Messages Which Are Hopeful..... MWAH!

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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.

YouTube videos of MWAH activity have become a new way to spread the word about MWAH and its message:

MWAH! artists Joshua Aaron Michael Welton and Shealeigh Voitl singing "I Can Only Imagine" at Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein, Illinois, on January 19, 2010. The song was part of a piece focusing on the earthquake relief effort in Haiti.
(video by Carol Voitl) Carmel Catholic High - I Can Only Imagine

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 statewide community services network targeted to youth and their families.

Several MWAH! alumni joined current members on May 24, 2010, at Yorkville Middle School. The 90-minute issues-oriented performance was the opening event for the school's two weeks of Academic Olympics activities.
(photo by Eric Miller of the Kendall County Record)

Additional photos from this Yorkville Middle School performance may be viewed as a slideshow in the photo gallery of the showcase page.

Performing as the MWAH! Performing Arts Troupe at Churchville Middle School in Elmhurst, Illinois, on April 16, 2010, are in the front (left to right) Whitney McDermott, Alexandra 'Lexi' Parr, Alexandra 'Alex' Oechsel, and Mason Ridenour. In the middle is Taylor Oechsel, who's next to Christian Honn. Behind them are Patrick Foran, Sarah Saltiel, and Christopher Oechsel. These troupe members are from seven different cities and towns from northern Illinois and Chicago's western suburbs.
(photos by Scott R. Harrington)

Additional photos from this performance may be viewed as two separate slideshows in the photo gallery of the showcase page – one of various scenes from the performance, the second a sequence of photos from the abusive relationship piece.

More collage photos of this group may be seen at Collages of the Past.