Stake performance allows youth to share beliefs and standards
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LOS ALTOS, CALIF.
Youth of the Los Altos California Stake performed a fast-paced show themed around the contents of an iPod. Performers in the event held March 12-15 included 80 adult leaders and 200 youth.
Sunnyvale City Councilman David Whittum, who had not been familiar with the Church before he attended the show, wrote, "I was just blown away. The joy and exuberance and happiness of the youth were overwhelming."
The stake play has become a much-anticipated part of the youth program in the stake. The goals remain the same as from the original play produced in 1989 when director/writer Kathleen Pickett, of the Heritage Oaks Ward, felt that pooling the talents of stake members and unifying the youth in a common show would bond the youth and the stake more than the conventional Church road shows. The stake presidency called her to direct the first stake play that was exclusively for the young men and young women.
With the help of leaders, musicians, choreographers, technicians and costume designers from all the wards, the first production was a huge success. The youth begged for a repeat experience. The stake youth present a show every three years now to enable each youth the opportunity to take part at least twice.
It has become a huge, collaborative effort where ideas from many are melded together. Artistic producer Allyson Whitlock of the Woodland Park Ward designed the costuming of 200 youth in multiple numbers.
Sister Pickett explained, "Our main objective for this huge undertaking is to help the young people increase their faithfulness by giving them an opportunity to meet one another in a project-oriented environment where the highest standards of language, dress, and respectful interaction is in place. We ask the young men and young women to get to know each member of the cast and discover the unique reasons that Heavenly Father loves each individual. We ask them to refrain from sarcasm or any other communication that would be deflating rather than uplifting. . . . The young people embrace this wholeheartedly. They are thrilled to meet many others who share their beliefs and standards. It is joyful to see how much they love each other as the weeks pass."
