Up with People (UWP) is a global education, nonprofit organization that aims to bring the world together through service and music. The unique combination of international travel, service learning, leadership development and performing arts offers students an unparalleled experience and a pathway to make a difference in the world, one community at a time.
Best known for their high-energy, upbeat, family-friendly entertainment, the cast of 100 participants—representing 15 countries—participate in UWP’s international global education program for young adults. For nearly 50 years, the casts of Up with People have toured the globe performing for millions, including an unprecedented four Super Bowl halftime shows.
As part of their world tour last year, Up with People made a stop in the Chagrin Valley (where CIPUSA is headquartered in Ohio) to present their latest music and dance production “The Journey,” which celebrated various cultures from around the world.
Throughout the years, many Ohio natives, including Orange High School graduate, Matt Freed, have traveled with Up with People. You can read about Matt’s experience HERE.
By the end of their five-month world tour, the cast will have visited dozens of communities throughout the United States, Mexico and Europe.
.png)
Up with People is coming back to the Chagrin Valley!
On Friday, September 8th and Saturday, September 9th at 7:30 pm, Up with People will perform public shows at Orange High School’s Performing Arts Center.
Click HERE for more information and to get tickets.
This fall's cast members come from:
Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Navajo Nation / United States, The Netherlands, Phillippines, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States.
Up with People Cast Members from the Chagrin Valley
Joining this fall's cast is Alicen Schnade from Macedonia, Ohio
My name is Alicen Schade and I grew up in Macedonia, Ohio with my mom (Kicki), dad (Terry) and brother (Mattias). I’m 24 years old and graduated from Nordonia High School in 2011 (Go Knights!). I’ve been traveling with Up with People since graduating from university in 2014.
I’m so proud to be bringing the international cast of Up with People to Northeast Ohio this fall! Our cast of almost 100 people from 15 different countries and 23 US states will engage with local youth in service projects and will present our show “The Journey” on September 8th & 9th at Orange High School in Pepper Pike. Since 1965, Up with People has empowered youth to be positive agents of change. My mom, who is from Sweden, and my dad, from a small town in Pennsylvania, even met each other while traveling in Up with People in the 1980s! There’s something for everyone in the show, and there are many ways to get involved with the cast such as being a host family, donating meals or joining us as we serve in the local community.
This visit will be many of my castmate's first time in Ohio, and even in the United States. They come from countries like Japan, Denmark, China, Mexico, Belgium and Bermuda. I hope they’ll take with them the hometown feeling we grow up with in the midwest, and I’m sure they’ll leave behind some hope in our generation and a taste of the world, too. We’ll see you September 4-11!
Also joining this fall's cast is Nick Nord is from Hudson, Ohio
My name’s Nick Nord, and I moved to Hudson, Ohio in 2008. In 2013, I graduated from Hudson High School where I played baseball, rugby, and formed my first band. Last Spring, I graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Psychology, and I’m currently playing guitar in the Up With People band. We haven’t even started travelling, and already, it has been an unbelievable experience. Music is my passion, and I plan to pursue a career in music after my semester in UWP, whether it’s in live performance or a related field of psychology such as music therapy.
Up with People Gives Back to the Community
Besides performing, the international cast of 100 will spend time participating in service projects, completing over 1,000 hours of community service in the Chagrin Valley alone. Cast members will be reaching out to and supporting many local nonprofit organizations and local schools such as the Gathering Place and Orange High School. Community members are also invited to join in on these service projects and give back to their own communities.
.png)
Bring the World Home – Host and Up with People Cast Member
Families in the Chagrin Valley will have the unique opportunity to bring a bit of the world into their own homes by hosting an Up with People cast member between September 4th and September 11th.
“It is a great opportunity to experience other cultures while sharing your own,” explained Gaby Ortega, Promotion Representative for Up with People.
The opportunity to stay with local families during their time in each community is a centerpiece of Up with People’s 22-week program. The giving goes both ways; while families share their traditions and local attractions, the cast members also share their experiences and cultures.
Local host families are asked to provide a bed, local transportation at the beginning and end of each day, as well as breakfast and most dinners. While gone during the day, participating in regional learning, community service and show preparation, most evenings cast members will be home with the family to participate in their activities and interests.
In addition to many wonderful experiences that come with hosting, each host family will receive two complimentary tickets to Up with People’s newest production on September 8th or 9th.
Those interested in hosting in the Chagrin Valley are encouraged to contact Liz Kelly on the Chagrin Valley Advance Team at ekelly@upwithpeople.org or by calling 513.869.9249