After the Storm to Hold 'Island' Casting Call for Benefit

After The Storm's first film and theater project is underway. After months of planning, preparation and fund-raising in New York, filming has begun at St. Mark's Community Center in New Orleans.

Producer/Writer James Lecesne, Director/Choreographer Gerry McIntyre and Musical Supervisor Randy Redd will hold open auditions Saturday and Sunday to cast 10 young actors and a large community choir, who will rehearse and stage Lynn Ahrens' and Stephen Flaherty's award-winning musical Once On This Island.

"The musical Once on this Island is about community, perseverance and the resilience of the human spirit against overwhelming odds.  The mission of After The Storm echoes the show's themes as it attempts to help The Children of New Orleans reclaim and rebuild through the healing power of theater and music.  This is a project that was conceived with passion in a very organic way and deserves to be supported by everyone.  Please help After The Storm make a difference in these children's lives," stated Flaherty.

After The Storm will offer a series of free performances and a gala benefit evening in February to raise necessary funding for the community.

After The Storm is a non-profit film and theater project designed to bring hope and financial aid to the children and young adults of New Orleans. A feature documentary follows a company of non-professional actors from the city as they stage a musical play one year after the levees broke and changed their lives. The film, helmed by award-winning filmmaker Hilla Medalia, will then be used as a springboard to launch a nationwide program encouraging high school drama students and community theaters to raise money for the established 501(c) 3. All proceeds from both the play and the film will go to After The Storm Foundation.

Visit www.afterthestormfoundation.org for more information.