Laramie Project News: Community Interact Group

Hello All Actors' Mission:

Here's an update on recent The Laramie Project happenings.

Community Interact Group

Kayne Pyatt, a colleague of mine from my WWCC days and one of the most enlightened ladies around, has agreed to spearhead the Community Interact Group. This is the group that will provide the educational component to go with our production. We met tonight to brainstorm, come up with a plan of action, and begin the process.

We will be organizing several educational events that will go with our performances. Here is the tentative list.

For sure:
Following performances on Thursday and Friday, we will be conducting a discussion similar to what Chris Plant used to do in the early days of Actors' Mission. After a brief talk, Kayne will conduct a Q&A session, which will hopefully result in a general discussion. An "open mike" will be part of this event, and audience and cast will have an opportunity to voice their reactions to the performance.

Also, for sure:
Following performances on Saturday and Sunday, there will be be a panel discussion featuring community members and Actors' Mission folk. We will be in the process of seeking volunteers for this group, Kayne from the community and myself from Actors' Mission. Please let me know if you would like to be on this panel. This will be a more formal presentation but Q&A and "open mike" will also be a part of it.

Not for sure, but probable:
A member of the Community Interact Group will either write a newspaper article or letter to the editor concerning the themes and ideas in The Laramie Project. The letter will be submitted to the Rocket Miner for publication the week of September 14-20.

A long shot, but still possible:
The group will make inquiries to the Matthew Shepard Foundation. We would like to invite a speaker from that group. If our quiries are successful, we would plan a separate event for a related talk.

Need volunteers for the Community Interact Group!

I need some Actors' MIssion people to volunteer to be on the Community Interact Group. I have some individuals in mind to ask, but, if you are interested, please let me know. There will be two meetings of this group: Monday, August 4 at 7 PM and Tuesday, August 19. The place hasn't been determined, but it will likely be either my house or Kayne's.

Viewing of Movie "The Laramie Project"

Thanks to those of you who showed up for the movie yesterday. I may have an additional showing after the play is cast. It is such a pleasure to view the movie in our space at the Elks with friends.

G (Dave Gutierrez)