The script is written in spontaneous prose and is accompanied by the sounds of tambourines, xylophones, and erratic drumming. The rehearsal continues under Bieganski's gentle and creative direction. Rather than chide the actors for creating distractions, Bieganski himself becomes the source of them, darting around the stage, climbing on the radiators, and encouraging a freedom of movement. When the action on the stage reaches fever pitch, performers are snaking around the stage on their stomachs, hanging from the rafters, and beginning to lose their lines. Bieganski's attitude and demeanor are reflective of TeenStreet, the employment program.
Summer hours entail a full-time rehearsal schedule with three shows per weekend.
Pay can, and will, be docked for a lack of attendance. For many teens coming from Chicago's lowest-income areas, this is their first brush with the intensive discipline and commitment required from the program. The hard work of the TeenStreet cast is not without its tangible rewards. Funded by money from the Mayor's Employment Training Program and private dollars, TeenStreet concludes each season with a European Tour. Maybe if I were someone else, this would be easier.