The multinational cast of Up with People is headed to Bozeman, MT for their first return in more than 15 years. Up with People (UWP), which has toured to 38 countries around the world during the last 48 years, has announced that Bozeman, MT will be the third stop on their 2013 world tour. Bozeman is one of only 3 stops in Montana this year. Community members will have the opportunity to host international cast members, participate in community service, see the internationally renowned show and local students can apply to travel and earn college credits with a future cast.

While in Bozeman, MT between August 26 and September 2, Up with People will also spend time participating in more than 1000 combined hours of service and living with local host families. In July Up with People recruited families to host international cast members for their one-week stays in each of the six cities on the tour. The sharing goes both ways…while families share their traditions and local attractions, the cast members share their experiences and cultures. The visit will culminate with the Up with People cast made up of young adults ages 18 — 29, performing 2 shows at The Willson Auditorium on August 29 & 30.

Up with People, best known for their high-energy, upbeat, family-friendly entertainment, the cast of 100 participants representing 20 countries is participating in UWP’s international global education program for young adults. For 48 years, the casts of Up with People have toured the globe performing for millions, including an unprecedented four Super Bowl halftime shows. On January 1, 2011, Up with People produced and performed, for the second time in three years, during the opening celebration of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Rose Parade which was estimated to have been seen by a television audience of more than 50 million.

Long before Glee, American Idol and High School Musical, Up with People created the genre of high- energy entertainment performed by an ensemble of talented young people from around the world. The show is an international collaboration of music, dance and genuine energy with a message of hope and goodwill across nations. This electrifying stage show will move your feet, stir your soul and touch your heart.

Voices, UWP’s latest production, is a performance featuring both original and popular music and is a dynamic blend of feature soloists, full cast production numbers, fast-moving choreography and colorful costumes. Voices is inspired and motivated by recent worldwide events and features medleys of popular music, international music and of course, Up with People original music. The aim is to leave the audience feeling empowered to connect, communicate and create positive change in their communities; to ‘…rise above the noises, and listen to the voices of the world.’ Throughout the show, international cast members will provide the audience with a glimpse of their own national traditions and cultures through music and dance.

By the end of their five-month world tour, the cast will visit dozens of communities throughout the United States, Europe and Mexico, have completed more than 15,000 hours of service and performed and inspired thousands!

First Interstate Bank is the sponsor of Up with People’s visit to Bozeman and is supported by local media cosponsors Bozeman Magazine, KBZK and BoZone. Visit www.upwithpeople.org/Bozeman for additional details on how you can get involved with Up with People’s visit to Bozeman or how to apply to travel in a future program!

Up with People is an independent nonprofit, [501(c)(3)] organization without any religious or political affiliations. It provides young adults an international and intercultural experience that teaches service leadership and uses the performing arts to deliver messages of hope and goodwill throughout the world. Up with People exists today to spark people to action in meeting the needs of their communities, countries and the world while building bridges of understanding as a foundation for world peace. For more information visit www.upwithpeople.org

Chelsey Panchot is the US Sales & Tour Manager for Up With People.