Collective Consciousness Theatre is a multicultural theatre company dedicated to social change through the art of live theatre. CCT was founded in 2001 by Dexter J. Singleton (the current executive director and board chair) and Liz Stanley, and has evolved from one production to six, as well as branched into residency and workshop series.

Two fantastic teachers, Madelyn Ardito and Akintunde Sogunro, came to work with our 7^th and 8^th grade students to teach them how to utilize playmaking and theatre exercises to express their feelings and views on issues and problems in their lives and in their community. Exercises they did included “Neighborhood Orchestra” where students came up with a sound they hear in their neighborhood and Madelyn “conducted” the orchestra by pointing to each student and bringing up or stopping their sound. Students were also able to take time during each session to reflect on their school day and what was happening in their lives. Though Madelyn and Tunde were there to teach, it was evident that they also served as friend and mentor to the participants.

The culminating performance took place during our After-School Arts Showcase. Called Change!, the play they wrote as a group addressed violence in the community and how students handle the violence in school. As a part of the Boost! Initiative at Wexler-Grant, Collective Consciousness Theatre falls under our Extended Learning/Student Engagement domain and greatly enriched the out of school time of our participating students. Check out the Collective Consciousness Theatre website for more information on the services they offer the community.