The Odyssey House Theatre Project returned to Broadway last weekend with a new ensemble and a daring original play. An ensemble comprised of Odyssey House teens, directed by PossibleArts artistic director Tom Demenkoff, performed "When You Shake the Tree," at the Studio Theatre on 42nd Street. The play was written by the teenagers during a three-month theater immersion workshop. The project gave them an opportunity to find their voices, flex their bodies, and open their minds through improvisation, playwriting, music and art.
Exposed to an intensive program similar to the training process of a professional ensemble, members of the Odyssey House Theatre Project embarked on a journey of self-discovery and creative discipline. The result is a bold new play that takes a fresh perspective on trouble at home. Broadway star Norm Lewis, who mentored the teens, called the play "a vibrant shake up of family life: the secrets, the hurts and the feelings."
The workshop was funded by a generous grant from the Elizabeth and Barets O. Benjamin Foundation. For more information on the project, including a blog chronicling the teens' journey, visit the Odyssey House Theatre Project website.
Our 5th Annual Run for Your Life 5K Fun Run/2 Mile Walk will be held on Saturday, September 25th at Icahn Stadium. More information will be posted on our website in June. See you there!
Celebrate Your Story Matters Day with Odyssey House, the Office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), NYS legislators and hundreds of recovery supporters this Monday in Albany. We'll be sending a number of our residents to this second annual recovery rally and press event, hosted by OASAS. Your Story Matters Day celebrates New Yorkers who are living successful, meaningful lives in recovery and highlights their dedication to breaking the cycle of addiction. It's an important part of OASAS's Your Story Matters campaign, which seeks to reduce stigma and raise awareness that "prevention is proven, treatment works and recovery is real."Two former Odyssey House residents were selected to share their inspiring stories as part of the campaign - LaQuanda and Kristina. Read their stories here or post one of your own.If you'd like to join us, download the flyer here. And if you can't make it, check back after the event for photos!
L
ast week, 30 Odyssey House clients from the Teen Leadership Center attended a town hall meeting in Albany to discuss prescription drug abuse. It was a great learning experience - the teens learned how to identify prescription drug abuse and how to find and access prevention and treatment services. There were approximately 400 attendees, including treatment professionals, state agency representatives, law enforcement officials and community members. The panel discussion was lead by Jeff VanVonderen, an interventionist on A&E's Intervention; Billy Fusco, executive director of Dynamic Youth Community; District Attorney David Soares; and Brooke Schewe, Statewide System of Care Director for Families Together.
According to the panel, prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in New York State - surveys have found that 18% of high school seniors in NY abuse prescription drugs, compared to 13% nationwide. The Drug Abuse Warning Network, which tracks drug-related emergency room visits, reports that prescription drugs account for more ER visits than marijuana and heroin combined. The drugs most commonly abused by teens are OxyContin, Vicodin, Xanax and Adderall.
Last week, the Odyssey House Theatre Project had its first field trip to see The Book of Grace at the Public Theatre. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks, The Book of Grace explores family dysfunction and themes of revenge and betrayal in the story of border patrol officer Vet; Buddy, the son he hasn't seen in 15 years; and Vet's optimistic second wife, Grace. OHTP director Tom Demenkoff said it was an inspiring evening:"Walking down the steps back to the lobby, I discussed what we had just seen with our stage manager, Anna, and OHTP members. The consensus was clear: The Book of Grace was an exciting and thought-provoking play that challenged us to stretch the limits of our imagination as both writers and actors."But the evening didn't end when the play did: Suzan-Lori Parks surprised the teens by appearing in the lobby, offering advice and signing autographs. The teens also had the opportunity to meet actor Amari Cheatom, who plays Buddy. He spent some time with the group talking about the program and even offered to spend an afternoon working out with them in Harlem.Read more about the teens' experience on the Odyssey House Theatre Project blog.
Amari Cheatom with teens from the OHTP.
The Odyssey House Theatre Project returned to Broadway last weekend with a new ensemble and a daring original play. An ensemble comprised of Odyssey House teens, directed by PossibleArts artistic director Tom Demenkoff, performed "When You Shake the Tree," at the Studio Theatre on 42nd Street. The play was written by the teenagers during a three-month theater immersion workshop. The project gave them an opportunity to find their voices, flex their bodies, and open their minds through improvisation, playwriting, music and art. 
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