Barrel of Monkeys

Barrel of Monkeys (BOM) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in its 20th year. We provide arts education programs to students aged 7-13 throughout Chicago, focused on storytelling, theater, and social-emotional skills. 

Our objectives are:

• to teach fundamental creative writing skills;
• to provide consistent and nurturing attention to each student over a sustained period of time ;
• to build each student’s confidence in self-expression, self-esteem, and writing skills;
• to perform high quality, professional theater to the students we serve and the broader community; and
• to form lasting partnerships.

Our Mission

Barrel of Monkeys (BOM) is an ensemble of actor/educators who create an alternative learning environment in which children share their personal voices and celebrate the power of their imaginations. BOM accomplishes this through creative writing workshops and in-school performances of children’s stories. BOM also engages the broader community in support of the visions of children through public performances of their work.