A WORD OR TWO ACTOR JAMES FRANCO SPEAKS OUT FOR AUTISM GROUPS.Byline: EVAN EVAN Expandable Van HENERSON>LA.COM (1) (Computer Output Microfilm) Creating microfilm or microfiche from the computer. A COM machine receives print-image output from the computer either online or via tape or disk and creates a film image of each page. James Franco the celebrity is more than happy to lend his presence to a cause. James Franco the storyteller has an interest as well. Franco, star of "James Dean Noun 1. James Dean - United States film actor whose moody rebellious roles made him a cult figure (1931-1955) James Byron Dean, Dean " and the trio of "Spider-Man" movies, is part of the lineup tonight for "Acts of Love: Children," an all-star music and performance evening with proceeds benefitting Autism Speaks Autism Speaks is a New York City-based advocacy organization, founded in February 2005 by Bob Wright, Vice Chairman of General Electric, and his wife Suzanne, to improve public awareness about autism and to promote autism research. and Cure Autism Now Cure Autism Now (CAN) describes itself as an organization of parents, clinicians and leading scientists committed to accelerating the pace of biomedical research in autism through raising money for research projects, education and outreach. . The evening has been created by WordTheatre L.A., a nonprofit organization Nonprofit Organization An association that is given tax-free status. Donations to a non-profit organization are often tax deductible as well. Notes: Examples of non-profit organizations are charities, hospitals and schools. that seeks to keep the tradition of oral storytelling alive. Speaking from UCLA UCLA University of California at Los Angeles UCLA University Center for Learning Assistance (Illinois State University) UCLA University of Carrollton, TX and Lower Addison, TX , where he is studying to finish a postponed undergraduate degree “First degree” redirects here. For the BBC television series, see First Degree. An undergraduate degree (sometimes called a first degree or simply a degree in English (emphasis on creative writing), the 29-year-old actor chatted with LA.COM. You've got a history with WordTheatre, no? I really first heard about WordTheatre when Tobias Woolf was coming down from Palo Alto -- my hometown -- to read some of his stories and I just wanted to go hear him read. At that event, I was approached by (artistic director) Cedering Fox, who asked me to read for the next event that would feature Rick Moody's stories. I was an English major at UCLA, and I've since returned because I'd like to finish my B.A. I've always loved literature, and I would read aloud to try to impress girlfriends. Participating in WordTheatre involved something I already was doing out of pleasure. It was nice to meld one of my pleasures into a bigger group. What will you be reading tonight? A few pieces. One is written by an autistic autistic /au·tis·tic/ (aw-tis´tik) characterized by or pertaining to autism. boy. I've never met him, but I've been told he cannot speak, and the only way he can communicate is by writing. This is one of his pieces, and it's very moving and powerful. I'm reading a short piece by Robert Louis Stevenson. They all have to do with childhood and what it's like to be a child. Very sweet and poignant. Have you had much or any interaction with people with autism autism (ô`tĭzəm), developmental disability resulting from a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain. It is characterized by the abnormal development of communication skills, social skills, and reasoning. ? No. Actually I volunteer with this group called The Art of Elysium that goes into hospitals and basically puts actors and artists together with underprivileged or mentally handicapped children. I've participated in lot of things like that. How close are you to getting that degree? I could graduate right now, but I'm doing an optional honors thesis project, which is to write a novel under the supervision of Mona Simpson. As soon as I'm done with that, I will graduate. It will be at the end of this school year. What made you decide to go back to school? Grateful as I am for the acting career I have, it wasn't completely satisfying, and there are other things I want to pursue in my life. This is one of them. What's the novel about? It takes place in my hometown of Palo Alto, and it's very loosely inspired by some people I knew when I lived there when I was younger. It's hard to describe the plot. I guess I would say it's more driven by a character revelation rather than plot, at least right now. Evan Henerson (818) 713-3651 evan.henerson@dailynews.com ACTS OF LOVE: CHILDREN >Where: Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood. >When: 6:30 tonight. >Tickets: $150 to $1,000. (888) 828-8476, www.austismspeaks.org. CAPTION(S): photo Photo: no caption (James Franco) |
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