right, it’s a “when”, not an “if,” and you won’t regret it. The exhibition rotates thirteen pieces around two anchors: the 3D LSD entertaining gibberish area, and a really interesting interactive maze that senses where you are and plays both audio and video according to the walker’s position. (Tip: have multiple people in the maze at once to have both audio tracks go at the same time. It’s different every trip through based on pace and spacing.) According to kind HAG employee Kristina Bass, self described “security guard/guest concierge,” Gary Hill himself even comes in once and a while to rotate the pieces himself! It’s convoluted, strange, thought-provoking, and emotion-evoking, and overall just really interesting. There’s so much more than I am allowed room to explain, and I know I’ll be back in the future to maybe catch a glimpse of the man behind the confusing madness that is glossodelic attractors, and keep trying to figure just what the heck is going on. Gary Hill: glossodelic attractorsHenry Art GalleryThrough September 16Henry Art Gallery Hours:11-4: Wed11-9: Thu, Fri11-4: Sat, SunClosed: Mon, Tue REMEMBER: Teen Tix members always get in FREE at Henry Art Gallery, and you can ALWAYS bring a guest for $5!

Review of Coppélia at Pacific Northwest Ballet by Olivia M.Photo © Angela SterlingBefore Pretty Woman, The Wedding Planner, No Strings Attached and the other 97 predictable movies found on IMBD’s 100 Best Romantic Comedies, there was Coppélia. Composed in 1870 by Léo Delibes, this ballet is the classic boy-meets-girl,-boy-falls-in-love-with-girl,-girl-turns-out-to-be-automaton,-toymaker-gives-boy-drug-wine-to-harness-boy’s-life-force-to-turn-automaton-into-a-real-girl,-boy’s-real-life-girlfriend-tricks-toymaker-and-they-all-live-happily-ever-after. That’s the basic gist of the story, but Franz, played by Jonathan Porretta and Swanilda, (yes, that’s a name) portrayed by Kaori Nakamura, make the performance something special. They are like graceful, attractive mimes, who I don’t want to get stuck in invisible boxes. All of the other soloists, principal and ensemble dancers are equally as impressive, and all of the dances are left me in awe. The eccentric toymaker Dr. Coppelius (Peter Boal) greets his creation, the mechanical doll Coppélia (corps de ballet dancer Carli Samuelson) Photo © Angela SterlingHighlights:• In the third act, 24 “baby ballerinas” prance adorably. To quote a friend: “That one’s so little!” Too cute.• All of the costumes are beautiful, and were designed by Roberta Guidi di Bagno. I am trying in vain to connect with her to design my prom dress because they are so whimsical and pretty.• Same goes for the set! It was hard to choose between looking at the dancers and the stage design because of how eye pleasing both were. • Apparently, like most ballets, the third act is somewhat nonsensical, but really enjoyable. All of the story occurs during the first two acts, and the third is a free-for-all. It seems to go on forever, as multitudes of different dances merge into one continuous number, but I probably could’ve watched it for about 75% of forever. • If you ever wanted to see a Herculean gluteus maximus, look no further than Franz. Joke all you want about dancers being wimpy, with such sheer strength they could probably beat anyone in a fight. Especially if twirling continuously is part of said fight. Photo © Angela SterlingI had never seen any ballets before and before I saw Coppélia, I would’ve said things like “stuffy, long, boring, fancy-pants.” Two of those things did turn out to be true, but in the best way possible. In no way is Coppélia boring or stuffy, but instead funny, charming and endearing. McCaw Hall certainly has that “fancy-pants” atmosphere, and it’s nice get away from the slobs at school and bask in the class. Stick out your pinky, pine for an alternate universe where you know how to dance, laugh at a ballerina doing the robot, and embrace the whole evening. CoppéliaPacific Northwest BalletThrough June 10