Sunday, September 20, 2009

Joan on Facebook!


JOAN GOES MODERN AND CREATES A FACEBOOK PAGE! YOU KNOW SHE WOULD IF SHE COULD...OR SOMEONE ELSE WOULD HAVE FOR HER...


JOIN US FOR UPDATES ON EVENTS, CONTESTS, AND PARADE DETAILS..AND CONNECT WITH JOAN FANS FROM AROUND THE WORLD.


Thursday, September 17, 2009

Thank you NOCCA students!


Last night, New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts student performers Victoria Summrall, Dean Wray, Dominique Dixon, Sean O’Brien, and Stephen Bertucci presented excerpts from George Bernard Shaw's SAINT JOAN as a prelude to the open discussion of the full-length play at the St. Joan of Arc Book Club. The student presentation was directed and arranged by their teacher, Assistant Department Chair Theatre Arts and local actress Janet Shea.


It was truly amazing and inspiring (as well as educational) to see these young people embody Joan, the Dauphin, and the Bastard of Orleans. The two scenes they presented were excellent examples of Joan's ability to persuade, coax, and bully these very different men (an ineffectual Dauphin and an accomplished soldier) into doing what she wanted and needed! Or, rather, what her Voices told her to do!!

It was especially cool to see youth portray youth...so often it's actors a decade older than Joan who take on Shaw's work and other plays about Joan. Their vitality and earnestness made the pieces seem particularly authentic.


The students and book club members had a lively discussion after the presentation, made so by the variety in ages and perspectives. Thanks to NOCCA for this special experience. We can't wait to find additional ways to partner and showcase your talented students' work!!!


Friday, September 11, 2009

ANNOUNCING: Joan of Arc Student Contest!

JOAN OF ARC STUDENT CONTEST RULES
ENTRY DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 1ST, 2009

The Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc announces its first annual student Joan of Arc competition for French-speaking young women in New Orleans. The winner will be chosen to lead the second annual New Orleans St. Joan of Arc parade on January 6, 2010 in the French Quarter. This contest is modeled after the contest held annually in Orléans, France, when they select a local girl to lead their military parade celebrating Joan’s victorious lifting of the siege of Orléans from the British in 1428.


There is no fee to enter the contest. The Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc will provide the costume and horse and parade training/riding lessons for the selected Joan. If applicants do have previous riding experience, please let us know.
You can either ask to receive an application form via email or use the information below to create your own application. As long as all the information required is clearly included, we will gladly accept it.

Eligibility: This contest is open to young women, 16-19 years old (the ages of Joan’s most notable feats and trial), who have shown unique leadership abilities and are currently or have recently studied French in high school, college, or at home. (The candidate must be able to speak some French in conversation and be able to represent Joan for media opportunities, public presentations, and at the parade). This contest does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ancestry or creed. The three top candidates will receive a brief phone interview to assess French fluency and confidence so we may choose the best possible candidate.

Criteria:
1. Completed entry form (see below) including evidence of community involvement and proven leadership abilities.
2. In 250 words or less, describe a time that you, like Joan, believed in yourself and became a leader. How did you inspire others to action? What did you accomplish? Explain both your successes and failures in this leadership endeavor.
3. In 100 words or less, explain how Joan’s story has inspired you and why she is an important symbol for New Orleans.
4. Submit one letter of recommendation from someone (any age) who has witnessed your unique leadership abilities.

All entries must be submitted no later than November 1, 2009
to stjoankrewe@yahoo.com or by mail to
THE JOAN OF ARC PROJECT
P.O. BOX 56815 NEW ORLEANS LA 70156-6815

· Winners will be announced on December 6, 2009
· Winner must be available to lead the Krewe of Saint Joan of Arc procession at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, January 6th 2010
· Winner must be available (pending school and other obligations) for t.v. and radio appearances.
PLEASE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION (aka "entry form") WITH YOUR COMPLETED ESSAYS and RECOMMENDATION LETTER:

Name (Last, First, Middle Initial):
High School
Grade
French Teacher
Street address
Phone number
E-mail
Age
Birthday

(If under 18 – Include parents’ name and phone number)


Leadership and Community Service:

Please list your experience performing volunteer and community service work. Include name of organization, a brief description of your duties, dates and number of hours you performed the work.