Echoes May 18th at Center Stage Theater

Featuring original poems, monologue and songs, “Echoes” promises to be a show that will open up your heart and mind.

Entirely written and performed by a diverse group of local teens from several area high schools and junior highs, Echoes is directed by Waldo Damaso Figueroa and Assistant Director Austin Escamilla. This is the first time in the company’s history that the teen participants have moved into the directors’ chairs.

Damaso-Figueroa joined City at Peace five seasons ago when he was in the eighth grade. He assumed a major role in that year’s production and has continued to play leading parts throughout his high school years. Longtime City at Peace audiences will likely remember his tour de force send-ups as one of the Clown Muses in last year’s production. In addition to his comedic and dramatic roles, Waldo is a consummate artist, having designed set pieces, costumes and promotional images for City at Peace as well as the Santa Barbara High School theater department. His artistic endeavors have served him well. He will be leaving for New York City this summer where he will study at Cooper Union School of Art. The leading role in this year’s production will be played by Austin Escamilla, a third year veteran in City at Peace. He will play the Art Teacher to a class of students that includes Yanira Aguirre, Sam Darcus, Emma Gerr, Juan Lara, Maribel Magana, Lizbeth Medina.

City at Peace – Santa Barbara, a non-profit organization, has been producing an annual theatrical performance since 1996. Artistic Director Joseph Velasco and Managing Director Karena Jew work with a crew of artists, John Douglas, Sojourner Kincaid Rolle, Chris Turner, and Matt Tavianini, to develop the original material written by the teens and to mount a stage production.

The program is fortunate to also have the help of several adult volunteers, Blanca Flor Benedict, Angelica Diaz, and Janice Rorick. Echoes plays ONE NIGHT ONLY on Friday, May 18th at 7:30pm. at Center Stage Theater in Santa Barbara, 751 Paseo Nuevo. Open mic for teens following. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for students.

City at Peace has been empowering teenagers to create safe, healthy, and peaceful lives and communities for 17 years. Using the performing arts as a vehicle, City at Peace teens offer a true-to-life glimpse into the lives of teens and the issues they face growing up in Santa Barbara.

Every year, audience members exclaim, “If you’re a parent, you must see this show!”