ONE VALLEY, MANY STORIES
Unearthing Stanislaus County’s Diverse Narratives
Overview
Welcome to One Valley, Many Stories, a project brought to you by the Prospect Theater Project in collaboration with the Artist Lab. Funded by the Heartland Grant, we aim to uplift, empower, and unite the diverse communities of Stanislaus County through storytelling and performing arts. Our project is designed to foster social, civic, and cultural growth, focusing on marginalized populations in California’s Healthy Place Index’s bottom quartile.
Upcoming Events
Pick an Event to RSVP
Meet and Greet Mixer - Friday, April 5th, 6:30PM to 8:00PM
Event Details
Friday, April 5th, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
The Artist Lab – 1218 K St, Modesto, CA 95354
RSVP HERE
Meet and Greet Mixer - Saturday, April 6th, 1:00PM to 2:30PM
Event Details
Saturday, March 2, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
The Artist Lab – 1218 K St, Modesto, CA 95354
RSVP HERE
About
Prospect Theater Project wants to hire YOU to share your Central Valley experience and showcase your talents!
JOIN US for a meet and greet—with snacks!—to learn more about our One Valley, Many Stories project. Thanks to generous support from HeARTland Creative Corps, we have PAID positions for artists and storytellers. We need:
- Dancers
- Singers
- Storytellers
- Puppeteers
- Actors
- Musicians
- And more!
We need the stories that celebrate:
- What brought you to the place you now call home
- Expectations of what you imagined life here would be—and what it actually is
- Creative expressions of your relationship to
- Water
- Power
- Health
Once you’ve committed to join One Valley, Many Stories, we will set you up with a creative team to guide you toward the culminating performance in July—a celebration of the culture and experience that makes the Central Valley the unique and beautiful tapestry we call home.
We Want to Hire You!
Getting Started is easy
1
Submit your authentic story to our team.
2
If your story is selected, production begins.
3
Watch your story come to life.
Video Library
Learn More
Need more information about the project? Watch these videos to get to know the vision behind the project.
Jack Souza
Laura Dickinson-Turner
Maribel Torres
(Español)
Watch Now!
What is the Project About?
The project is a mix of interactive storytelling, interviews, and performances that represent the rich cultural, social, and community-driven narratives in Stanislaus County. Our intent is not just to entertain but to create a heightened sense of awareness about social justice, community engagement, public health, and climate mitigation.
Learn!
Area of Focus
We are committed to concentrating on four significant areas:
Public Health Awareness
Stories that shed light on the community’s efforts and struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Environmental Stewardship
Narratives that focus on water and energy conservation, climate mitigation, and emergency preparedness.
Civic Engagement
Stories that encapsulate the spirit of democracy, including election participation.
Social Justice and Community Engagement
Narratives that highlight the struggles and triumphs of marginalized communities in social justice quests.
Location
Why Stanislaus County?
Our primary focus is on Stanislaus County because it’s a diverse community with unique stories that often go unheard. We are particularly interested in working with populations living in ZIP codes 95351, 95354, 95358, 95319, 95307, and 95380.
Our Approach
Advisory Board
We’re bringing together a mix of civic leaders, community heads, and cultural icons to form an advisory group that will guide this initiative. The objective is to identify the most relevant and meaningful stories that represent the essence of Stanislaus.
Interviews and Story Gathering
Through interviews and story collection, we intend to delve deep into the shared experiences of community members. We will consider narratives related to the focus areas and ask questions like:
“How did your family come to Stanislaus County?”
“What are some of your family traditions?”
“What does social justice mean to you?”
Artistic Development and Performances
Stories collected will be molded into performances. We plan to employ up to 36 artists and identify 50 community storytellers for this endeavor. These stories will be presented through workshops and ultimately turned into full-scale productions, guided by experienced artists and directors.
Who We Are
Our Program Developer
Jack Souza
Artistic Director
Shannon Stevens
Artistic Coordinator
Shannon Stevens has been an active part of the Prospect Theater Project since 2022 when she was cast in a production of Top Girls and again appeared on stage in 2023’s production of Sight Unseen. She continues to co-host PTP’s “Page to Stage,” a community event that offers valued opportunities for audiences to engage more deeply with the texts of the plays at PTP. Outside of PTP, Dr. Stevens is an associate professor of journalism in the English department at CSU Stanislaus where she advises the student newspaper and serves as co-director of the Creative Media major. A writer and scholar with interests in media, film, and oral history, she was drawn to “One Valley, Many Stories” from the start and is thrilled to bring her varied experiences to the project as its artistic coordinator.
