[StBernard] Press Release - Voices of Louisiana

[Westley Annis]

The Voices Foundation tours "The Voices of Louisiana" 
 
 
TheVoices Foundation will present, "The Voices From Louisiana," an
educational tour aimed at increasing public awareness of the history, the
contributions, and hardships of Louisiana.  Written by Arabi playwright,
Barry Lemoine, the production includes original stories from hurricane
survivors, putting faces to the tragedy.  The production will also highlight
the importance of Louisiana in American History, emphasizing the The
Louisiana Purchase, and the significance of  acquiring New Orleans.  
  
This tour will be conducted by a group of actors that has worked together on
a number of school and community projects in the past. This project will be
the first production for this ensemble.   The troupe includes Barry Lemoine,
Rose Marie Sand, Shannon Gildea, Christian Bordelon, Will Schneider, Tom
Hassinger, and Katie Betz. This troupe has come together with a common
intention, serving as ambassadors, educating the public through performance.
 
The tour is scheduled to begin August 20, 2006 and will end the first week
of November 2006. The Voices From Louisiana tour will visit 12 states in 12
weeks covering Louisiana Purchase territory including Oklahoma and Kansas
(August 21 - September 4), Colorado (September 4-10), Nebraska (September
11-17), South Dakota (September 18-24), Montana (September 25 to October1),
North Dakota (October 2 - 8), Minnesota (October 9-15), Iowa (October
16-22), Missouri (October 23-29), and Arkansas (October 30 to November 5).
The tour will be open to but not limited to elementary, middle, and high
schools, universities, festivals, and repertory and community theatres.
The tour will also reach some of the 100 Best Communities for Young People
as chosen by America's Promise - The Alliance For Youth.
 
"The aim in presenting The Voices From Louisiana to communities across
America, is to create public awareness and to educate them about issues that
affect Louisiana and the nation," said Voices Board member and Secretary,
Shannon Gildea.

 
In preparation for this activity ensemble members are researching the states
involved in the tour, while rehearsing twice weekly.  As the activity
approaches, daily rehearsals will be held and weekly meetings will be
conducted.  During the 12 weeks of the scheduled activity, time each day
will be spent achieving the expressed purpose of The Voices Foundation
sharing and gathering stories.  The Voices Foundation means to network with
other community leaders and citizens, gathering local culture, and
documenting these stories through a theatrical exchange.  
 
The tour will be funded by donations only and any proceeds will be allocated
to helping the Foundation achieve its educational purpose.  
 
The Voices Foundation does not operate under any other name; to support our
narrative description of activities, call Barry Lemoine at 504.301.8770 or
Rose Marie Sand at 504.666.1220.