There will be a free screening of LISTEN UP! at the Mt. Abe Performing Arts Center at the high school on Monday, May 8 at 6:30 PM. LISTEN UP! is an original musical film inspired, created, and performed by Vermont youth. Based on interviews, workshops, conversations and listening sessions with over 800 teenagers across the state, the film outlines teens’ experiences with issues of mental health, resilience, racial and social justice, sexual identity, friendship, love, family, and community. The work lays out what teens wish adults knew about the pressures they face today, and provides a catalyst for dialogue between students, parents and community members.
In the past several years, events on the national and international level like Covid, climate change, racial dialogues, and the tumultuous political climate have combined with challenges here in Vermont to impact the lives of our children and their families.. “As part of the MAUSD School Board’s commitment to providing our students what they need to succeed and to feel safe, we are bringing this film to community teens and families to begin conversations at school and home around these complex issues.” says MAUSD board chair Krista Siringo.
Sponsored by the MAUSD School Board and with funding assistance from the Five Town Friends of the Arts, the screening will take place during the week of the MAUSD Fine Arts Festival. LISTEN UP! producer Bess O’Brien will attend the screening and answer questions about the project following the film. Light refreshments will be served, and the wider community is encouraged to attend. There is no charge for the screening.
