TeenTix Blog

Teen Tix is pleased to fling open its doors and hand you the keys. In other words: COME AND JOIN OUR TEEN STEERING COMMITTEE!Teen Tix’s Teen Steering Committee is a group of opinionated and highly dedicated individuals who are committed to making the arts accessible for young people.Here are a few of the things that we do:• Come up with innovate marketing techniques for promoting the arts to teenagers• Award our annual Teeny Awards, recognizing the best in teen-friendly local arts• Write and create content for the Teen Tix blog, website, and other media outlets• Meet with leaders from various arts organizations to share our ideas and learn about what they do• Serve as “watchdogs” by attending venues and checking up on the box office experience• Plan and help execute special events at Participating Organizations• Act as ambassadors for Teen Tix at our schools• Help set the course for the future of the Teen Tix program• See shows!If you believe that the arts are valuable, if you want to help make the arts accessible for everyone regardless of age or income, and if you want to be a leader in Seattle’s youth arts movement, we need your voice!• The Teen Steering Committee meets monthly from October to June of each year at Seattle Center.• Participation in the committee can qualify for Service Learning Credit at your school.• First Meeting for the 2010-11 school year will be held Wednesday, September 29th.Ready to throw in your name?It’s easy! You must be nominated to join the committee. Simply have an adult (who is not your parent) or a fellow teen email us with a short explanation of why YOU should be part of our team. Make sure they include your name and email address, so we can follow up with you.Hurry! The first meeting of the year is September 29th!

#6 in our "Twilight Makes Me" series, by Emma Me. When I think of the Twilight saga, I get shivers not from the idea of mythical romance, but out of disgust for the mass franchise that it has become. I have read the books, and I can understand that some people get caught up in the whirlwind of first love. The Twilight series provides a sweet opportunity for girls to put themselves in Bella’s shoes, and for older women to relive their teenage years through the pages. However, this feature of Twilight is also one of its flaws. Some readers feel so capable of putting themselves in the main character’s shoes because said girl has little personality and repetitive lines, leaving her shoes open for the imagination to occupy.The fan base of Twilight is mainly love-struck females who refuse to accept anything less than their newly created idea of perfection (Edward) as a potential match for them. Sadly, the books, movies, music, clothing, etc. appeals to such a narrow range of people because any interesting supernatural phenomena are usurped by poorly worded love scenes. Due to the romantic spark ignited in passionate fans, Twilight has expanded into its own world filled with disappointing movies, ridiculous merchandise (Why do I need an Edward umbrella? I don’t plan to go to Forks anytime soon), and the general hype that has earned it a significant spot in popular culture. I do understand that the Twilight saga is enjoyable to read for the excitement of romance, but when the supernatural world is taken over by sparkling vampires and shirtless werewolves, I have to draw the line.Our Teen Press Corps will be telling us what Twilight makes them do all week long. Click here to read them all.Movies at the MuralSEATTLE CENTERSaturday, August 21st @ 9pm: TwilightSunday, August 22nd @ 9pm: The Twilight Saga: New MoonFree!

The only problem with that statement is that you should not need to restrain yourself from reading a popular book series. If you do not wish to read the books, that is fine, but do not deprive yourself of reading something in order to not conform to a popular franchise.

#5 in our "Twilight Makes Me" series, by Safiye S.Is this the best thing young people can find to obsess about? A harlequin romance initially marketed towards tweens chock full of cliche and grammatical errors? And the protagonist! Cripes! Her shallowness and banality would be excusable if she had any redeeming qualities at all, but she's really just a completely flat character. Whatever happened to the Lily Barts and Emma Bovarys of fiction? They were like Bella in that they were superficial and definitely not good role models, but they still retained their ability to make the reader sympathize with them. And the reason is because they were dynamic and multi-faceted characters. They weren't just characters defined by the man (or vampire, in this case) that they were in love with. Lets face it -- Twilight stinks of sexism. Next time, do society a favor and buy your kid Jane Eyre.Our Teen Press Corps will be telling us what Twilight makes them do all week long. Click here to read them all.Movies at the MuralSEATTLE CENTERSaturday, August 21st @ 9pm: TwilightSunday, August 22nd @ 9pm: The Twilight Saga: New MoonFree!

