Touchstone Theatre will present Fresh Voices, a series of original, solo and ensemble-based works in progress on February 1 and 2 at 8PM. Touchstone will extend its Pay-What-You-Will offer to audience members for both nights of Fresh Voices, allowing individuals to name their price when reserving tickets or purchasing them at the door.

Developed by its 2007-08 Apprentice Class, these brief productions showcase techniques and concepts learned by apprentices during their training, which began last September. Performances will incorporate usage of masks, original music, as well as the personal writings of apprentices.

Each year, Touchstone invites young or transitioning theatre artists to create, train, and collaborate under the guidance of the Touchstone Ensemble. Apprentices engage in training that focuses on creating original work in ensemble theatre, performing at Touchstone and on tour, teaching in a variety of educational and empowerment programs and creating original solo and ensemble performance in production and lab settings. This year's production will feature four solo pieces and one ensemble work, by Apprentices: Tom Christian, Abigail Getty, Jen Jaynes and Jeffrey Stingerstein.

2008 marks Touchstone's sixth year of presenting Fresh Voices. "This production is a meaningful way to support the developing work of our emerging artists," said Lisa Jordan, Production Manager.

Touchstone's nine-month apprentice program runs September through June and auditions/interviews are held each spring. To learn more about apprenticeship, contact Vicki Haller, Touchstone's Education Coordinator at Vicki@touchstone.org.

Celebrating more than 25 years, Touchstone Theatre produces and presents both original and classic productions, with dedication to the renewal of theatre as a vital art form. Touchstone works to foster collaboration on a local and national level through educational and youth empowerment programs, using theatre as a community-building tool. Visit us on the web at www.touchstone.org.