The Cardboard Stories
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"Instill Hope...Inspire Action"
The Cardboard Stories is on Facebook!
St. Petersburg Times Audio Slide Show 2010-12-04
St. Petersburg Times Feature Article 2010-12-05
The Cardboard Stories is series of stage plays about the true nature of homelessness in Pinellas County . The plays focus on the lives of four different homeless people, each with their own unique story about the circumstances that led them into homelessness, and the mysterious character named “Hope” who connects them all. The setting for the plays is a bus stop in downtown St. Petersburg , adjacent to Williams Park, a longtime haven for homeless people in South Pinellas County . Through “Hope,” the four characters – "Allie," the homeless youth who aged out of foster care, "Amanda," the young wife who fled from domestic violence, "Jack", the PTSD-plagued war veteran and "Bill," the unemployed (marketing executive) family man – interact and learn about the destiny that brought them together and will lead them to a place called home. And, as Hope’s story is unfolded, the audience learns about what each of us can do to help make “Pinellas a place everyone can call home.”
"Sweet Atrocity," the second play in The Cardboard Stories tetralogy, will presented in the spring of 2011. This play will focus on Amanda, the young wife who flees from domestic violence and experiences homelessness in Williams Park. Please return to this web page often for updates and further information.
“Blissful Turmoil,” the first play in The Cardboard Stories tetralogy, focused on a young woman who aged out of foster care, gave birth to a baby girl and became homeless in Williams Park. There she met Hope, a college student who helped her begin to see her hardships as opportunities. The play ended with Allie getting shelter for one night, but was it the long-term solution she needed? Can Allie overcome her seemingly insurmountable odds or will the struggles of homelessness leave her trapped in a cycle of victimization and despair?
As a part of National Hunger and Homelessness Week, the premiere performances of "Blissful Turmoil" were presented on November 18-20 at 7:30 nightly at The Palladium Theatre, 253 Fifth Avenue North in St. Petersburg . A silent auction preceded each performance at 6:00 p.m. Free parking and shuttle bus transportation was available at Synovus Bank, 333 Third Avenue North. Free tote bags from WellCare Health Plans were given to the first 200 attendees each night. Interpretation services for the hearing impaired wasl available at the Friday night performance. Proceeds from the play will benefit services to homeless families provided through the Pinellas County Coalition for the Homeless.
Proclamations in support of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week and The Cardboard Stories were presented to the PCCH Staff and Performing Arts Task Force volunteers by the following cities: Clearwater, Largo and Tarpon Springs.
During this past Labor Day weekend, members of the task group planning and producing The Cardboard Stories ventured onto the streets of St. Petersburg for a weekend homelessness experience. The group of eight ate at various meal sites and slept outdoors and at a local shelter. Throughout their journey, they met and talked with many homeless people, listening to their stories and inviting them to participate in The Cardboard Stories. Although their homelessness experience lasted 48 hours, organizers felt it was important to demonstrate compassion by being present with people experiencing homelessness and sharing with them in their plight, if only for a weekend.
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Watch this space for information about tickets for The Cardboard Stories performances. Discounts will be available for groups of 10 or more. For more information, please call (727) 528-5832.
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Workshop performances & community dialogues to be presented at various cultural and community venues throughout the county; dates, times and locations to be announced |
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Coming soon! Encore performance of "Blissful Turmoil," the first play in The Cardboard Stories tetralogy; dates, times and location to be announced |
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Public Performances of "Sweet Atrocity," the second play in The Cardboard Stories tetralogy; location to be announced |
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Caring business and community leaders like you are needed to support the play’s performances. We are now offering sponsorship opportunities for the second play, to be presented in spring of 2011. We’re expecting a live audience of more than 800 people each night. Thousands more are expected to see the related coverage in the St. Petersburg Times and other media and the performances through DVD sales and media downloads from our website. Here are a few of the win-win opportunities available to you:
- Become a sponsor – your business message and logo will appear on the event banner, website and other promotional materials, showing thousands of people in Pinellas County how much you care;
- Place a program ad – your business information – from business card size to full-page – will appear in the program, encouraging others to support us as well;
- Purchase admission tickets – purchase a group of tickets, which you can distribute as performance incentives for your vendors or thank you gifts for your customers or employees.