Wow, I really got jumped on there. Although I admit the national debt parallel was pushing it a bit, I still stand by my opinion.I think what really bugged me about your review was your comparing Twilight to eating junk food and saying that it's therefore OK. I don't get that. What's so wrong about self-restraint? I guess nowadays self-restraint is generally perceived as being square and uncool. As if, if you don't indulge yourself, you're not really living to fullest.But I don't think of it that way. I think restraining oneself is just an exercise in self-control; which is like a muscle in that, if you don't use it, it becomes weak and useless. When a person learns to restrain themselves more, they become more capable of controlling themselves, and to a further extent, more capable of controlling their life.

The Young Critics Workshop2010 – 2011“…starting out a defiant know-it-all, I was transformed into a confident and unashamed inquirer. Despite AP and Honors English classes for four years at my high school, this has been the best writing course I’ve ever had the privilege of taking.”The Young Critics Workshop gives young writers the opportunity to explore arts journalism and criticism, meet and learn from professional critics and artists, and hone their critical writing skills in the company of peers. YCW is a challenging and rigorous writing course. Students learn:- How to look at art critically- How to articulate opinions persuasively- How to disagree civilly- How to craft writing that people will actually want to read- How to give and receive criticism constructively- How to find your voice as a writer (or at least how to start looking for it)And SO. MUCH. MORE.“Not only did this workshop improve my writing and my confidence in it, YCW led me to explore Seattle's rich culture; I saw plays and exhibits I never would have on my own.”The Young Critics Workshop is free of charge and open to all 11th & 12th graders. All classes are held at the Center House at Seattle Center. Classes are held weekly for four months. All classes are held from 5 – 7 p.m. on Thursdays. The 2010 – 2011 class schedule is as follows:Nov 4, 11, 18, one-week break | Dec 2, 9, 16, two week break | Jan 6, 13, 20, 27 | Feb 3, two-week break, Feb 24Students who are interested in applying for the Young Critics Workshop should complete and return the application. All applications must be postmarked by Friday October 15th in order to be considered. Applicants will be notified by October 22nd as to whether or not they have been accepted. The first class is November 4th.Mail applications to:Teen TixYoung Critics Workshop305 Harrison St.Seattle, WA 98107Or email electronic documents to: holly.arsenault@seattle.gov with “YCW Application” in the subject line.

@Sophia RoseGood job relating one 17 year old male kid's justification for reading Twilight to the national debt. Go ahead and generalize all of America, that works.Actually, it doesn't. It also makes you seem unintelligent and judgmental. Look into yourself: You have bad habits that we could somehow twist to some global scale. Before you point your fingers, be sure your hands are clean.

#4 in our "Twilight Makes Me" series, by Callan C.Okay, I’ll admit that I sort of enjoyed the Twilight books. They were romantic, exciting, and I they sucked me in. But let me tell you – after I saw the first Twilight movie, I completely lost my respect for the franchise. The actors (sorry RPattz and KStew), the dialogue (“You better hold on tight, spider monkey”), and the “special effects” (i.e. Edward’s glitter-glue skin) were so ridiculous that I couldn’t help but laugh at it all. And all the Twilight merchandise they’ve come up with really doesn’t help. I mean, come on – Twilight lunch boxes? Twilight action figures? Twilight candy? Oh yeah, and how about those Twilight tours of Forks, WA? Or those Twilight-themed car commercials? You can’t go anywhere without seeing some form of Twilight advertising. In fact, I’m sort of insulted by it. Do companies really think that people are going to run out and buy a Volvo just because Edward has one? Okay, so maybe there are a few über-obsessed Twilight fans out there that totally eat this stuff up, but the truth is that most of us have a little more integrity and self-respect. I mean, I understand that people like the books – so do I. But there is such a thing as going overboard, and in my opinion, the Twilight phenomenon has done exactly that.Our Teen Press Corps will be telling us what Twilight makes them do all week long. Click here to read them all.Movies at the MuralSEATTLE CENTERSaturday, August 21st @ 9pm: TwilightSunday, August 22nd @ 9pm: The Twilight Saga: New MoonFree!

Someone said something about cheetos? I LOVE cheetos!

