Greensboro Theatre Group Sets Stage for Teens

One Greensboro theatre group is creating a new venue for teenagers.

Community Theatre of Greensboro (CTG) has launched Teens Downtown, a new initiative to provide a safe environment where youth can hangout.
Executive Director Mitchel Sommers says youth gather downtown looking for something to do. Now middle and high school aged youth will be able to demonstrate their talents as well as be entertained. “There will be Open Mic Night, Night at the Apollo, Dance Night and so many fun things to do and the teens seem really excited about it," says Sommers. "Many of these teens live in neighborhoods where the schools no longer have arts programs. They have the desire and talent but there is no outlet.”

Two years ago in Festival Park, Sommers was caught in a crowd of teenagers at night. While city police attempted to disperse them, a young man hit Sommers from behind and beat him up. He says the experience motivated him to mobilize resources and create Teens Downtown.
Tonight at 7:30 p.m., Community Theatre of Greensboro (CTG) will host its first event in the theatre's new home on 520 South Elm Street.