The Monologue Project rocks Yakima Valley GEAR UP


The Monologue Project performances in Yakima Valley on May 8 were a smashing success. In the Monologue Project, students write expressive, autobiographical monologues which are then compiled in an anthology and a portion of which are performed by college students for the young authors and their families.



The actors, students at Central Washington University, did three free shows: two in-school performances for the students at Toppenish Middle School and Granger High School and an evening performance open to the public and held at Toppenish Middle School.


The entire 8th-grade class at Toppenish Middle came to see the morning show as an assembly, and while filing out of the gym, students were remarking that this was the best assembly they have ever had. Other youth were humming and singing the song that was performed based on a monologue/poem by one of the 8th-grade students.



The evening show was attended by a good number of GEAR UP families though everyone agreed that they wish ALL of Toppenish could have been there. Parents and students laughed and cried together over the powerful presentation of the students' stories being brought to life on stage. One teacher remarked, "When we started this project I had no idea that it would have such an impact on the students, teachers, and families. ... Thanks so much for the work you put into the Monologue Project over the last few months.  It was awesome!" And we have to agree with that!

Thank you GEAR UP, and thank you students!"