Xcel Launches 2nd Center: The Xcel Theater

125 teens celebrate "The Launch" of YW8-2-XL

Xcel's vision to open a second facility for teens materialized on October 24, 2002, with "The Launch," the grand opening of the Xcel Theater.

The Theater is a collaboration with Abounding Grace Ministries and offers an opportunity to adapt Xcel's "by youth for youth" outreach model to a faith-based context.

The program occupies 3,000 square feet of newly refurbished space in an historic East Village building. Renovations totaling $125,000 were completed in October including: restoring and painting the walls and ceiling; replacing the roof; constructing a balcony, stage, closets, and lounge area; and upgrading the electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, lighting, and sound systems. The centerpiece of the room is Transformations, a mural by artist Greg King commissioned specifically for the theater.

Joining Xcel for The Launch were numerous youth service partners and friends. They enjoyed a flavorful program featuring in-house and visiting talent, and a keynote challenge by Matt Stevens, a youth specialist from Baltimore.

The Theater will debut a high school after school curriculum in Fall 2003.

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For more on Transformations, the YW8-2-XL mural, go here.
For pictures of the YW8-2-XL space before renovations, go here.