Interior Alaskans invited to write their own 'Letters Aloud'

September 25, 2015

University Relations

If you have something to say to the person who will replace you in your job, in your class or in just about any role you play, you can put it in a letter.

The Fairbanks Concert Association and the University of Alaska Fairbanks invite people to write such letters as a local complement to the "Letters Aloud" performance at 4 p.m. Nov. 15 in UAF's Salisbury Theatre. "Letters Aloud" is a live series in which actors read personal letters from famous people.

The concert association and UAF's departments of English, Journalism, and Theatre and Film are collaborating on the local letter-writing event.

"Think about what you know from life, and pass it on," suggested Anne Biberman, FCA executive director. If you're mayor, write to your successor, she said. If you're a second-grader, tell a first-grader about what to expect. If you're a military spouse, offer advice to another spouse who will soon arrive here.

A selection of the local letters will be displayed at the Noel Wien Library in early November, moving to the Regents' Great Hall outside Salisbury Theatre for the Nov. 15 performance. Local readings of the curated letters will also be held. The goal is to to help make Interior Alaska a more vibrant, exciting place to live by sharing experiences, encouraging creativity and bringing all sorts of communities together.

Use this link to find a template for handwritten letters. Send them in campus mail to Sarah Stanley, assistant professor of English and director of university writing, or go to two blue mailboxes made for letter collection. One is in the UAF Writing Center (Gruening Building, 8th floor), and the other is in Rural Student Services on the reception desk (Brooks Building, main floor).