Please accept this invitation to our upcoming production of Stand and Deliver , the play based on the 1988 award winning film still considered the "Rocky" of educational films. It tells the true story of a group of inner city students from Garfield High School in East Los Angeles who work to prove the skeptics wrong. It also features the relentless pursuit of their new teacher Jamie Escalante from Bolivia. His quirky sense of humor and odd teaching methods coupled with his determination to disrupt the status quo ends up saving students from becoming victims of a failed system and an ill-funded school where gangs, drugs, and dropouts are sadly the norm. In 14 days I will proudly be sharing the stage with my students and fellow actors as I portray the role of Jaime Escalante. The role was originally made famous by Edward James Olmos, who played Escalante in the movie and was later nominated for an Academy Award for his performance.
Although nearly 30 years old, Stand and Deliver is still very much relevant to the many pressing issues currently facing schools, communities, and our country. Anyone who believes in the power of possibility and the limitless pursuit of happiness will enjoy this story. It's a show for the supporters of education and for those who desire to the keep the artistry in the teaching profession. It's a show for the doers and dreamers, the underdogs and the underprivileged. It is for those who have fallen victim to broken systems full of arrogance, ignorance, and a lack of opportunity yet still somehow found a way to beat the odds and persevere. It is for the change agents and the workers whose work is not defined by a clock on the wall but rather when the work gets done..
As the future of education remains up in the air and those in the profession who seem to be under constant scrutiny it is vital to have hope. Stand and Deliver provides just that, a bit of much needed hope in a country clearly divided, This urban tale speaks directly to the heart. It is an emotionally packed roller-coaster that speaks the common language we all share regardless of our differences, that of laughter, tears, and love. Please stand and deliver by helping us in working together to create a tomorrow that serves the needs of all students.
Please consider celebrating the teaching profession with us while escaping the chaos and see for yourself how a group of caring students and passionate teacher are striving together to take a step in the right direction.
Shows are Feb. 15, 16, 17, and 18 at 7:00 p.m. and Feb. 19 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students. *Tickets for the show go on sale this week. For ticket request please email actasiftheatre@gmail.com or simply reply to this email
This show is PG-13 however, it is hopeful, relevant, and heartwarming. Please help us in promoting the show and by continuing your efforts to create positive cultures where diversity is warmly embraced and inclusion and respect the norm.
Note: There will be a post show discussion following each performance discussing issues of diversity, inclusion, and understanding. Discussions will also address the ways in which all stakeholders can work together to better utilize the talent of our youth while at the same time creating and supporting psychologically safe learning environments and collaborative ecosystems of learning where everyone can thrive.
"Being different is the one thing we all have in common" - Jeff Croley