This February, the four apprentices at Touchstone Theatre in Bethlehem will challenge the current economic worries in the States and the hardships around the world with five completely original pieces of theatre which examine the meaning of community, friendship, and the journey of life. The performances, which mark a pivotal moment in their apprenticeship at Touchstone, will be on February 6 and 7 at 8:00pm.

After taking classes taught by members of the Touchstone Ensemble in the fall and participating in Christmas City Follies IX earlier this winter, Emma Chong, Adam Kissinger, Jana Ross, and David Wrigley will now take what they have learned and use their own life experiences and artistic voices in this upcoming project. Each will create an original piece up to fifteen minutes in length individually and also take part in a group piece collaboratively. The event is an exciting opportunity, as most young theatre artists are not given an open stage for two nights to perform content on whatever inspires them. Chong, Kissinger, Ross, and Wrigley are enthusiastic about the prospect and eager to start the hard work necessary in getting the show on its feet.

As rehearsals begin, indications are that this will be a very diverse Fresh Voices. Settings and themes include airports, religion, cross country drives, personal rants, love, and politics. One thing very clear is that music will be an outstanding element in this show. Each apprentice has been involved in some form of music, both in and out of his or her theatre careers, and they plan to use these talents in their group piece.

Fresh Voices is part of Touchstone's Village Voice Series. The show will run at 8:00pm Friday and Saturday night, February 6 and 7 at Touchstone Theatre, 321 East 4th Street, in Bethlehem, PA. Ticket prices are "Pay What You Will," which means patrons can buy their tickets at the theatre on the night of the performance and set their own ticket prices at the box office. Call 610-867-1689 for more information.

Celebrating over twenty-five years of creative work, Touchstone Theatre is dedicated to being an active force in the renewal of theatre as a vital art form. At our heart is a resident professional Ensemble rooted in both the local community of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and the international community of the actor/creator. Please visit www.touchstone.org for more details.