News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Craig Shafer
(805) 928-7731, ext. 4100
publicity@pcpa.org 

February 2009

**Editors, call for the latest touring schedule if you would like to
meet the cast at one of their performance locations.**

PCPA Theaterfest Education and Outreach Tour is in full swing

This year’s Education and Outreach Tour includes two originally adapted theatre pieces designed to travel to schools from Ventura to Paso Robles bringing live theatre to students from grades K – 12.

The response this season has been remarkable; particularly for Island of the Blue Dolphins. PCPA Education and Outreach Director Leo Cortez wrote the adaptation that’s based on the beloved book which has been part of the 4th grade reading curriculum since the late 1960s.

“It’s rare for the estate of Scott O’Dell to extend the adaptation rights to his award winning book.” Cortez said, adding, “After nine years of trying to secure rights, imagine how thrilled and delighted we were when we received the approval for this season’s tour.” The Outreach Director said that all parties involved – teachers, students and the actors – have all commented on how rewarding this theatre experience has been.

The story is based on the real adventures of a young girl who was stranded on San Nicholas Island – known as the Island of the Blue Dolphins. The play involves the use of puppetry to tell the tale of her 5 years of survival with only the island's animals for companionship. The actors assume the roles of multiple animals through the course of the story. Island of the Blue Dolphins is suitable for grades K-10 and will tour through May 16, 2009.

Also touring schools throughout the Central Coast is another original PCPA adaptation, The Circuit. This biographical novella by Francisco Jimenez has become an important part of Santa Maria history.
“It reflects a portrait that is shared by hundreds of residents in our community.” Cortez said that the story produces a strong emotional reaction, “Especially with those children who are currently living in the family of migrant farm workers.”

Jimenez wrote about growing up just outside of Santa Maria as his parents tried to build a better life for their family and traveled from one labor camp to the next along the “circuit.”

This theatrical adaptation explores themes of migrant field workers, language barriers, acceptance, and individuality. It’s suitable for grades 2-12 and will be on tour until May 16, 2009

The PCPA Education and Outreach tour is presented by PCPA’s acting interns who also appear in PCPA’s mainstage productions. Touring plays are adaptable for multipurpose rooms, libraries, or auditoriums. Post-performance discussions with the actors are offered with every show.

The Education and Outreach Tour has been a commitment of PCPA Theaterfest since 1964, and currently brings the performing arts to over 20,000 students each year. 

For booking information contact the Education and Outreach office at (805) 928-7731 ext. 3156 or e-mail pcpaoutreach@pcpa.org.