Photo Flash: First Look at About Face Theatre's CHECKING BOXES, Opening Tonight

About Face Theatre, in association with the Chicago Park District's Night Out in the Parks initiative, is pleased to present the world premiere of Checking Boxes by Shannon Matesky in collaboration with the About Face Youth Theatre Ensemble, directed by AFT Education and Outreach Director Ali Hoefnagel and featuring Youth Ensemble members. AFT's annual youth production will play Thursday and Friday evenings, now through August 1, 2014 at parks across the City. All performances are FREE and open to the public. The press opening is tonight, July 11 at 7 pm at Washington Park. Scroll down for a first look at the cast onstage!

In this original play devised by the About Face Youth Theatre, characters explore the often overlooked intersection between immigration and the LGBTQIA experience. Through storytelling, spoken word and movement, these talented young artists share experiences of coming out, growing up and pursuing the American Dream. Inspired by the burgeoning "Undocuqueer" movement in the U.S., Checking Boxes is based on the true experiences of the ensemble members and other members of the LGBTQIA community.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:

- Thursday, July 10 & Friday, July 11 (press opening) at 7 pm

Washington Park, 5531 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Chicago

- Thursday, July 17 & Friday, July 18 at 7 pm (outside, weather permitting)

Piotrowski Park, 4247 W. 31st St., Chicago

- Thursday, July 24 & Friday, July 25 at 7 pm

Austin Town Hall, 5610 W. Lake St., Chicago

- Thursday, July 31 and Friday, August 1 at 7 pm

Willye White Park, 1610 W. Howard St., Chicago

For additional information, visit www.aboutfacetheatre.com and www.nightoutintheparks.com.

Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow