THE VOICE BANK Partners with ALS Association's Golden West Chapter This Weekend

The Theatre Arts Department's Affinity Series at California State University, Long Beach announces a partnership with the ALS Association's Golden West Chapter for their workshop production of THE VOICE BANK.

"Partnering with ALSA Golden West enables us to raise funds for Long Beach community members affected by ALS," said event coordinator Caitlin Swan. "We are excited to couple this incredible story with making a tangible difference in our community."

THE VOICE BANK tells the true story of one woman, Terry, who defies her ALS diagnosis to fight for the privilege to keep speaking. In this powerful one-woman show, playwright (AND PERFORMER) Andrea Caban plays both herself and Terry, a woman (referring to Terry) with an indomitable spirit and a passion for performance (Passion for performance re: Terry means what? I thought passion for continued verbal expression under physically declining circumstances). Together they work to manage and overcome Terry's progressing symptoms through vocal training. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. ALS is characterized by stiff muscles, muscle twitching, and gradually worsening weakness due to muscle wasting (ATROPHY?) . This results in difficulty speaking, swallowing, and breathing.

THE VOICE BANK is directed by Amanda McRaven, and runs October 9-11.

Tickets are free, but "we will be accepting donations for ALSA at all our performances and we have an online donation page for those who can't attend the show, but still want to make an impact," explained Swan. Information about donating online can be found by going to http://bit.ly/ALSDonationLink.

THE VOICE BANK runs tonight, October 9, through October 11th, with performances October 9th-10th at 7:30pm, and October 11 at 3pm. This production will be in the Players Theatre, on the CSULB Campus, accessible via West Campus Drive. Convenient paid parking is located outside the Theatre Arts building in Lot 7. Tickets are free, but space is limited. To reserve seats, call (562) 985-5526 or visit calrep.org. For all other information, call (562) 985-4500.