ASK is an Education & Community Engagement program that tours productions of new plays by professional playwrights, performed by actors of the highest caliber and designed by the artists at the Alley Theatre.  ASK provides curriculum-relevant educational entertainment to students in elementary through high school.  ASK introduces students to powerful storytelling and the world of theatre while increasing their knowledge of diverse subject matters.  ASK honors Houston’s diversity, heritage and cultural intersections.

 I, Barbara Jordan
By Celeste Bedford Walker
Directed by Eileen J. Morris

January 31 through February 25, 2011

I, Barbara Jordan celebrates the remarkable life and career of the eminent Texas orator, legislator, and teacher. Tracing Barbara Jordan’s journey from her childhood in Houston’s Fifth Ward neighborhood through her election to the United States Congress, I, Barbara Jordan introduces students to a legendary Texas politician who was a model for the power of perseverance. 

The production is available to be performed at schools and community-based organizations Monday through Friday, 9am to 4pm, between January 31 and February 25, 2011. The play is recommended for grades 4th through 10th.

To book a performance, please contact the Education & Community Engagement Department at education@alleytheatre.org or School Programs Manager Andrew G. Hager at andrewh@alleytheatre.org.

What you need to know about booking I, Barbara Jordan:

1. I, Barbara Jordan costs $400 for one performance or $700 for two performances back-to-back.

2. Payment can be made by check or credit card. 

3. Run time for the show is 1 hour (including a short post-show talkback with the cast).  It takes one hour to set up the show (during which time the cast and crew needs clear access to the performance space) and 30-45 minutes for strike and load-out.  Example: For a 10am show, the cast would arrive at 9am and depart your campus at roughly 11:45AM.

4. I, Barbara Jordan can be performed in most school auditoriums, “cafetoriums,” or multipurpose rooms.  Our technical requirements are as follows:

• The performance space must be at least 16’ deep and 24’ wide. 
• We require three power outlets – 2 backstage and 1 at the rear or side of the audience.
• The show tours in 2 large SUVs, which must be able to unload into an area convenient to the performance space.  We also require 2 parking spaces for these vehicles in a safe and secure parking lot if the vehicles cannot park in the loading area.
• The cast must have access to 2 private changing areas (dressing rooms or faculty restrooms) both before and after the performance.
• A table and chair at the back of the audience seating area for the Stage Manager and sound equipment.
• Two backstage tables for props, and chairs for the actors to use while offstage.

5. To book a performance of I, Barbara Jordan at your school or organization, click on the link below to complete the Scheduling Request Form.  Someone from the Alley will contact you to confirm your date and time and set up a site visit in advance of the performance. 

The tour is currently available for bookings Monday through Friday from January 31 to February 25, 2011.