Diversity University Irvine (D

14600 Diversity University Irvine (D.U.I.) Author: Peter J. Kuo Mentor: Daphne Lei

Diversity University Irvine, D.U.I., offers a large number of opportunities to many of the students at UC Irvine. D.U.I. focuses on under-represented artists in different communities, including women, ethnic minorities, religious followers, and those defined by sexual orientation. Other than providing students a learning opportunity of various aspects of theatre production (especially management), D.U.I. also explores alternative performance space, styles and themes. By building a grassroots organization and producing shows that reflect the heritage of diverse American lives, we offer a fountain of knowledge that brings a number of communities together. From the productions we have done over the past year we have gotten a large array of feedback regarding different issues around the world. We've also built a strong management system involving different managerial positions to help run the organization. We've reached out to over 50 actors, and over 15 production members. Our audience size per show ranges from 125 viewers, to over 350 viewers. As of last quarter we have produced four full-length shows and one full-length musical with a live band. A show runs on a budget from $300 to $1250. D.U.I. has been and will continue to be a beacon for under-represented artists to produce and be a part of a unique theatre community. The stories that have been presented by the organization deal with Asian-Americans, African Americans, people of Jewish faith, Catholic faith, and others. Productions have been performed in classrooms, outdoors, and in housing facilities.