We had a visitor!

- Mr. Mike Stanley arrived to participate in the workshop

- Shared some of his stories and pictures from his time in Vietnam

- DTC Jr. was able to share with him about the work we've been doing

- Were able to come up with a cast list and names for the play

Margarita had written to me about a gentleman named Michael Stanley that was interested in coming out and meeting with our group. She had given me his number in an

email and I reached out to him, but was surprised to find out he had been interested in arriving to this evening's rehearsal. I was even more blown away to find out he was a Vietnam Veteran and had survived 3 helicopter crashes!

He was genuinely interested in speaking with us and didn't waste any time once he arrived. It took the boys a little while

to get comfortable but once the stories started, he definitely had the boys' attention and the questions kept coming. Bless his heart, Mr. Mike was worried about taking up our time, but it seemed more important for us to have that time to hear his stories. Before we all knew it, 30 minutes had passed by like nothing.

Then it was our turn and each of our gentlemen were able to share what it was we had been working on since the start of the school year. Giovanni even busted out his phone and was able to use the notes we had taken from last time to piece

together all we had created. I was pretty proud of them as they took ownership of their art. At the end, we had about 15 minutes to discuss character names and responsibilities. Mr. Michael was also helpful in helping us strategize how to recruit a couple of other actors for our show next week: we are going to have a party with pizza and drinks, and that way they can invite their two other friends so we can fill out the rest of the cast!

Thanks Mr. Michael!