FREE WORKSHOP - WorkersTEATRO: Applying Theater to the Fight for Workers’ Rights (& Tools for Engaging Dialogues)

 

Fox Valley Folklore Society will host a presentation and interactive workshop led by award-winning storyteller and arts educator Jasmin Cárdenas. Step into a dynamic, hands-on experience with WorkersTEATRO—where movement, stories, and real-life moments come together in an engaging and unexpectedly fun way.

 

Jasmin Cárdenas is a first-generation American who is passionate about connecting with people and advocating for workers’ rights. As the proud daughter of Colombian immigrants, she navigates two worlds, facilitating in both English and Spanish.

 

Jasmin will share stories of successful changes in Illinois labor practices as an illustration of how Teatro techniques can be used to strengthen communication skills, open discussions and address complex issues. She uses storytelling and play to create spaces where people can listen, connect, and spark change.

 

This program is open to the public and is especially relevant for nonprofit and community leaders, educators, and individuals interested in using creative arts to enhance conversations, programs, and community engagement, as well as individuals in music, storytelling and theater arts.

 

The workshop, WorkersTEATRO: Applying Theater to the Fight for Workers’ Rights, is a three-hour program that includes:

- A 90-minute Road Scholars presentation featuring storytelling, technique instruction, practice, and Q&A

- An additional 60-minute interactive workshop for deeper exploration and discussion

 

Participants are encouraged to attend the full program but may choose to attend only the 90-minute Road Scholars portion. Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing suitable for movement.

Date: May 17, 2026

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (doors open at 9 a.m.)

Location: Tobias Music, 5013 Fairview Ave, Downers Grove, IL (parking available)

Admission: Free (Pre-registration recommended; space is limited)

(Walk-ins welcome if space is available)

 

For more information and registration, visit https://www.fvfs.org/workersteatro or contact storytelling@fvfs.org.

 

Contact: Marie Ringenberg

Email: storytelling@fvfs.org

Website: https://www.fvfs.org/workersteatro

 

This event is co-presented by the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau. Road Scholar speakers travel throughout Illinois sharing free, dynamic presentations about literature, philosophy, theater, local history, film, music, politics, and more, at no cost to host organizations. The program enables local nonprofit organizations to present free-admission cultural programs to their communities.

 

The Fox Valley Folklore Society (FVFS), now in its 50th year, is a vibrant, all-volunteer 501(c)(3) organization that preserves, presents, and advances traditional, contemporary, and emerging folk music, dance, storytelling, and performance arts. Founded in 1975, we offer over 100 participatory programs and educational workshops annually, which bring attendees, artists, and audiences together to share traditions, explore cultural histories, and strengthen community through shared creative experiences.

 

Illinois Humanities is a statewide nonprofit organization that activates the humanities through free public programs, grants, and educational opportunities that spark conversation, foster reflection, build community, and strengthen civic engagement for everyone in Illinois. Founded in 1974, we are the state partner for the National Endowment for the Humanities and are supported by state, federal, and private funds. Stay connected with Illinois Humanities on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn @ILHumanities.