Please click on the link for the Play Sponsorship Form and indicate your level of support. Your tax-deductible gift will enable PCCH to continue to serve those people and organizations concerned with ending homelessness. Because there is considerable interest in the upper level sponsorship opportunities, I urge you to respond quickly to secure the type of promotion that best meets your needs. For your convenience, you may complete your sponsorship commitment online by clicking here. If you prefer, you may download the Play Sponsorship Form and, along with a check payable to “PCCH,” mail it to:
Pinellas County Coalition for the Homeless
5180 62nd Avenue North
Pinellas Park, FL 33781.
Live theatre has such potential for deep and lasting impact on the community, and with your support we can make a difference. If you need any additional information, please feel free to contact the Coalition staff by phone at (727) 528-5832 or by e-mail at cardboardstories@pinellashomeless.org .
Here's the list of major sponsors for the first play, "Blissful Turmoil" (listed alphabetically):
Bright House Networks
City of Largo
Horn Photography and Design
Koby Design Consulting
Rep. Darryl Rouson
Vinoy® Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club
Jimmy Wales, Wikipedia Founder
WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
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The PCCH Performing Arts Task Group, in collaboration with Joyeous Productions, Incorporated, is developing a series of four stage plays about the nature of homelessness in Pinellas County. The purpose of this stage play series is to raise awareness of the varying faces of homelessness in the Tampa Bay community, through the dramatic arts, with the intention to instill hope and inspire action. We envision a transformed community in which everyone has a home.
Our goals are to: 1) heighten awareness about the varying “faces” of homelessness, 2) motivate the public to take action in helping to prevent and end homelessness in Pinellas County and 3) raise funds to support the services provided by the Pinellas County Coalition for the Homeless to assist homeless families and individuals.
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Profiles
Lead actors for "Blissful Turmoil"
Rachael Todd
“Hope”
Rachael Todd is a 2009 graduate from the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando with a Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal Communication. She is currently working to obtain a Masters of Business Administration. While a student at UCF Rachael was on the Dean’s List; member of Delta Epsilon Iota Honor Society; member of Rho Lambda Academic Honor Society; Silver Pegasus Scholar and a Florida Bright Futures Scholar. In addition to being an ex-officio Board Member for the Florida Peer Network and the youngest nominee for the 11th Annual
Outstanding Service to the Homeless for the state of Florida, Rachael has personally spoken to over 30,000 people about preventing hunger and homelessness. In July of 2009 she took her platform statewide when she won the title of Miss Florida 2009. One month later in August 2009, she served as a delegate to the National Conference on Ending Homelessness in Washington D.C. Rachael’s mission is inspired through working with The HOPE Foundation, a nonprofit agency founded by her mother that provides Housing, Outreach, Prevention
and Education for families on the brink of homelessness and facing homelessness for the first time.
Akisha Fussell
“Allie” Akisha Fussell attends Shorecrest Preparatory School and is in the 10th grade. After her first foray into theater at age 10, she has performed four years in the Black History Pageant, which introduced her to the life on stage. She fell in love with the stage since that day. She participates in the theatre program at Shorecrest and will be participating for the second year in the International Thespian Society competition. This will be her first year as an official member. She has received superiors in competition and also has had the opportunity to work with professional actors in the Pro Theatre Prep program at her school. She is active in church and always willing to be on program for anything, including church plays and helping to lead the Dance Ministry. She would like to thank everyone who has helped her reach this chapter in her life, “Especially my supportive parents.”
