Newsroom – California State University, Northridge

Colin Farrell, Benjamin Bratt and other Hollywood Elite to Hold Dramatic Readings to Benefit CHIME Students

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., Sep. 11th, 2009) ―

Acclaimed actors Benjamin Bratt, Amy Brenneman, Colin Farrell, Laura San Giacomo and Muse Watson will be gathering in Topanga Canyon next month to take part in dramatic readings to raise money for children served by the CHIME Institute, which has extensive ties to Cal State Northridge.

The actors will be reading selected pieces from literature that focus on “An Exploration of the Human Need to Belong” beginning about 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct.18, at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon in Topanga.

“We are thrilled to have these amazing actors supporting the CHIME Institute’s inclusive educational programs,” said Annie Cox, executive director of CHIME’s early education programs. “Their commitment and generosity will help us maintain the high quality of our inclusive model of education-where children with and without disabilities learn side by side. Our programs implement and demonstrate educational practices that promote the highest academic achievement while teaching children to value each other in a rich and diverse social environment.

“The readings should provide an interesting afternoon as the actors explore the human need to belong,” she continued. “Hopefully, they will inspire us to think about the inclusive experience for all of us, not just for people who are indentified as disabled. All of us at one point in our lives have felt we did not belong.”

The CHIME Institute, located in part at Cal State Northridge, is a national leader in developing and implementing model educational programs and dynamic research and training environments to disseminate best practices in inclusive education. The institute’s research and training center is housed in CSUN’s Michael D. Eisner College of Education.

The CHIME Institute offers an infant/toddler program and a preschool/kindergarten inclusion program, which is located at Cal State Northridge.

The institute also operates two charter schools, CHIME Institute’s Arnold Schwarzenegger Charter Elementary School in Woodland Hills and CHIME Charter Middle School in Chatsworth, both of which serve as demonstration and teacher-training sites for the Eisner College of Education. Both schools are independent schools that provide free public education through affiliation with the Los Angeles Unified School District.

The work of the institute has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a national model for full inclusion of students with disabilities and for providing a blueprint for local schools across the country.

Proceeds from the readings will go toward supporting inclusive practices for children in the institute’s educational programs and schools.

Taking part in the event are Benjamin Bratt, currently starring in the A&E Network drama “The Cleaner,” and starred in the series “Law & Order” as well as such films as “Miss Congeniality” and “Traffic;” Amy Brenneman, star of such television series as “NYPD Blue,” “Judging Amy,” and “Private Practice;” Irish actor Colin Farrell, whose films include “Tigerland,” “Daredevil,” “Miami Vice,” “Minority Report,” “Alexander,” and “In Bruges;” Laura San Giacomo, currently starring in the TNT drama series “Saving Grace” and former star of “Just Shoot Me;” and Muse Watson, who has appeared in such movies as “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and “Austin Powers: The Spy who Shagged Me” as well as such television series as “Prison Break,” “NCIS,” and “Ghost Whisperer.”

Music for the evening will be provided by the Kaplan String Quartet.

Tickets for the reading are $250 each for open seating and $500 each for VIP reserved seating. To make reservations or for more information about the event, call the institute at (818) 677-2922.

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