Messages Which Are Hopeful..... MWAH!
Messages which are hopeful...healthy...and hard to forget. Messages of energy...emotion...and creative thought. Messages from young people on a mission. A mission to stimulate others to think and to react in ways which are positive. A mission to influence others through the performing arts - dance...theatre...song...and mime - as well as through discussion and by example.
From throughout the Chicago area, the youthful performing artists - because of their diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds - convey a message of hope and promise for the future. Their repertoire reflects the changing times in which we all live. Among the issues are finding healthy alternatives to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; resolving abusive relationship problems associated with bullying, jealousies, and control; eliminating discrimination stemming from differences among people; and developing coping skills when confronted with negative peer influences and low self-esteem.
A focal point for MWAH! is the importance of choices. An overall objective is to inspire young people to face life's challenges and opportunities with knowledge, confidence, and a positive self-image.
The troupe repertoire includes peer helper training and a workshop format in addition to a performance/presentation customized for:
- schools
- conferences
- special events
MWAH! executive producer is Ray Moffitt. Contributing in various creative and supportive capacities are the performing artists and their parents. The troupe has been incorporated in Illinois as a not-for-profit charitable organization and is affiliated with the Chicago Area Project, part of a sttewide community services network targeted to youth and their families.
Alumni Update:
Simon
Rodriguez, Jr., a long-time member of the MWAH! troupe and a soldier
with the Illinois National Guard, will be deployed to active duty
in Afghanistan this October (2008). His unit, C-Troop 2/106 Cavalry Unit
based in Aurora, Illinois, is part of Task Force Phoenix, which will
focus on the training of the Afghan Army and police forces and will
assist in the support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Simon expects
to be in Afghanistan for at least a year. He is one of more than
2,700 soldiers from National Guard units throughout Illinois which have
been called up to form the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, one of the
largest groups from the state to be called up as a single brigade
since World War II. Simon and the other Illinois soldiers are the backbone
of Task Force Phoenix VIII.
Simon is a graduate of East Aurora High School and has been enrolled
at Waubonsee Community College.
Simon has been an invaluable part of the MWAH! troupe, and his commitment
and steadfast devotion to his family, his East High community, and
his country is unsurpassed. The Afghan forces are truly fortunate
to have Simon's support and leadership. Our troupe looks forward
to more of the same in about a year.
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