The Theatre Arts Department’s Affinity Series at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) has announced a partnership with the ALS Association’s Golden West Chapter for their workshop production of The Voice Bank, directed by Amanda McRaven.

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

The Voice Bank, slated to run Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11, tells the true story of one woman, Terry, who defies her ALS diagnosis in the fight to keep speaking. According to the announcement, in this this powerful one-woman show, playwright and performer Andrea Caban plays both herself and Terry, a woman (referring to Terry) with an unbreakable resolve and a passion for performance. 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 atrophy, resulting in difficulty performing seemingly basic functions such as speaking, swallowing and breathing.

Tickets to The Voice Bank are free, but donations for ALSA can be given at each performance. An online donation page for those who can’t attend the show is set up here.

Performances October 9 and 10 will start at 7:30PM, and October 11 at 3:00PM. This production will be in the Players Theatre, located on the CSULB Campus, accessible via West Campus Drive. Convenient paid parking is located outside the Theatre Arts building in Lot 7 for $5. 

Space is limited; to reserve seats please call 562.985.5526 or click here. For all other information, please call 562.985.4500.

Image courtesy of the ALS Association.