Ronn Bobb
“Jack” RONN BOBB, in 1999, journeyed to Dakar, Senegal, with his one-man cultural and educational presentation “The Spirit of Marcus Garvey” on Goree Island, and in November of 2000, returned to the Motherland with the project, this time at the Elmina Castle in Ghana. This Garvey project has also been seen in Jamaica, Barbados, Bermuda and throughout the United States. For Black History Month 2001, he was the voice of Garvey in the PBS Special Film, “Marcus Garvey: Look For Me In The Whirlwind.” This award winning Guyanese born actor was a cast member of the World Premiere of OyamO’s Famous Orpheus, a production in collaboration with Garth Fagan, winner of the Tony Award for his choreography of The Lion King on Broadway. A few of Bobb’s other stage
credits include: Award winning playwright August Wilson’s Seven Guitars, The Piano Lesson and Fences, the latter co-starring with Avery Brooks; South African playwright Athol Fugard’s My Children, My Africa!; Bingo!!, a musical directed by the legendary Ossie Davis who said, “Ron, you are one of the most gifted performers I have worked with.” In 2005, Ronn won the AUDELCO’s ‘Lead Actor’ award for his portrayal of Durbin Freeman in Joyce Sylvester’s ‘A Freeman’s Hope’ at The Billie Holiday Theatre in Brooklyn, New York. Ronn was the host of CARIBBEAN FORUM, a weekly television program he produced on WNYE-TV in New York, which won him the 1995 Caribbean Media Association’s Award for ‘Best Television Production/Presentation.” He was also the Caribbean news correspondent for the “Tony Brown Empowerment Show” on WWRL 1600 AM in New York. Every
Saturday from 9 – 11 a.m. EST, Ronn can be heard on the Uhuru Radio Network – www.uhurunews.com. His film credits include Nursing Tuskegee, Mental Vengeance, Playing Both Sides, Deep Trouble, Pressure and several national commercials.
Tiffany Faykus
“Amanda” Tiffany Nance Faykus studied drama at the prestigious New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. She was accepted into the drama program at Circle in the Square Theater on Broadway. While in New York, Tiffany acted in several off-Broadway plays, including “Murder in the Cathedral”, “Antigone”, and had the lead in the original production of “People at Dinner.” After relocating to Moscow, Russia, Tiffany enjoyed doing improv with the Durdom Theater Group. After her “day job” brought her to Budapest, Tiffany had the honor of playing the role of Laura in “The Glass Menagerie” in one of Budapest’s most notable theaters, and of playing Desdemona “Othello” in an authentic Hungarian castle. She also played the leading role in the indy-movie “The End” as well as
doing numerous voice-over projects. Tiffany is grateful for the opportunity to combine her passion for theater and her desire to help the homeless, and thanks Pinellas County Coalition for the Homeless for coordinating this project, and her husband, Preston, for his continued love and support.
John J. Conlon
“Bill” John J. Conlon holds a BA from Catholic University and an MA and PhD from Tufts University. He has appeared locally at American Stage Theatre, Gulfport Community Players, Salerno Theatre Company, the Studio@620 and the St. Petersburg Little Theatre. A professor of literature at USF-St. Petersburg, he serves as President of St. Pete Little Theatre’s Board of Directors and taught literature and theatre for many years at the University of Massachusetts in Boston. Thanks to the production team and cast, to theatre-goers, and to the countless numbers who have taken the unexpected journey into homelessness.
Lead Singers for "Blissful Turmoil"
P. Michael Williams
Soloist and Ensemble Singer
About P. Michael Williams© Music is a key way to communicate in our world. It is also a choice way to express
feeling. With that being said I introduce to you P. Michael Williams. Michael is a young fresh singing/songwriting
native of Denver Co. Currently located to Tampa, FL where he is recording his Debut CD “True Love Is:” set for release in 2011. Michael has been singing since the early age of 4. He has been singing professionally since April 2002. This dynamic artists’ voice has been described as inspirational, and anointed his style is labeled as The Inspirational Message, the Soulful sound, And the R&B Voice. The powerful Vocalist is known to bring tears to the eyes of those who are in the listening audience. Michael has sang/performed at Events on The West Coast the East Coast The South And in The North. He is currently recording his Debut Project “Tru Love Is:.” This project
will be the story of Love both spiritual and physical. Songs for life situations. “Each song will paint a picture about a love I have experienced. It’s like one of my favorite quotes “You have to Paint the picture... Then Get in the Picture”-P. Michael was recently quoted saying about the upcoming CD (set for release in 2011) I hope this
biography helped to introduce you to this powerful, intriguing, tremendous, vocalist known as Michael Williams.
