Members of the Youth Empowerment Performance Project (YEPP) debut an original work called “FACES” at the Free Street Theatre on Thursday, June 12. The goal of YEPP is to provide a safe environment for homeless LGBTQ youth to explore their stories and celebrate their empowerment through the process of creating a performance piece. Their latest show looks at the different faces that society attributes to the ensemble members, juxtaposed with the faces they strive to present for themselves. More: Q & A with Executive Artistic Director Bonsai Bermudez.

Kahari Gaiter puts finishing touches on his costume prior to the Youth Empowerment Performance Project’s debut of FACES at the Free Street Theatre on Thursday, June 12, 2014. [Photo by Michelle Kanaar]
Gregory Slater writes his story on the chalkboard before the show opens. According to the program, “FACES” examines “the different faces that society and systems have defined for the ensemble members versus the different faces they strive to build and present for themselves.” [Photo by Michelle Kanaar]
Ahniyha Johnson sits in the dressing room prior to the show’s debut at the Free Street Theatre on Thursday, June 12. [Photo by Michelle Kanaar]
Executive Artistic Director Bonsai Bermudez coaches ensemble members during the final dress rehearsal. “‘FACES’ brings the opportunity for the audience to reflect and create consciousness about street-based queer youth experiences and create a safe space for community healing.” [Photo by Michelle Kanaar]
Executive Artistic Director Bonsai Bermudez fills in for one of the ensemble members during the final dress rehearsal. [Photo by Michelle Kanaar]
Lola Monroe performs her piece as part of the Youth Empowerment Performance Project’s debut of FACES at the Free Street Theatre on Thursday, June 12. [Photo by Michelle Kanaar]
Lola Monroe looks over her script backstage. [Photo by Michelle Kanaar]
Members of the Youth Empowerment Performance Project, from left, Gregory Slater, Kahari Gaiter, and Executive Artistic Directo Bonsai Bermudez, circle up before opening curtain. [Photo by Michelle Kanaar]
Zanariah Phillips performs her piece during the debut of “FACES” at the Free Street Theatre. [Photo by Michelle Kanaar]