Community Conversations


Casually referred to as “Lunch with Christopher,” this noon-time series will explore festival themes in a relaxed environment, moderated by Touchstone Ensemble member/Moravian College professor Christopher Shorr. Attend festival events, and then join for lunch to engage in a discussion about what you have seen, and the impact of these themes on the life of our community.

DATES: October 7 – 11 (Monday – Friday)

TIME: Noon – 1:00p

VENUE: Café the Lodge | 427 E. Fourth Street, Bethlehem, PA (Just down the street from Touchstone Theatre!)

PRICE: This is a free event, but the price of lunch is not included. Attendees on a tight schedule are encouraged to order ahead by phone to insure prompt service.


MONDAY, OCTOBER 7: The Health of Our Community

Featured Guests: Gerard Stropnicky, Prometheus/Redux playwright

Alyssa Lou Ann Allen, Prometheus/Redux choral director and performer


TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8: The Importance of Youth

Featured Guests: Emma Ackerman, Starry-Eyed director

Jolie Lanning, Starry-Eyed performer

Vivian Robledo-Shorey, Director of Student Services and Minority Affairs from the Bethlehem Area School District 


WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9: Elimination of Poverty

Featured Guests: Laurie McCants, Hidden Seed: Bethlehem’s Forgotten Utopia director and performer

Alan Jennings, CACLV (Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley)


THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10: Equity

Featured Guests: Omar Perez, Embracing Bethlehem/Abrazos a Belen director and performer

Kashi Johnson, Lehigh University and Homecoming partner

Olga Negron, Bethlehem City councilwoman and Festival Unbound partner

Mary Foltz, South Side Initiative


FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11: Sustainability

Featured Guests: Darlene Heller, City of Bethlehem  

Dara Silverman, Agile Rascal Bicycle Touring Theatre and To Hunt a Wild Utopia playwright/performer


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