Toni Rackard
Soloist and Ensemble Singer
Passionate Praise is one way to describe the inspiring, contemporary gospel grooves of Tampa, Florida’s rising
gospel star, Toni Rackard. For the last dozen years, she’s quietly built a following on the Florida music scene and even toured Europe with the renowned Harlem Gospel Choir. As her first national radio single “You Pulled Me Through” (a sizzling duet with Marvin Winans Jr.) is gaining momentum at gospel radio stations around the country, buzz is now building for the release of Rackard’s forthcoming debut CD Unconditional Love (Behind the Veil Records). After graduating from the University of South Florida in 2002, she married her high school sweetheart Derrick Rackard, who worked his way up the corporate ladder and is currently a residential loan
executive with Sun Trust Bank. Their two minds became one as they focused on launching Rackard’s recording career. Rackard is the praise and worship leader at Jesus People Family Worship Center in Tampa, FL.
Gisella Monclova, Mezzo-Soprano
Voice Over Statistic Announcer
Born in Puerto Rico, Gisella Monclova began her musical training at age 12. She earned her BA from The Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music and became known in the roles of Paulette, Letitia, Monica, Amahl, Dorabella and Musetta. As a music teacher, Gisella taught young children and later became teacher of the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music. She earned her artist diploma, intensive opera training at Boston University where she was best known for Simpkin as part of the original cast for The Tailor of Gloucester, which received great critical acclaim in New York, Boston and Moscow. Gisella continued further studies in Paris with famous French soprano Regine Crespin. She returned to the U.S., performing with the San Jose Opera and in Boston to sing Radamisto,
Idomeneo, Lil and the 3rd Lady from The Magic Flute. She moved to Florida where she founded and directs A Dos Productions, a company whose mission is to bring educational opera programs to children. A Dos Productions has produced several opera outreaches for the Tampa Bay Performing Art Center as part of C.A.R.E. a program that reaches more that 8,000 kids per year. In 2011, A Dos Productions is expecting to launch Bee Me a line of products design to promote self-esteem in preadolescent girls. The company is currently co-producing with the Tarpon Springs Performing Art Center and the Florida Lyric Opera, Amahl and the Night Visitors to be performed Dec. 18 and 19, 2010.
Aida Monique Brown
Soloist and Understudy for Hope and Singer
Aida Brown is a native of New York City, who began performing and learning the stage in the Big Apple. She
began performing at the age of 7 in school plays, and pursued the arts from then on; whether it was taking dance, piano and voice lessons, or being a part of a choir. Aida continued her quest in the arts as she studied music and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music at The Master’s College, in Southern California. She toured with various choirs from The Master’s College throughout her four year college career, which included performing at Carnegie Hall with The Women’s Chamber Choir in 2007. Aida taught music classes at The Little School of Music in Santa Clarita, Calif., and worked as a stage manager assistant for the show, A Little Night Music, for the Saint Petersburg Opera in Florida. She is completing a Christian album and hopes to reach many through song.
Murzeena Baichan
Voice of “Lexie” and Soloist
Hello and my name is Murzeena Baichan (Murzee). I was born 11 years ago and lived my entire life here in the St.
Petersburg area. Theresa and Revendra Baichan are my loving parents along with my 3 year old brother. I have attended Fairmount Park Elementary School then I chose to school at home through the Pinellas Home School Program called K12.com and Pinellas Virtual School. My passion is acting and singing, which brought me to attend The Young Actors Studio in Tampa. I have completed two short films and I am proud to be a part of this community and honored to have a role in The Cardboard Stories.
