Students with the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission Go Off-Broadway to Learn about Producing and Performing and to Hear Toxic Audio

NEW YORK - Approximately 150 youths under the supervision of the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC) will get a lesson in producing and performing Off-Broadway on Wednesday, April 28 at 1 p.m. at The John Houseman Theater Center (450 West 42nd Street between 9th & 10th Avenues). The juveniles will participate in a lecture and Q&A with producer Eric Krebs and members of TOXIC AUDIO, a music and comedy quintet that recreates the sounds of an entire onstage band using only their voices.

The students attending the performance are with the Juvenile Justice Commission's Residential Community Programs, which house youth adjudicated by the family court system and work with them to develop coping and life skills that help them return home as successful members of their communities.

"The New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission strives to open new doors for young people through non-traditional educational opportunities in addition to a standard core curriculum. By exposing students to the arts and various cultural and vocational opportunities, we hope to spark the type of thinking and behaviors that will empower them to take charge of their lives in positive ways," says Howard L. Beyer, Executive Director of the JJC.

Producer Eric Krebs adds, "I am always excited to be able to give a block of seats to young people for a live Off-Broadway show. The arts can have a powerful effect on troubled or neglected young people, and give them the sense there's a bigger world with greater possibilities than they have experienced." Krebs, who is a professor of theater at Baruch College, City University of New York, is a New Jersey resident. He has produced both on and Off-Broadway and is the artistic director of The John Houseman Theater. Shows that have played at The John Houseman Theater Center include the Pulitzer Award-winning "Driving Miss Daisy," the Obie Award-winning "All In The Timing" and the current resident, TOXIC AUDIO in LOUDMOUTH.

The New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC) is the State agency responsible for providing juvenile rehabilitation and parole services. The JJC serves to coordinate services and policies effecting delinquent youth throughout the State. From prevention to parole, the JJC is a partner in the entire juvenile justice system working to help redirect the lives of young people.

State Law protects the confidentiality rights of juveniles. Consent has been obtained to allow certain juveniles to speak with members of the press. Photographs where juveniles can be identified are strictly prohibited. Reporters are welcome to interview the selected juveniles at the conclusion of the education segment, and again, at the conclusion of the play.

If you require access to the sound board, please contact Terence Womble in advance at 212-967-7079.

For more information on the JJC, please visit www.njjjc.com