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<\/a>A poster depicting the JTP’s 2019 – 2020 season.<\/p><\/div>In the past, I have published a number of blogs about how the performing arts can help transport people from their daily lives to gain a better understanding of social issues and diversity. One of the organizations leading this work in my community is The Justice Theater Project (link to my introductory blog about the JTP.)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n I am pleased to share that my business, Total Engagement Consulting by Kimer is supporting the Justice Theater Project<\/strong><\/a> by placing a full page ad in the 2019 \u2013 2020 season program book. In addition, I serve on the JTP\u2019s Community Engagement Committee which helps line up educational speakers and schedule area non-profits to present their organizations at the shows.<\/p>\n This season\u2019s 2019 \u2013 2020 theme is \u201cFrom Monologue to Dialogue \u2013 Open Communication Opening Minds.\u201d This theme was chosen as we head into our next Presidential election cycle at a time when the USA is facing unprecedented division along the lines of political parties, race, gender and socioeconomic status. This year\u2019s productions demonstrate how characters falter when their minds are closed and how they rise when they approach difficult topics with open dialogue.<\/p>\n The season\u2019s first production runs on the weekends from September 13 \u2013 29, \u201cInherit the Wind.\u201d<\/strong><\/a> This play is a dramatization of the true \u201cTrial of the Century\u201d when a schoolteacher is thrown into jail for teaching Darwin\u2019s Theory of Evolution. Revisiting this trial is quite timely in today\u2019s world when an increasing number of people are proclaiming science (such as global warming, human pollution and impact on the environment, etc.) as \u201cfake news.\u201d Link to the full list of 2019 \u2013 2020 productions.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Vanessa Woods, Author of Bonobo Handshake<\/em>, will be our pre-show speaker on September 28th.<\/p><\/div>At the September 28th show, I will be introducing that night\u2019s educational speaker, Vanessa Woods speaking on “Survival of the Friendliest: Evolution and What it Means Today.” Vanessa Woods,<\/strong><\/a> NYT Bestselling Author of The Genius of Dogs<\/em> and Bonobo Handshake,<\/em> is a most fascinating speaker and often shares about her research with the Bonobo apes of the Congo. At the September 29th afternoon show, I will spotlighting Other Sheep,<\/strong><\/a> a non profit of which I am the board chair, that provides resources to religious leaders in third world countries to promote acceptance of LGBTQ people.<\/p>\n Later in the season, I plan to deliver a short educational workshop prior to one of the shows on the complexities of effective communications in an increasing complex diverse world.<\/p>\n Please consider ways you or your business can support the work of the Justice Theater Project. Become a season subscriber or a sponsor. Details on the JTP website.<\/strong><\/a> And if you are one of my blog readers from outside the area, perhaps see if there is a similar theater company in your community, or perhaps consider starting one! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In the past, I have published a number of blogs about how the performing arts can help transport people from their daily lives to gain a better understanding of social issues and diversity. One of the organizations leading this work … Continue reading <\/a>