For photos, interviews, etc. contact: Greg Miraglia,
707-253-3035, gmiraglia@napavalley.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Napa Valley College is selected to remember Matthew Shepard at the Napa
Opera House
Napa Valley College is hosting one of two nation wide events featuring Judy Shepard and
a special reading of The Laramie Project.
August 20, 2008 The Napa Valley College Department of Dramatic Art will present a special
reading of The Laramie Project in an observance of the 10 years since the death of Matthew
Shepard. This one night only event will be held on Sunday, October 19, 2008 at the Napa Opera
House at 7:00 pm
Matthew Shepard, a 21 year-old student at the University of Wyoming, was brutally attacked near
Laramie on the night of October 6, 1998. After surviving five days in a coma, Matthew died as a
result of the severe head injuries he received.
Written by Moises Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project, The Laramie Project,
which dramatizes the immediate and ongoing effect of Matthew’s murder, has been staged in
over 5,000 productions around the country and was applauded at Sundance and played to
acclaim on HBO. In 2002, the Napa Valley College Drama Instructor Jennifer King, and presented it to over
2,000 members of our community.
Directed again by King, The Laramie Project special reading will include many local celebrities
and member of NVC’s 2002 cast. The program will feature Judy Shepard, Matthew’s mother and
Executive Director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, as a guest speaker. This is one of only
two readings being held in the country at which Mrs. Shepard will be speaking during this
significant time. A special V.I.P. reception will be hosted before the program at 5:30 p.m. with
Judy Shepard and members of the cast.
“Since its opening night almost eight years ago, the play has been produced over 5,000 times by
schools, community theaters, faith-based organizations and mainstream theater groups around
the world. This play has become a powerful tool for communities to discuss and explore how
hate impacts every part of their society. I encourage you to let this be the beginning. Take the
information you receive and share it with your friends and family. Together we can win the fight
to erase hate.” says Judy Shepard.
All proceeds from this event will benefit the Matthew Shepard Foundation and Napa Valley
College Drama Department. The Foundation strives to create and distribute educational
materials to youth nationally that support their goal of Erasing Hate with Understanding,
Compassion, and Acceptance. To learn more about the important work being done by the
Foundation, please see the attached summary of the Foundation’s work or visit
www.MatthewShepard.org. All of the time, talent, and food for a V.I.P. reception are being
donated.
Tickets prices for The Laramie Project special reading are $40 general admission and $25 for
students. VIP tickets are $75 and include admission to the pre-show reception with Judy Shepard
and the special reading of The Laramie Project.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.nvccjtc.org/laramieproject.html .
Napa Valley College engages students by providing high quality programs and services that
promote learning, enhance individual development, and prepare life-long learners for their roles in
our diverse, dynamic and interdependent world.
FACT SHEET
WHO:
Playwright: Moises Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project
Producer: Napa Valley College Department of Dramatic Art and Napa Valley College Criminal
Justice Training Center
Director: Jennifer King
Special Guest: Judy Shepard
Featured Performers: Dodds Delzell, Aimee Guiott, Chris McCarthy, Dan Monez, Barbara
Nemko, Scott Phillips, Tim Setzer, and Benjamin Stowe.
WHAT: A special reading of the The Laramie Project
WHERE: Napa Valley Opera House
1000 Main St # 150, Downtown Napa
WHEN: October 19 at 7p.m. Special VIP reception at 5:30 p.m.
HOW MUCH: $40 General, $25 Seniors/Students. VIP tickets are $75 and include the pre-show
reception and special reading.
TIX & INFO: Tickets may be purchased online at www.nvccjtc.org/laramieproject.html or by
calling 707-259-8077.
