Anna Deveare Smith is known for her pioneering approach to theater through which she gathers stories from a broad range of people and translates those stories into compelling one-woman performances. Her most recent production, “Let Me Down Easy,” centered on health care. She talks about her creative process in this interview: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/episodes/let-me-down-easy/interview-with-anna-deavere-smith/1230/
Anna’s new project will be about the school-to-prison pipeline, with a special focus on the overuse of harsh school discipline. She will be conducting research for the production this summer in California, and is looking for two youth researchers (one from an urban area and one from a rural area) to be part of the process. These positions are paid and will be for 4-6 weeks.
This is an extraordinary opportunity for youth to work with an artist whom Newsweek magazine called “the most exciting individual in American theater.” A description of the opportunity is below. Interested youth should complete this brief online application by March 11: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LH9JQHG
Please help spread the word through your youth networks!
Best,
Mary Lou
Training will take place in late June. This position will be for the month of July with the possibility of extending into August. There will be some travel within California. Candidates must be able to travel via airplane and possess a driver’s license. This is a paid position.
Youth researchers will be responsible for supporting the following tasks:
* Advance work in communities where interviews will take place
* Investigating and pursuing new interview leads
* Archiving documents and interviews
* Administrative and clerical work
* General assistance to the rest of the research team
The ideal candidate will have these qualifications and personal qualities:
* Superior attention to detail
* Excellent interpersonal skills
* Highly organized
* Able to communicate professionally in e-mail, in telephone conversations and during in-person meetings
* Writing skills
* Promptness
* Resilience
* Ability to respond to criticism productively
* Energetic
* Compassionate
* Discreet
This position may be a particularly good fit for someone with:
A background or interest in journalism
First-hand experience with school discipline
We are looking for someone independent, motivated, and mature who is excited to bring a younger perspective to this project. We are seeking one youth researcher from an urban area and one from a rural area of California. This position will be an excellent opportunity for the right person.
Your application must be submitted online before Monday, March 11.
—
Mary Lou Fulton
Senior Program Manager
The California Endowment
213-928-8642
Learn more at http://calendow.org
