Theatrical Event: Our Voices Our Stories
Our VOICES Our
STORIES
Location: West LA College
Black Box Theater
9000 Overland Ave. Culver City
Date and Time: February 5 2017 @ 3pm
Please park in Lot 3
Make your donation before, during or after the show
BELOW
(suggested $10 or any amount)
To RSVP [email protected]
Mission
West Los Angeles College, The Strindberg Laboratory, and FACT-‐ Family, Adult & Child Therapies joined in partnership to provide academic and professional theatrical instruction designed to empower, educate, and celebrate young adults with special needs. Through this unique experience, students stepped outside of their regular routines and into a collaborative, creative space where they were encouraged to express their needs and interests, explore unknown territories, and build confidence.
The performance is supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Arts Commission.
The Acting Class
(from Professor Barcos:) Acting is more than learning how to create a character; it’s about discovering your true identity. In class, my goal is to help students reach their full potential as artists by guiding them to discover the ultimate truth in expressing the human spirit.
Students learn to free their imagination, stimulate their intellect and find the expressive possibilities of their instrument. Each person brings their unique history to class and I work to develop the authentic potential in everyone. I create an ensemble, a safe environment where the students have the freedom to open up their senses, listen to and trust their instincts so they can become alive and vibrant artists living moment to moment on stage. In my class I challenge my students to find their voice and give birth to new artistic forms in redefining theatre.
Auto-‐Drama
An auto-‐drama is an autobiographical portrayal of a person’s life, which empowers the artist to create characters and connect on a deep level to their emotions, igniting a powerful, performance on stage. It is a chance to live through a life defining moment, celebrating their truth, and humanity. These students have been on an amazing journey where they have learned to live into their potential, take risks and embrace their fears. Each student has written and developed their own show. They have learned to gain confidence walking in the path of a hero, warrior, and poet, celebrating each other’s strengths. We have created an ensemble of trust and love. We are so proud to be part of their journey honoring their unique, powerful voices.
-‐ Professor Carolina Barcos
OUR VOICES, OUR STORIES
Order of Show
A Flame’s Destiny by Ashley Kelly
The DJ Kharlo and Lucky Show by Kharlo Alvarado
Never Say Never by Kelsey Gibson
Don’t Give Up on Your Dreams by Joshua Fontelera
Sal’s Plush Family by Salvador Garcia Herrera
Peace on Earth by Carlos Benitez
The Man of Many Hats by Thomas Daroca
10-‐minute intermission
The Sky is the Limit by Willie Jones
The Dreamer by Joseph Christensen
Guelavia by Efrain Platas
STAFF AND FACULTY BIOS
Steve Amezcua is a direct support professional for FACT’s GAP & Tailored Services at West Los Angeles College. Throughout this process he has supported all actors in implementing memorization techniques and creating original props. Steve is honored to be making his debut as a stage coordinator. He is proud of what GAP and Tailored Services students have accomplished and can’t wait for the show to begin!
Carolina Barcos is an actor, director, producer and professor of theatre in Los Angeles. She received her M.F.A. in Acting from UCLA and her B.A. in English from Skidmore College and trained at Circle in the Square in New York City. She is a strong advocate of theatre and the co-‐founder of Big Dog Little Dog Productions, a not-‐for-‐profit theatre company designed to provide culture, education, entertainment and support for young artists in the Los Angeles community. She has performed in over 50 plays in Los Angeles and New York City. She received critical acclaim for playing the role of Beth in A Lie of the Mind, by Sam Shepard. Her recent film credits include Exquisite Continent directed by Stephen Gyllenhaal, Send, Got Papers and The Music Box. Carolina has taught at NYU, UCLA, AADA, West Los Angeles College, Antelope Valley College, CAP 21, Cal State Northridge and the Power House Theatre. She would like to thank F.A.C.T., Strindberg, and West LA College for this beautiful collaboration and she is thankful for these gifted students who trusted her with their truth and powerful stories.
Lucky Bradshaw graduated from California State University of Long Beach. Had the pleasure of working with an amazing team that included Carolina, Elizabeth, Henry, Letty, Steve, and Jasmine along with the rest of the class. Kharlo and Lucky spend time doing homework and exploring the different parts of Los Angeles. Lucky spends his free time staying active by breakdancing, doing yoga, and lifting.
Elizabeth Malone is a teaching artist with Strindberg Laboratory Theatre. She received her BFA in Drama from NYU and MFA in Acting from Columbia University in NYC. She co-‐directed the students’ shows, led warm-‐ups and theater games throughout the process, setup and ran the lighting, and was a part of an incredible team that helped the students stay strong during the creative and challenging process of making theater. She is currently working as a Drama Therapist Intern with Reasons Eating Disorder Center and with Strindberg Laboratory Theatre on this class and production as well as teaching and directing theater with Five Keys Charter School, LA Mission, and the California State Prison.
Henry Nunez – Henry is a 35-‐year-‐old in love with everything about theater. He fell in love with theater when he was a junior in high school. He feels so blessed and grateful to be a part of this show. He believes that we all have an artistic side to us and it is an amazing feeling when we are given the space and time to express this creative side.
Meri Pakarinen is the Artistic Director of The Strindberg Laboratory. She received her theatrical training abroad, in London, Italy, and in the US. She has her MA from Helsinki University. She has worked extensively in film and theatre. Her film credits include “We are the Five Friends,” “Alhola,” and “Victory.” Her most recent theatre credits include Strindberg’s “Miss Julie,” “The Stronger,” Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya,” and her one woman shows “Helene Schjerfbeck,” “Lola Lola,” and “Elli Tompuri” which she has performed across the globe. Before moving to LA she was the director of workshops for adults and children in Helsinki Educational Board. For the past three years, she has been working on the Strindberg Laboratory projects here in Los Angeles with her husband Michael Bierman. She directed the last productions of “Hustlin,” “The Birds,” and “Redemption in our State of Blues,” with Michael Bierman. She is also finishing directing the documentary “Hustlin, Take 2 on Life,” about the making of the production “Hustlin.” Her last collaboration with FACT Family resulted in the production of the original play “Daroca’s Curious Journey,” which she directed.
Heiry Perez is FACT’s Generating All Possibilities (GAP) & Tailored Services Coordinator at West Los Angeles College. She is delighted to be making her behind-‐the-‐scenes managing debut for this wonderful collaboration and performance. Heiry is most proud of the way all of the students were able to share a piece of themselves and welcome the audience into their worlds.
Leticia Perez is a direct support professional for FACT’s GAP & Tailored Services at West LA College. She is excited to be making her debut as an editor and backstage coordinator for this production. Her role was invaluable through this project, as she was entirely responsible for recording and editing all scripts along with supporting actors in managing time and stress. She worked closely with both students and producers and served as creative support from beginning to end.
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