Original Performance Explores Teen Pregnancy, Underage Drinking & Domestic Violence, May 15

Thanks to a new project, Expressions: Through the Eyes of Youth, today there are more than 70 teens from three Broward High Schools and the Teen Vibe Program at the City of Lauderdale Lakes who have been given a voice and now have a fresh perspective to help them make positive choices when faced with serious issues.

Expressions is a series of original productions created by teens and serves to encourage them to express their beliefs and emotions in the face of some of the toughest issues they must confront.

“Though some people may not believe the stats, every one of us knows someone who participates in underage drinking or has experienced domestic violence or teen pregnancy,” said Ashley Williams, 17, a South Broward High School student and a member of the Expressions production team. “I hope the performance helps parents and adults realize that my generation needs help and encouragement to make a change; my generation has to grow up fast in order to survive and keep up with this unpredictable world.”

The project showcase will take place on May 15 from 3 – 5 p.m. in NSU’s Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center. Tickets are FREE and the performance is open to the public.

Expressions: Through the Eyes of Youth is a partnership between the United Way of Broward County Commission on Substance Abuse, Broward County Public Schools, Nova Southeastern University and the City of Lauderdale Lakes Parks and Recreation Department. To maximize the potential of this collaboration the Lovewell Institute for the Creative Arts was engaged early on to assist in the formation of this professional theatre production.

“Expressions is a vibrant living laboratory,” said David Spangler, program administrator and artistic director of the Interdisciplinary Arts Program at NSU’s Fischler School and Founder of Lovewell. “NSU’s long standing commitment to the community and the depth of experience in the Interdisciplinary Arts is helping to give Broward teenagers a voice and a way to say something profound to the people who are shaping their lives.”

The student performers represent the following Broward high schools and organizations: South Broward, Sunset School, and Piper and the Teen Vibe Program with the City of Lauderdale Lakes Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information, please call 954-760-7007.