Tucker, this is exactly the attitude I have toward Twilight, and your response is absolutely brilliant (and classic ) I have similar confessions to make as far as owning all the books, reading them 20 million times and anxiously awaiting the release of each new book. I enjoyed them when I was younger and as I got old enough to see just how fluffy they were, I still didn't care. Gimme the candy! What really makes me giggle however is messing with the Twilight pilgrims heading to Forks on the ferry...

@Sophia RoseI really don't understand what any of that had to do with Twilight...Although you are entitled to your opinion, you really didn't control your impulses when you wrote that comment.@Tucker C.Loved your post! Great analogy!

#3 in our "Twilight Makes Me" series, by Charlotte Z.Twilight makes me wish more teenagers had less to do. Our lives are teeming incessantly with school, sports, hobbies, friends…it’s the constant stress of our communication and interaction heavy generation. Our lives are busy; hard even, if I may be so self-pitying. I feel like Twilight has become such a sensation because, let’s face it, it’s easy. The idea is easy to follow, the writing is basic and the movies lack “deeper meaning” and “substance”. And please, don’t try to argue this. Just compare Twilight to any classical piece of literature or film at Cannes. But that’s exactly what I think is so appealing about the vampire craze. With so many distractions Twilight is a chance to turn off your mind for a little while, even if you do so subconsciously. But I urge Twilight addicts to spend less time on Facebook, watch fewer Youtube videos, spend less time texting and don’t spend all free time stressing about school and friends. That way, maybe next time you Team Edwards! feel like reading something or watching a movie, you might have extra willpower to focus on something a little more complex.Our Teen Press Corps will be telling us what Twilight makes them do all week long. Click here to read them all.Movies at the MuralSEATTLE CENTERSaturday, August 21st @ 9pm: TwilightSunday, August 22nd @ 9pm: The Twilight Saga: New MoonFree!

I'm impressed that you managed to link my affection for Cheetos to the national debt problem in such a short leap. Edward, my Cheetos and I all respectfully disagree, however.

If you're attitude about indulging because 'what the heck, why not?' is common, it's no wonder this country is in debt up to our eyeballs and undergoing an obesity epidemic of gastronomical proportions.Why not swipe that credit card and live beyond one's means? What's buying one more thing I can't afford going to matter?Why not keeping eating Cheetos? Learning to control my impulses is overrated. And hard. Why bother? Did I mention it's hard?You should hold yourself to higher standards than this. Otherwise you're likely to develop a compulsive snacking habit. Not to mention a general lack of self-control.

I'm a 17 year old guy and I read every book. I am (only slightly) ashamed to say that I was at the midnight release party for Breaking Dawn at my local Barnes and Noble. I saw Eclipse at midnight. I own a Spanish translation of Twilight. And while this might usually qualify one as a crazy fangirl, I don't think of myself as one. For me, Twilight is like Cheetos. They're not filling, they're light and fluffy, and you can eat them pretty mindlessly. You also know deep in your mind that in the long run, it's probably bad for you to have them, but hey, what's another hand full, right? So when someone brings up Twilight, especially when it's a big, fat, angry argument for or against it, I just kind of laugh. Love it or hate it, Twilight is pretty ridiculous when you look at it. But really, it's just mental junk food, either way. And really, a little more can't hurt you, right? Right. Our Teen Press Corps will be telling us what Twilight makes them do all week long. Click here to read them all. Movies at the Mural SEATTLE CENTER Saturday, August 21st @ 9pm: Twilight Sunday, August 22nd @ 9pm: The Twilight Saga: New Moon Free!

Despite the depressing title, we strongly recommend that you check out Bellevue Arts Museum's End of Summer (sad face) Bash (happy face!) The evening includes a performance by Hip Hop Handbook, a collaborative mural project with local graffiti artists, a DJ in the forum, a screening of the local mockumentary Senior Prom directed by Mountlake Terrace senior Nicholas Terry, live music by FringeShift, and MUCH MORE. Watch the Senior Prom trailer:Bellevue Arts Museum's Teen End of Summer BashSaturday, August 14th4 - 8 PMFREE for people ages 14 - 18More info at bellevuearts.org

I'd love to see more plays about the relationship between teenagers and their parents, at least in part. Such plays are not only about us as teens, but help our parents understand more about us -- some good ones like this that I've seen include Fences by August Wilson and Shakespeare's Henry IV. Speaking of Shakespeare, I also wouldn't mind seeing some of his plays with the teenaged characters actually played by teenagers -- Romeo and Juliet, for example. I've seen many talented teen actors here in Seattle, and I think it would add an interesting dynamic.

