Talented Unlimited High School (TU)

Epic Theatre Ensemble and Talent Unlimited High School have been in partnership since September 2001. In all Epic/TU Projects, there is a great value placed on student development as socially aware, community-involved artists. Epic and TU have implemented a sequential Citizen Artist program that reaches every student in every grade.

Epic has been awarded the prestigious Empire State Partnership from the New York State Council on the Arts for its partnership with Talent Unlimited High School, a public Performing Arts high school in Manhattan. Epic works with students in every grade to promote their development as Citizen Artists.

2006-2007 projects:

• THE VISIT in all 9th grade English and Arts classrooms. After seeing an Epic performance of Durrenmatt’s THE VISIT at TU, students write their own version of the play in their English classrooms. This original adaptation is rehearsed in the arts classrooms and performed for their peers, parents, community.
• TRIAL OF ROBESPIERRE in all 10th grade Global History classrooms. Students become lawyers and witnesses in this theatrical trial of Robespierre. This project explores the theme of social injustice as it asks "Do desperate times demand desperate measures?"
• PRODUCING MACBETH in all 10th grade English classrooms. Students form theatre companies with a specific mission for producing MACBETH. After the performance of their dramaturgical cutting of the play, they defend their production choices to their peers.
• THE FREEDOM PROJECT in all 11th grade History classrooms. Students use a Constitutional amendment as the focus of a performance piece that explores the questions "Is America the land of the free? Does freedom cost anything?" Students will make a deep personal connection between the law and their own lives and ultimately connect their individual artistry to their exploration of the amendments and thus further their development as Citizen Artists.
• "CITIZEN ARTIST FESTIVAL" in all 12th grade Economics classrooms: Each class will use a combination of research and creative imaginings to collectively write a play inspired by a particular current socio-economic issue.

"Don't you see that being one- sided is keeping you from your greatness? In order for others to see your greatness and hear what you have to say, you must listen to them. Don't be a stubborn fool! Your people will rebel… Creon, do not speak. Do not protest our words. Cary them with you like the most precious gems and bravely admit you are wrong."
- 9th Grade Chorus, Talent Unlimited HS, Antigone - in- Progress