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By: Andrew Mitchell - News Editor
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Thursday, December 07, 2006 |
Schoolchildren from around San Joaquin County had the opportunity last week to view a professionally presented theatrical production. And neither they nor their parents had to spend a dime.
Members of the Actors’ Equity Association from the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. performed the play “Willy Wonka ”eight times last week in Faye Spanos Concert Hall. The Imagination Celebration tour, on a western swing through the states, amazed students with the performance of the story Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl.
 The purpose of these events, given for schoolchildren throughout the country, is to enrich children’s lives through theatre, according to Cathy Dodson, the executive director of Advancement Services and Development Research for Pacific.
“For some of them, it’s the only time they get to see a national caliber theatre production,” she said.
Not only do children benefit from this, but it fundraised for two programs associated with the university.
The Dewey Chambers Literacy Center, which is a literacy outreach program associated with the Benard School of Education, and the Student and Faculty Endowment of the Conservatory of Music both received funds from this fundraiser.
The “Willy Wonka” musical was the fifth time Pacific and the Kennedy Center partnered to bring these shows to Stockton. The plays here are the only ones on the tour that are completely free of charge for elementary students. Seven of the eight were for the children. Another was open to the public and had an entry fee.
“It was a long week,” said Dodson. “It was a fun week, but a long week.”
Dodson was pleased with the event and said that the university is working on more performances for next year.
“These kids are so engaged in this theatre production,” Dodson said. “You could hear a pin drop as it begins.”
Pacific became involved with the Kennedy Center through a regent of the school. Regent Dea Berberian’s husband was appointed by President George W. Bush to the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts. Berberian wanted to form an outreach to bring the Kennedy Center to campus. Pacific’s administration agreed.
 The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts opened in 1971. It was originally a bill signed into law by President Eisenhower in 1958 creating a National Cultural Center. The privately funded institution was championed by President Kennedy, a supporter and advocate for the arts. The center was named in his memory two months after his death. It includes programs for ballet, galas, musical performances, festivals, as well as theatre.
The actors for the play go through a highly competitive audition process. When hired for production or acting, the play becomes their job for the next nine months. This includes going on tours across the country, driving the entire way.
The Dewey Chambers Literacy Center is an outreach program dedicated to supporting reading, math, and science. It’s aimed at lowperforming schools and students. Named in memory of Dr. Chamber, a distinguished and recognized professor at the school of education, this organization oversees the Book Buddies program.
The Touring Endowment from the Conservatory of Music helps students take advantage of opportunities to perform at more events and venues. These can include prestigious venues on a regional, national, and international level.
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