It is time to look back to some of the highlights from the European tour as Cast A 2017’s life on the road comes to an end.

Cast A 2017’s European tour was started with a bang in Leiden, Netherlands – where the cast performed ‘The Journey’ for a sold out show. In this Leiden over 250 alumni attended this years’ European Alumni Meeting (EAM). In addition, the cast had the opportunity to meet and interact with UWP’s eXperience programme participants, UWPIAA’s Board of Governors (BoG) and UWP Board of Directors (BoD). In Son en Breugel (NL), the cast had the unique opportunity to experience the Dutch ‘Remembrance Day’ with their host families. All across NL, on May 4th, families and friends gather to commemorate all civilian and military causalities in war since World War II. For the attendees at the memorial, UWP had the honor of performing an acoustic rendition of ‘Can we sign a song of peace?’. After just one year, Up with People was brought back to Genk (Belgium). With strong community support from the city and region the cast performed for a packed house.

The next leg of the tour was in Switzerland (Geneva – Basel – Buelach). During the week in Geneva, the cast performed community service work and interacted with residents of our beneficiary, Clair Bois Foundation. The foundation works with & for people with disabilities of all ages. In Basel, UWP was brought in to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the Lions Movement by the Lions Club Zone 16 of Basel. The week ended with a performance at the prestigious Musical Theatre Basel. The final stop of the Swiss tour was in Buelach. Among other highlights, the cast performed a special school show with students from the Musikschule Zürcher Unterland (Music School of Zurich Hinterland) for over 600 school children.

Cast A 2017 is currently in Bocholt, Germany getting ready for their three final shows. Throughout the week, the cast has interacted with youth in schools and multiple refugee centers. The cast ran world dance classes for residents at Büngern-Technik and local refugee camps teaching international songs and dances. With two completely sold out shows (& third on its way) – we are thrilled to send off Cast A 2017 with a memorable European tour.

We are extremely thankful to all the alumni that have spearheaded these set-ups and materialized their dreams of bringing UWP (back) into their cities and communities. Without YOU, Cast A 2017’s journey could not have been possible. So, thank you for your selfless efforts in keeping the UWP flame burning.

Yet another strong semester is coming to and end and it is very reassuring and exciting to know that these bright young folks will now be part of the alumni family.

Looking forward, we are exited to announce that next semester Cast B 17 will start of with a tour through the United States and Mexico. Afterwards, the Cast will start their European tour in Stuttgard, Germany. It then continues in Germany with Wartenberg and Donaueschingen.

For the final show, Cast B 17 returns after only 2 years to Apeldoorn, Netherlands. As of right now we have four Swiss participants traveling in Cast B 17.