Enlarge The Crossroads Teen Theater Project enjoys a moment in the spotlight.

Posted: August 18th, 2009 Crystal Dempsey

Text and Photo by Katrina Dietz

The fifth and final performance of the Crossroads Teen Theater Project took the stage Aug. 15 at Theatre Charlotte. With the unpainted set for "Suessical: The Musical" as a backdrop, the young performers challenged us with their views of the state of Charlotte.

* When is the last time you had lunch with a coworker of another race or religion?

* Considering buying a home with 14 bathrooms? What would happen if you bought one with 3 or 4 instead and spent the money you saved supporting the community?

* When a witness to discrimination, do you walk on or make a stand?

Following participation in Crossroads Charlotte and Gang of One programs, students prepared monologues reflecting their views of the city. Ranging from personal reflection to dramatis personae, they focused on opportunities for personal and communal growth.

One monologue centered on a 9-month-old fetus who is “ready to move out” but is uncertain that our world is the type of place where he wants to grow up. Another relayed a tale of loss and regret at the hands of gang violence.

During a post-show discussion, an audience member said that the Boomer Generation saw the implementation of tolerance in our society; GenX, integration; and that it will be this new generation who will usher in inclusion.

Clear throughout the performance was the fact that this generation sees fewer societal boundaries than older generations and fewer reasons to perpetuate them. As one performer declared, “Stop calling it racism or stereotyping and call it what it is: inhumanity.”

While this session of Crossroads Teen Theater Project has concluded, director Kevin Campbell announced that a DVD has been produced and will be available soon.

The Crossroads Charlotte Teen Theater Project was an expansion of the successful Community Theater-Theater About Community initiative presented by the Community Relations Committee (CRC) in May 2007 as a result of their work with Crossroads Charlotte.

In collaboration with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department/Gang of One, the Community Relations Committee sought to expand this proven initiative to teens in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community. Actors from the original production mentored the teen actors throughout the process.

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