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In the summer of 2005, Cornerstone Institute Summer Residency took place in the small, neighboring towns of Grayson (pop 1000) and Westley (pop 800) in Stanislaus County, California.
For more statistical information about Grayson & Westley, visit
http://www.city-data.com/city/Westley-California.html and
http://www.city-data.com/city/Grayson-California.html
On July 9, 2005, the new United Community Center and Park formally opened
for use to the community of Westley, Grayson and Vernalis. The new
center offers classes and services to residents of all ages in the
three small towns. It's a terrific new location for families to
gather, kids to play and people of all ages to socialize and as well as
new skills.
July 10 through August 6, 2005 Cornerstone artists and staff, along
with 17 Institute students, collaborated with local residents to
produce a new, bi-lingual, musical play. Boda de Luna Nueva: New Moon
Wedding is Peter Howard's adaptation of Federico Garcia Lorca's Blood
Wedding.
Institute students and many of the Cornerstone staff lived on the
campus of Grayson School, using classrooms as shared bedrooms. The
cafeteria served as a rehearsal room and dining hall. Additional
classrooms served as classrooms for morning Institute classes, costume
and prop shops, and common areas. There are no existing showers on the
school campus so we built our own: 8 individual outdoor shower stalls
custom designed with amenities including solar heated water, to best
enjoy the unique experience.
Meals were prepared (in two kitchens on the school campus) by three
hired cooks- one a local resident who specializes in vegetarian dishes,
and two of whom are well versed in Mexican specialties. We also were
treated to a variety of other Epicurean treats by many Guest Cooks.
The opportunity to live, rehearse and study on the Grayson School
campus was an invaluable show of support from Mr. Patrick Sweeney, the
Superintendent of the Patterson School District, Kevin Cunningham, the
School District's Facilities Manager and the staff at Grayson School-
particularly Principal Arturo Duran.
The play was performed outdoors on the basketball courts at the United
Community Center and Park. Approximately 60 people auditioned for the
play, and the final cast of 48 included 35 community members and 10
Institute students. At least 10 community members also served as crew
for the performances. The three performances were more than sold out
and each night began with a festive raffle of door prizes donated by
area merchants and friends.
While working on the production of Boda de Luna Nueva: New Moon
Wedding, Cornerstone Institute students also participated in classroom
study. In addition to Cornerstone methodology, the curriculum included
a unique workshop course led by Peter DiMuro, Artistic Director of Liz
Lerman Dance Exchange, a professional, community-based dance company.
In 2005, the 17 Institute students ranged in age this year from 18 to
35. They joined us from all over the country (New York, Pennsylvania,
Minnesota, Indiana, Arizona, Massachusetts & all over California),
from Singapore (by way of Australia), Romania and Mexico. They
included undergrad, graduate and graduating students of theater,
education, anthropology, sociology, Latin American studies, and
communications. One is a professional journalist, many are working
theater artists. Many are activists for social justice.
Graduates from both Institute Summer Residencies (2004 & 2005) are
available and excited to talk with individuals about their experiences
with Cornerstone and about how it continues to enrich their current
lives and careers. For an introduction and contact information,
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Paula Donnelly
Institute Director
Cornerstone Theater Company
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