X Marks the Spot: Episode 1
Channel: CCTv By Chicago Children's Theatre
Date: 2021-01-29

Welcome to Episode 1 of CCT’s X-MARKS THE SPOT: AN X-TRA SENSORY PODCAST SERIES. This piece originally premiered as a live production in 2019 conceived and directed by CCT Artistic Director, Jacqui Russell. Both the stage play and the new podcast were inspired and informed by Russell’s 2018 residency at Otis Elementary, a CPS school in Chicago’s West Town community with a population of students who are visually impaired. That said, this exciting new family adventure is fantastic for all audiences, with a goal of inspiring young listeners to engage more deeply with all five of their senses. The cast of voice-over performers includes three students from CCT education programs, including a student with a visual impairment who participated in the residency that initially inspired the production. 

So dim the lights, close your eyes, and follow a family of adventure-seeking siblings as they discover a mischievous wishing fairy. The podcast features original music by Paris Ray Dozier, son of Motown legend Lamont Dozier, who co-created the music for CCT's hit world premiere LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET. 

Each episode ends with a good cliffhanger, plus a suggested activity you can try at home to better connect with the world around you through touch, taste, hearing and smell. At a time when we are so tethered to our screens and disconnected more than ever from the sensory world, X-Marks the Spot is the “X-Tra Sensory” experience children truly need right now!

New episodes of X-MARKS THE SPOT will release every Friday at noon from January 29 - February 26, 2021. Learn more at chicagochildrenstheatre.org/event/x-marks-the-spot/