“TO MY NINTH GRADE SELF” FINAL PERFORMANCES August 22

-Courtesy photos

The opening night of “To My Ninth Grade Self” was sold out! If you missed last weekend’s performances, there will be three more this weekend! The dedicated team of Azusa Renaissance Theater (ART) and the actors are getting rave reviews. People are saying that they relate to the story in various ways. A must see! The first performance will be Friday, August 22nd at 7:30pm, followed by performances at 3:00 and 7:30pm on the 23rd. Tickets range from $8 to $12.

This play, “To My Ninth Grade Self” is the product of a year’s work that began with story circles in Azusa. It focuses on some of the issues that are affecting Azusans most. Since the non-profit merged with the Center for Diversity and Reconciliation (C.E.D.A.R) in 2010, AR’s goal has been to cross lines of differences in the community through the arts. During the story circles, ART and Azusans discussed the importance of sharing one’s story. Helen Jaramillo, Azusa school board member and strong supporter of Azusa Renaissance Theater, believes that “by sharing our stories we allow personal connections to take place and bring us together.”

This is the theater’s second full-length production, and the first one that is completely original. According to ART’s Director, Mikael Taylor, “We are pleased to present this fun and heartwarming play with the hope that it will inspire discussion and stimulate everyone to seek out and participate in the arts.”

The play tells the story of Alexa as she copes with the stresses of high school, home life, and what comes after graduation. It deals with the issues of education, gender identity, and the importance of telling one’s story. The cast is comprised of both professional actors and new, local talent. ART’s team is very excited to showcase their hard work and commitment to the community.

For more information and tickets contact Mikael Taylor at azusatheater@gmail.com or visit Azusa Renaissance’s website at azusatheater.com.

More from Arts