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The final week of the Artsbridge project began with a technical
rehearsal to add lighting and sound cues to highlight and enhance each
scene. The ensemble stayed patient and focused throughout the process.
Students committed to evening rehearsals to put the final touches on
their piece—adding costumes, props, etc.
On the evening of Wednesday April 20, 2005, IT IS
OKAY TO BE ME premiered
on the WPSD stage. The performance was attended by family, friends, and
members of the community. The response to the piece was extremely positive.
Audience members commented not only the growth and confidence of individual
students, but how the issue of difference was addressed in each scene,
and the overall message of the piece. Following the performance, students
were the guests of honor at a reception where they accepted congratulations,
and answered questions about the play-building process.
On Thursday April 21, 2005, the students performed their piece for WPSD
students, faculty and staff, as well as staff members from City Theatre
and Quest. Following the performance, the students facilitated a brief
discussion with their peers—answering questions about the performance
and the way in which it was created.
Following the performance, students and Artsbridge staff came together
for a pizza lunch and were able to share their impressions and reactions
about the project. Several students expressed the interest to continue
participating in these types of experiences—both at WPSD and beyond.
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Quest’s Tim McCarty
talks with students following the performance.
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Student ensemble members pose
together at the post-show reception. |
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The ensemble of IT
IS OKAY TO BE ME with Monique
Holt (Quest) and Diane Nutting (City Theatre)
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The Artsbridge staff from WPSD, Quest, and City Theatre are extremely
proud of these students. Every member of the ensemble overcame personal
obstacles and grew as a person and an artist—ultimately achieving
the goals they had set for themselves almost three months ago. Perhaps
even more significant was the growth of the ensemble. The group overcame
challenges as they increased their respect and support of each other.
They became stronger artists—and recognized the gifts that they
each brought to the project.
Theatre is indeed power. What a thrill to see these young people experience
and embrace this power, and accept the responsibility that accompanies
that power.
Read an excerpt below from the playbill of the performance
About the Show
IT IS OK TO BE ME is an original production that was created by the twelve
students you will see performing in the piece. After sharing our experiences,
we decided to explore the sameness and differences between people in
their appearance, fait, values, desires, dreams and hopes—while
learning how to become comfortable in our own skin. We’ve learned
that being different can sometimes be scary, but that it can also make
us stronger; and that each of us has individual strengths and weaknesses
that we bring to this world. Susan Polis Shutz’s poem sums up our
piece beautifully. We thank you for coming, and we invite you to celebrate
difference in your own life. We hope you enjoy the show.
Introduction from One World, One Heart
By Susan Polis Schutz
We all hear the same sounds. We look up and see the same sky. We cry the
same tears. Our feelings and emotions are the same. All mothers are sisters.
All fathers are brothers. All children are one.
Yet there is hate. There is violence. There is intolerance. There is
confusion among people. We don’t try hard enough to understand each other.
We don’t seem to realize that we all have the same basic needs, no matter
who
we are or what part of the world we come from.
We must understand the differences among us and celebrate the sameness. We must
make the world a place where love and friendship dominate our hearts. Equality,
respect, compassion and kindness must guide our actions. Only then will we all
be able to peacefully and lovingly live the life we each choose.
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