Central Touring Theatre

Jan Mandell leads student group Central Touring Theater at St. Paul Central High School. More

St. Paul Central High School students rehearse a piece that deals with racial stereotypes and education. Theatre Arts instructor Jan Mandell encourages them to find their own voice and not tip-toe around the issues they face. Artist Bio: For nearly three decades, students in the advanced acting class at Central High School in St. Paul have written their own play and taken their show on the road. They perform in all sorts of venues, ranging from other schools to prisons. Under the direction and care of theatre arts instructor Jan Mandell, students create their own plays that deal with tough issues ranging from poverty and race relations, to education and the school system. The work they produce is meant to create dialogue in a safe space. It doesn't matter whether they perform at the Black Box Theatre at Saint Paul Central High or a venue in greater Minnesota, young people in this program feel empowered.

AIR DATE 6/3/10