Haverhill families will have the opportunity to bring a bit of the world into their homes this summer when an international cast from Up with People arrives in Newburyport as part of its 2012 world tour.
Host families in the Greater Haverhill and Newburyport areas are being sought to put up one or more students from Cast B 2012, the 100-member Up with People cast representing 20 countries that will be visiting Aug. 27 through Sept. 3.
The opportunity to stay with local families during their stops in each community is a centerpiece of Up with People’s 22-week program. The giving goes both ways — while families share their traditions and local attractions, the cast members also share their experiences and cultures.
“It is a great opportunity to experience other cultures while sharing your own,” event organizer Oscar Nissen said of the hosting experience.
Nissen, who is staying with a host family in Haverhill, said local host families are asked to provide a bed, transportation to downtown Newburyport at the beginning and end of each day, as well as breakfast and most dinners. Cast members are primarily gone from host homes during the day, participating in regional learning and community service programs, including helping at the YMCA’s Camp Tricklin’ Falls in Kingston, N.H., and preparing for shows, but spend most evenings with their host families.
Each host family receives two free tickets to a performance of Up with People’s newest production, “Voices,” which is themed around the power and irony of communication in today’s global climate. The aim is to leave the audience feeling empowered to connect, communicate and create positive change in their communities. The local performances will be held Aug. 29 and 30 at 7 p.m. at the Rupert A. Nock Middle School on Low Street in Newburyport.
Those with smaller children or young teenagers in their home often find that the Up with People cast members are good role models and provide a glimpse into other countries, cultures and traditions that local young people might not experience, Nissen said.
Up with People is an independent, nonprofit organization without any religious or political affiliations. It provides young adults an international and intercultural experience that teaches service leadership and uses the performing arts to deliver messages of hope and goodwill throughout the world. The organization is always seeking young leaders who are ready for this unique and life-changing experience.
Up with People’s visit to Newburyport is sponsored by the New Hampshire Academy of Performing Arts. Children Health Care is a supporting sponsor and Seacoast Civic Dance Company is the beneficiary of the shows.
Anyone interested in hosting an Up with People cast member is encouraged to contact Nissen at onissen@upwithpeople.org or by calling 303-993-9334. More information is available at upwithpeople.org.