#1 in our "Twilight Makes Me" series, by Abbie B.I sat down in the dim movie theatre with a row of my girlfriends, eagerly anticipating the spectacle we were about to witness. We had devoured the books as quickly as our eyes could race across the pages, itching to discover the fate of Edward, Bella, and Jacob’s twisted love triangle. After months of discussion, weighing the merits of either love interest, trying to prove to ourselves that we were more alluring than that damsel-in-distress Bella, and convincing each other that maybe, just maybe, this world of ridiculously good-looking monsters did exist, just a couple hours up the highway. However, our expectations for this film series, which should have increased our rabid obsession, were tragically crushed with each cringe-worthy moment on screen. The weighty silences that last far too long to mean anything except “you make me feel truly uncomfortable, vampire/werewolf/human love interest,” the moments in which eye contact elevates to mind-reading/x-ray vision/lasers of death, and last, but certainly not least, Edward’s shimmering skin, reminiscent of my 2nd grade self-portrait after I smeared it with glitter-glue in a defiant moment of artistic rebellion. This sweeping tale of romance and danger, set in the lush Pacific Northwest, could have made for a spectacular film. That is, if it weren’t for the copious amounts of teen angst and awkwardness, each actor creating their own brand of uncomfortable, and each film angle a bit too close for comfort. Achieving the audience’s emotional attachment to characters in a film is an important and effective technique…except for when the audience feels more uncomfortable than they did at the first school dance, cringing in embarrassment for the characters.Our Teen Press Corps will be telling us what Twilight makes them do all week long. Click here to read them all.Movies at the MuralSEATTLE CENTERSaturday, August 21st @ 9pm: TwilightSunday, August 22nd @ 9pm: The Twilight Saga: New MoonFree!

As promised, here are some photos from our Teens-Only Night with the Young Americans' Theatre Company @ Polaroid Stories. Thanks to everyone who came out. We had a blast. Hope you did, too. (And thank you, YATC, for supplying the cupcakes and the righteous theatre.) There are even more photos up on our flickr.These are the faces of teen angstMore pictures on flickr

I'm hesitant to declare my opinion (once one votes on an online poll, there's no going back, of course). I would adore seeing more theatre about teenagers... as long as it's good theatre, of course. I've seen a few productions about teenagers magnificently fail, and "Sitting through a night of bad theatre about teenagers" is on the list of things I don't care to do again. Theatre about teenagers can flop in a way that I've never experienced with theatre about adults. If it's uncomfortable to watch a poorly-executed production about adults, it's almost painful to watch a poorly-executed production about teenagers. Why, though? What's the difference between stories about adults and stories about teens that causes the difference in reaction?I think it is that most productions about teenagers have an adult cast. (Please bear with me as I overgeneralize and take on a tone that may suggest that I am no longer a teenager... I'm fighting it, I swear.) Teenagers are at a strange, strange place, and I believe that's difficult to recreate onstage, especially for people who have moved on from this place. I think we experience things in a way that's completely different from the way adults do. Things are newer. We feel things pretty intensely, and sometimes our emotions and reactions seem irrational. An adult can have a fundamentally different emotional response than a teenager will have to a given situation, which may create an extreme challenge for an adult actor. It's easier to approach theatre about teenagers like one would approach theatre about adults... but it's incorrect. Teenagers' different-from-adult experience makes theatre about teenagers different from theatre about adults.On the other hand, when done well, theatre about teenagers is a unique, meaningful, and (arguably most importantly) believable experience. Because of the weird place that teenagers are in, theatre about teenagers is interesting. It invents an entirely new space for art--one which is as earnest as our experience is. Am I writing in circles? I think so. My point is, Teenagers ≠ Adults ; therefore, Theatre about Teenagers ≠ Theatre about Adults. And that's a good thing.I'd love to see more theatre about teenagers... but I want it to be good.