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From: Taro Alexander
Date: 27 Oct 2004
Time: 13:30:30 -0500
Remote Name: 68.161.151.142
Melanie, Wow! Thank you so much for your wonderful response to our paper. I am very touched. I am so happy that our paper had an impact on you. I started Our Time 3 years ago because there did not seem to be something out there for young people who stutter that was creative. I firmly believe in the healing power of the arts. I think if everyone in the world lived by Keith's words, we would live in a happier world. You are so right, it is vital for people to know they are not alone. Whatever it is they are going through, someone else in the world is going through the same thing. And by having a place to express those feelings through the arts, we are providing an outlet that they might not have if we were not around. It is amazing to see everyday the life lessons that our young people and adult volunteers learn. We learn about love, acceptance, patience, kindness, fun, and courage. The shows we do are written and performed by the young people in the company. We give them the freedom to write whatever is in their hearts. Sometimes stuttering does come up as a theme in the shows but not often. I think the audience does get educated about people who stutter from just seeing the kids perform. We also have a question and answer session after the shows and that becomes very educational as well. One of the most common things I've heard from audience members is how their opinion of people who stutter has changed after seeing us perform. They now know that we can do anything we put our minds to. I really hope you can see us perform sometime soon. Please email your snail-mail address to: taro@ourtimetheatre.org That way we can let you know about all our events. Thanks again for your wonderful words and I hope to meet you soon. Taro