Set It Up screens first episode at 2012 Open House

The Set It Up crew took over the SPNN Access Center on Tuesday night to host the 2012 Set It Up Open House and screen the first episode of the 2011-2012 season. A crowd of about 40 friends, SPNN staff, family members, and community partners came to enjoy the show, which highlighted unique teen perspectives on a variety of topics, including art, hobbies, education, and food. 

The celebration began with food and fellowship, courtesty of Wilbur's Sandwiches. Then, after a few words from Executive Director Mike Wassenaar and Youth Director Nicola Pine, it was time for the episode to commence. There were segments about everything from the art of skateboarding to one crew member's experience of not eating meat for a week. Each producer experimented with new styles in their pieces, using techniques like stop motion, animation, and even puppetry. Afterwords, the youth took some time to talk about their creative processes as a group and answer some questions from audience, followed by a celebratory camera cake from Jurabek's bakery.  

In addition to producing their segments, Set It Up participants learned event planning skills while organizing the screening. Knowing how to put together a screening is a big part of being a professional in the media industry, and each year, SPNN Youth programs staff prepare the crew by having them take part in much of the event planning. They youth ensure that the event is fun, professional, and representative of their viewpoints. This year, the crew designed and colored a giant Set It Up mural that guests could have their picture taken in front of after the screening. The youth also helped set up the studio, the access lounge, and served as MCs. 

We're extremely proud of this year's crew and the excellent screening they put on. If you missed the live screening, you can also catch the first episode of the 2011-2012 season on Mondays in February from 7-8pm (CST) on SPNN YTV Channel 16 (St. Paul Comcast Cable) and on the youth watch page next week.