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The Cardboard Stories is a volunteer effort among people of various backgrounds who want to help "instill hope and inspire action." Many service opportunities are available including: writers, stage manager, production assistants, set construction, hosts, group sales and more. Weekly planning meetings are held on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. at Book Lover's Cafe, 2105 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg (unless otherwise noted). To sign up or receive further information, contact George Bolden at (727) 528-5832 or george@pinellashomeless.org.
About the Director/Playwright
The director and playwright of “Blissful Turmoil,” the first play in The Cardboard Stories series, is Marvia Joye Watkins, founder of Joyeous Productions, Incorporated. Born in Thomasville, Georgia, Ms. Watkins is a talented vocalist, playwright, director and actor. Her theatrical credits include: co-playwright and co-director of Word of Life Worship Arts Production of The Family-A Miracle from God and Lost and Found; actor/vocalist in Claiborne Carson’s Passages of Martin Luther King, Jr.; five-year cast member in the Community of St. Petersburg Production of Langston Hughes’ The Black Nativity; and featured soloist in the “First Annual Sharon Scott’s Praise Party.” In addition to her performing arts experience, Joye has taught, directed and performed in numerous church-based dance, drama, mime and choral ministries. Her numerous choral singing credits include singing in the St. Petersburg College Chorus, Word of Life Fellowship Royal Priesthood Choir, the Thomasville Music and Dance Troupe, and recording with Derrick Isham and the Priesthood, William Perry and the Sounds of Praise and the Georgia Mass Choir. Joye earned her B.S. from Florida A&M University, and is currently studying vocal performance at St. Petersburg College. She enjoys helping build confidence and self esteem in youth through the “Walking in Your Gift” program she developed, and her passion is to bring you joy through the performing arts.
About the Music Director
A gospel/inspirational singer and songwriter, September Penn is one of the top Christian/Gospel artists in the Tampa Bay region, according to Reverbnation.com. Her unique vocal talents – which range from soulful urban sounds and “down-home” church choruses to ballads and classical arrangements – have carried her across America and as far as China. In June 2007, she performed in the international premiere of Stanford University Professor Clayborne Carson’s Passages of Martin Luther King in Beijing, China, with the National Theater Company of China. As a member of Passages’ musical ensemble and as one of its musical coordinators of the Beijing performance, September has seen her responsibilities grow with work on the play. In addition to musical performances with Passages, she has played the role of Dr. King’s mother, Alberta Bunch King, and most recently as Coretta Scott King in the February 2009 performance of the play at The Palladium Theater in St. Petersburg, FL. In July 2009, she performed for the U.S. fashion launch of the casual clothing line of Mario-Max Prince Schaumburg Lippe, of the royal family of Austria, through an invitation by her acclaimed clothing designer Ivanka Ska. In that same month, September released her debut CD, “Hope for You,” now ranked in the Top 25 on the Independent Artist Company’s Christian charts. Mrs. Penn has appeared on Christian Television Network (CTN), but her favorite role is that of wife to her husband, Ivan, and mother to her three children, Ivy, Isaiah and Immanuel.
About the Artistic Director
Sherry Hudson has served as a budget specialist for Family Resources, a local nonprofit agency dedicated to aiding
children and families. Prior to her nonprofit finance work, she gained 20 years of experience in the finance field, with 10 of those years spent in high net worth banking. During the last two decades, Sherry enjoyed creating & designing sets, props and costumes for various projects, ranging from her much heralded Halloween decorations in her front yard to school and community plays. However, this Florida native, who has lived in St. Petersburg for the past 40 years, fully lets loose her most passionate artistic expression through anime. With her extensive background in finance, Sherry naturally serves on the budget committee as well.
About the Marketing Director
Karrie Schaufele...
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Shining Star
Become a "Shining Star" for homelessness by registering here. Your project or donation may become a winning solution to help prevent and end homelessness in Pinellas County. "Shining Stars" will receive recognition in the PCCH e-newsletter, and everyone will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite "Shining Star" project. If you can't think of a project, click here to view the list of "101 Things You Can Do to End Homelessness in Pinellas County."
Please complete the Shining Star Registration Form and the Shining Star Report Form below.
