Local families will have the unique opportunity to bring a bit of the world into their own homes from March 4-11 when an international cast of Up with People arrives in Statesboro, a stop on their 2013 world tour.
Host families are being sought to keep one or more students from Cast A 2013, the 120-member Up with People cast and staff, which represents 20 countries.
“It is a great opportunity to experience other cultures while sharing your own,” said Katie Walker, a promoter and former performer for Up with People.
The opportunity to stay with local families during their stop in each community is a centerpiece of Up with People’s 22-week program. The giving goes both ways, the organization says: While families share their traditions and local attractions, the cast members share their experiences and cultures.
Local host families are asked to provide a bed, local transportation at the beginning and end of each day, as well as breakfast and some dinners. While they will be gone during the day — participating in regional learning, community service and show preparation — cast members will be home with the family most evenings.
In addition to many wonderful experiences with their new “son” or “daughter,” each host family will receive two complimentary tickets to one of the Up with People shows, which will be staged at Statesboro High School at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 8, and Saturday, March 9.
“I can honestly say that the dozens of families who have opened their homes to me during my time with Up with People is one of the most meaningful and memorable experiences I have had,” Walker said. “I still stay in contact with many of them and I believe they will remain lifelong friends.”
Those with smaller children or young teens in their home often find that the Up with People cast members are wonderful role models and provide a glimpse into other countries, cultures and traditions they might not often experience in Statesboro, Walker added.
Those interested in hosting are encouraged to contact Katie Walker on the Statesboro Advance Team at kwalker@upwithpeople.org or by calling (912) 782-1073.
Up with People’s visit to Statesboro is sponsored by the Statesboro Arts Council, the Kiwanis Club of Statesboro, Sea Island Bank, Eagle 102.9, Northland Cable TV, the Rotary Club of Statesboro, Ogeechee Technical College, the Statesboro High School Fine Arts Department and Thigpen, Lanier, Westerfield & Deal CPA.
Averitt Center for the Arts is the beneficiary of the show.
'Up with People' seeks local host families


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