Joshua Tree Tortoise Telegraph, August 2016

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Three Wishes granted this summer

In this issue: jesika von rabbit has friends in low places—and everywhere else

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ummer brings not only debilitating heat and desperate longings for road trips to the beach, but it’s also the time for summer youth theater programs across the hi-desert. We’re blessed with two exceptional opportunities every summer for our area’s kids to get their actor on and participate in theater productions, no matter their age. Joshua Tree’s Hi-Desert Cultural Center’s Summer Youth Theater produced Shrek the Musical Jr. (Was there a senior?), while Theatre 29’s Summer Youth Theater Program featured Disney’s Aladdin Jr. Evidently, Disney Jr. owns youth theater. Both programs concluded in August with every performance sold out. The Theatre 29 program, which ran Mondays through Fridays for five weeks, saw more than 80 young and adult volunteers participate, with two groups of 32 kids each in two age groups. Students were given instruction in various facets of live theater production, from the audition process and rehearsal cycle, and costuming, to an all-day makeup lesson with a professional makeup artist, music, choreography, and theater etiquette, which all culminated in a series of performances. “Through this remarkable program, Theatre 29 is making a real impact on the lives of the children involved,” a theatre spokesperson noted. “We are not training performers; we are training audiences. After these kids have experienced all of the effort that it takes to mount a play, they will appreciate, and in many cases, participate in, the live arts for the rest of their lives.” “All I can say is that I was in TEARS!,” wrote one happy grandma (it is our firm opinion all grandmas should be happy—they’ve earned it). “Both from laughing and just being overwhelmed by the emotion that these cast of kids were able to evoke! Everyone did an amazing job!

My granddaughter was in this and I saw a change in her spirit and self-esteem as she began rehearsing. What an amazing program for the young people of our desert! THANK YOU! to all of the hard working folks that help put these on!” “I know my son will never forget being a part of the plays that the volunteers work so hard on and spend so much of their personal time on,” noted the father of one of Theatre 29’s participants. “I know it takes many people and I am grateful for all of them and just want to say thank you and I appreciate you and all you do; you have made a difference in my son’s life.” Theatre 29’s program was supported by grants from the City of Twentynine Palms and U.S. Bank. The organization, which, according to GuideStar recently had its tax exempt status revoked for not filing the proper paperwork for the past three years (but should see that remedied in the near future), is preparing for a new production, The Secret Garden, The Musical (no Jr.), which opens August 26, and plans to announce its 2017 season at a special event from 5 to 7 p.m., September 15 at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center. Meanwhile, over in Joshua Tree, the Hi-Desert Cultural Center’s program under the tutelage of director Howard Shangraw and Nelms McKelvain, kids from grades three through 12 put in the hard work and dedication necessary to pull off a successful theatrical production. The Tortoise would like to congratulate all the students, adult volunteers, instructors, organizers, sponsors, and supporters of these superb programs for our youth! Thank you! Have a hi-desert photo or story you’d like to share with our readers? Send it to us at: tortoisetelegraph@gmail. The Tortoise would love to hear from you!

the spiritual journey of Bhakti/Shakti fest founder sridhar silberfein

Death Valley Jim takes us to explore barry storm’s alien jade mine

help stop vandalism and theft in our national parks - put the national park service tipline number in your cell phone: 888-653-0009 Stay in touch with the Tortoise! www.jttortoisetelegraph.com

keep it real. happy 100th birthday national parks! 1


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