PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- April 7, 2003 -- The University of Rhode Island’s Feinstein Providence Campus will present a reader’s theatre performance created for elementary and middle school aged children. Two performances will be held on April 26, at 1:30 and 3 p.m. in the Paff Auditorium of the campus, located at 80 Washington St. The performances are free and open to the public.

"Jumping Off The Page" was created in celebration of literacy. April is "American Poet's Month" and "The Month of the Young Child."

The play explores the lives and the writing of three well known New England authors: Louisa May Alcott who began supporting her family as a teenager with her writing and was a noted supporter of women’s rights, Emily Dickinson, a shy, recluse who did not want her beautiful poems published, and Edgar Allan Poe who was a brilliant and tormented writer. The words of writers Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson and Charles Dickens who influenced their personal and professional lives are added words to the mix for an entertaining and educational experience.

The play was developed and directed by Steven Pennell of Cranston, artist-in-residence at URI’s Feinstein Providence Campus. Performers include URI students Mauro Canepa of Providence, Andre Charpentier of Burrilliville, Alison DiPetrillo of Coventry, Vince Johnson of Providence, Alan Lewis of Providence, Lisa Piazzola of Cranston, Joanna Senay of Cranston, Benjie Vilmond of Pawtucket.

For more information, call 277-5206.