Laura Dickinson-Turner
Director
Laura Dickinson-Turner was born in California and grew up in Modesto, smack in the heart of the Central Valley. She received her BA in Theatre Arts at CSU Stanislaus, after which she lived in NYC for four years, first working on Broadway for 101 Productions, Ltd., then in the not-for-profit sector as an Executive Assistant at the Institute of International Education. She returned to Modesto in 2009 and found her theatrical home at Prospect Theater Project, where she has acted, directed, taught, volunteered, and provided administrative support ever since. After her return to the Valley, Laura was the full-time Department Coordinator for the Theatre Department at CSU Stanislaus from 2010-2015. She received her MA in English Literature from CSU Stanislaus in 2014 and transitioned to college teaching in 2015, as adjunct faculty for the English department at Modesto Junior College. In 2017, Laura moved to Los Angeles to further pursue her education, receiving her MFA in Television, Film, and Theatre/Acting Option in 2020 from Cal State LA. While in LA, she performed at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, was a member of Son of Semele Ensemble, and served as the Department Coordinator for the Theatre and Dance Department at Cal State LA from April 2021-June 2024. In the 2024-25 season, she joins Prospect as Associate Artistic Director, working alongside her beloved friend Jack Souza. In the 2025-26 season, Laura will succeed Jack as Artistic Director of Prospect Theater Project, and looks forward to many years of theatre-making at her theatrical home in California’s thriving Central Valley. You can find her at lauradickinsonturner.com
Our Advisory Board
Stephen Gerringer
Joseph Campbell Foundation
Linda Scheller
MoSt Poetry Center Vice President
KCBP Community Radio Programmer
Kirk Gonzales
Lightspeed Graphics CEO
Maribel Torres
Actor/Musician
Dr. Cueponcaxochitl D. Moreno Sandoval
Associate Professor, Native American and Mexican Indigenous Studies, Ethnic Studies Department at Stan State
Dr. S. Steve Arounsack
Professor of Anthropology; Director, Keck Visual Anthropology Lab (KVAL) at Stan State
Nicole Dunlap
Adjunct Instructor, Communications Studies
Khani Gustafson
CEO, CB Gustafson Consulting LLC and President, NAACP Modesto Chapter
Pierre Noghli
Domara Orchestra Producer and Director
Maria Gabriel
Indigenous Students in Activism representative, Stan State
Maxwell Johannsen
Indigenous Students in Activism representative, Stan State
Learn
TIMELINE
This timeline provides a chronological overview of our project’s key milestones, events, and achievements.
Pre-Production
In this phase, we’ll engage community leaders and form our advisory group. This phase will be carried out mostly at the Prospect Theater Project and the Artist Lab.
Production
We will develop stories and storytelling methods during this phase. A series of improvisational workshops will be conducted.
FREE Public Event
This is when we showcase the polished stories in a series of performances at the Prospect Theater Project, the Artist Lab, and the Modesto Silos.
Post-Production
Post performances, we’ll assess the impact of our program objectives.
Learn
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I submit my story for consideration?
You can submit your story through our website by contacting us directly by email where you’ll provide a brief overview of your narrative, the impact it had on civic engagement, and any cultural or community significance it holds. Please include your contact information so we can reach out to you for further discussion.
Are there any age restrictions for participants?
We’re aiming for a multigenerational audience ranging from 16 to 80+
How do I attend a workshop?
Keep an eye on our ‘Upcoming Events’ section or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.
What kind of stories are you looking for?
We’re looking for authentic, compelling stories that highlight civic engagement within our community. This can range from personal acts of advocacy and volunteerism to broader community-driven initiatives. Stories that demonstrate a positive impact, showcase cultural richness, or illuminate the challenges and triumphs of civic participation are especially welcome.
Will I be compensated for my story or participation?
Yes, individuals whose stories are selected for the performance will receive compensation for sharing their narratives. Additionally, if you choose to take part in the actual performance, either behind the scenes or on stage, there will be compensation for your time and involvement.
Can I remain anonymous if my story is selected?
Absolutely. We understand the importance of privacy and the personal nature of some stories. If you prefer to remain anonymous, we will honor your request while ensuring your story is told with the respect and sensitivity it deserves.
How are selected stories adapted into a performance?
Selected stories undergo a creative adaptation process where they are transformed into scripts suitable for the stage. This process involves collaboration with writers, directors, and, most importantly, the storytellers themselves, to ensure the essence and authenticity of the narrative are preserved. We aim to capture the heart of each story, bringing it to life through a blend of dialogue, music, and performance.
Partners
Thanks to Our Sponsors!
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Heartland Creative Corps mission. This journey, filled with stories, performances, and shared dreams, would not have been possible without the generous grant and support we received.
Tickets
Want To Get Involved?
We invite you to be a part of this exciting initiative. Whether you're an artist, a storyteller, or someone who wants to support this project, there are multiple ways to get involved.
Blog
Follow Along
Transform your story into a captivating artistic performance
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Focus Area: Public Health Stories from the COVID-19 Pandemic
We delve into the heart of Stanislaus County’s experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. From the deserted streets at the onset to the heroic efforts of frontline workers, and the community’s unyielding spirit of togetherness, each story is a testament to our resilience. We explore how these personal and collective experiences have transformed us, shaping a new normal.