A stage and film documentary with and about the homeless community
Director Steve Umberger Film Steve Umberger, Jay Thomas
Music Fred Story Associate Director Mark Sutton
Cast Belinda Hunter, Hilda Mojica, Paul Lessard, Mary Subach, Christina C. Williams
For eighteen months, participants who have experienced homelessness met weekly to create this stage and film documentary about life on the street, written by and featuring those who have lived it.
TalkBacks with County Commissioners Pat Cotham, Mark Jerrell, and Men's Shelter Director Liz Clasen-Kelly
Two years after starting, work continues with the cast, and work-in-progress documentary screenings and discussions.
"When looking at the issue of poverty, it is easy to dehumanize the voices of those walking that very experience. But as we see in Call Me By My Name, they have the best insight into solutions."
Kelly McRell, FUMC staff member
"The experience has been profoundly positive - one that has cultivated growth socially, creatively and consciously."
Pitkin, QC Nerve (feature)
"The experience has been profoundly positive - one that has cultivated growth socially, creatively and consciously."
Pitkin, QC Nerve (feature)
...
Program development made possible by a Vitality Grant, a Justice and Reconciliation Grant of the Metro District of the United Methodist Church, the financial support of First United Methodist Church, and donations from the general public.
Call Me By My Name grew out of StreetsmARTs, a program of First United Methodist Church, a 501(c)(3) non profit organization (Val Rosenquist, Senior Pastor). The goal is to develop and expand StreetsmARTs. Donations are welcome at FUMC, 501 N. Tryon St., Charlotte NC, or online at charlottefirst.org (StreetsmARTs option).
Call Me By My Name is a collaboration between StreetsmARTs at FUMC and The Playworks Group.
More information and resources
See press on Call Me By My Name
QC Nerve Observer
Call Me By My Name program 2019
See more comments about StreetsmARTs
StreetsmARTs Theatre Leadership
Basic facts about homelessness in the U.S. and N.C.
Homelessness resources
National State Charlotte
Website for Urban Ministry Center
Photography: William Guerrant, Jay Thomas