Poughkeepsie, NY - Poughkeepsie Day School has announced that Emmy award-winning writer, performer and director Cailean Fraser Press will lead a performance improvisation workshop as part of the school's summer program, PDS Summer. The two-week session is designed for students aged 12 to 18 and will run Monday through Friday, August 1 - 5 and August 8 - 12 and culminate in an evening performance in the school's James Earl JonesTheater.

In the workshop, students will explore the basic elements of theater improvisation as well as various formsof humor, style and theatrical form. Through a series of simple exercises, they will learn to develop trust and to value spontaneity and personal voice in creating original ideas and characters.

Ms. Press began her career as a child performer with the renowned experimental theatre company, La Mama E.T.C. Since then she has worked extensively in New York City theatre as well as in television and independent film. She has performed stand-up comedy around the country and on numerous television programs and performed improvisational comedy and written and performed three critically acclaimed one-woman shows in New York and San Francisco. As an actress, Ms. Press was nominated for an Emmy award for her performance in a CBS television special and won the Emmy for the writing of the same special. She founded the young people's division of Gotham City Improv in New York City and then, along with her husband, Darren Press, created IMPROVshop!, a program dedicated to helping children and teenagers from diverse backgrounds develop, explore and utilize their own creativity in positive ways. Currently Ms. Press is spearheading a motion picture studio and production company in the City of Poughkeepsie.

Registrations are welcome from students throughout the area and are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. No previous theatre experience is necessary to enroll. The workshop costs $400/student. Click here for more information and a registration form.

Founded in 1934, Poughkeepsie Day School enrolls 350 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 from 48 communities in the mid-Hudson Valley. It is distinguished by its interactive and interdisciplinary approach to learning and emphasis on the development of creative and critical thinking skills. Founded in 1934, Poughkeepsie Day School enrolls approximately 350 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 from 48 communities. Typically, 100% of the school's graduating seniors are admitted to colleges and universities each year.

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Poughkeepsie Day School to Hold Summer Program Open House

Contact: Sandra Moore, Director of Communications, 845-462-7600, ext. 110

PDS Summer welcomes campers from throughout the Hudson Valley and consists of six one-week sessions for young children, ages 4-6 and 6-9, including Mini-Musical Theater, Games Galore and Creative Movement and Games. The Annandale Troupe will offer one five-

week session for children, ages 7 - 16 who are interested in theater and CMP will offer a one-week session for children aged 8-12 and another for those aged 10 -14. Registrations are currently being accepted for all of these programs. For more information, contact the

communications office at 845-462 - 7600, ext. 110 or visit the summer program page of the school's Web site.

Founded in 1934, Poughkeepsie Day School enrolls approximately 350 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 from 48 communities. It is distinguished by its interactive and interdisciplinary approach to learning and emphasis on the development of creative and critical thinking skills. Typically, 100% of the school's graduating seniors are admitted to colleges and universities each year.

Poughkeepsie Day School Hosts Blood Drive for Students

Contact: Sandra Moore, Director of Communications, ext. 110

Poughkeepsie, NY - Poughkeepsie Day School will host a second blood drive of the school year, aimed specifically at students, on Friday, May 20 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. Sponsored bythe New York Blood Center, the drive is open to the public and will be held in the Town of Poughkeepsie school's gymnasium, 260 Boardman Road.

Jonathan Heiles, a science teacher at the school, contacted the New York Blood Center when he learned that, to encourage donations in this time of great shortages, the age for giving blood had recently been lowered to 16.. He said that even though some young people are at first uneasy about the thought of giving blood, they "recognize the value and importance of doing it and see it as the right thing to do. My hope is that we will build a mindset of donating that will increase turnout in future drives and turn a lot of students into lifelong donors." PDS has specifically contacted neighboring high schools, including Our Lady of Lourdes, Spackenkill and Oakwood Friends to let students there know about the drive.

Anyone sixteen years and older, weighing at least 110 lbs and in good health are encouraged to donate. To schedule an appointment in advance, call 845-462-7600, ext. 419 or e-mail jheiles@poughkeepsieday.org. For directions, visit www.poughkeepsieday.org.

Directions to PDS.