Corporate and Community Touring

Illusion Theater's Corporate and Community Outreach Program uses theater to create strong emotional connections with people -- connections that are generally not made through either lecture or videotape. The program's strength lies in the theater's nearly 30-year commitment to education, outreach and prevention coupled with the presentation of dynamic productions of the highest quality. Join the hundreds of corporations, communities around the country that have already experienced the power of Illusion Theater's outreach touring productions! Productions currently available

UNDESIRABLE ELEMENTS examines and celebrates the widely diverse cultures in Minnesota.  Created through a collaborative process with international theater artist Ping Chong, the production features seven residents of Minnesota who share the experience of having been born in one culture and living in another: a woman from Laos, an African American man from Kentucky, a Russian Jewish woman, a Filipino woman, a Puerto Rican man, an Ojibwe woman and a Somalian man. Speaking in their own languages and in English, their stories -- of their births, origins of their names, early memories, their journey to the United States, experiences of being treated as an outsider and becoming part of a new community -- are braided into a beautifully poetic piece. UNDESIRABLE ELEMENTS challenges the American notion of "culture" through the unveiling of the richly layered world culture that exists right here in the Midwest. Length: 1 hour Resources: Post performance discussion, classroom discussion guide and marketing materials available

CELEBRATING DIVERSITY explores a variety of situations from different perspectives including: work and family issues, gender differences in the workplace, racism, homophobia, challenges facing single parents, sexual harassment, HIV/AIDS issues, celebrating cultural differences and respect as a core value for individuals and communities. The scenes and songs are connected by a prevention specialist who also moderates the post performance discussion. The moderation can be tailored to reflect particular organizations or communities. Additional scenes can be created for an added cost. Length: 1 hour Resources: Marketing materials available

FOR OUR DAUGTERS is multimedia production about breast cancer awareness and prevention blending live scenes, filmed interviews with actual breast cancer survivors, and original music. FOR OUR DAUGTERS addresses the emotional impact of breast cancer while dispelling myths and fears; provides women and their families with information about mammograms, self-exams and talking to medical providers; encourages audience members to be informed about their personal health and medical options; and builds a sense of community and empowerment through the sharing of personal stories and shared experiences. FOR OUR DAUGTERS is a celebration of the human spirit. The survivors' stories become our stories. Their message of hope becomes a part of us. Length: 90 minutes Resources: Post-performance discussion and marketing materials available

LIKE WATERS ROLLING DOWN explores the issue of affordable housing through the eyes of different faith communities using a series of live scenes, traditional hymns and original songs. We follow the lives of twelve people (of different races, religions, income levels and family structures) about to come together on different sides of a difficult issue ? a proposed non-profit housing development in a suburban community. LIKE WATERS ROLLING DOWN combines humor, drama and music to examine the impact of affordable housing on the entire community. and clear up many commonly-held misconceptions in a non-threatening way. LIKE WATERS ROLLING DOWN was created through a collaboration with The Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing (MICAH). Length: 1 hour Resources: Post-performance discussion available