Orphan Train project research trip

Who we are and what we're doing:

The Tabard Theatre Company  at Theatre on San Pedro Square in downtown San Jose, California, is kicking off its 15th season in September 2015 with the world premiere of Homeward Bound: An Orphan Train Journey and we need your help creating the production.

The Background Story:

Orphan Trains were run in the United States from 1854 to 1929 to find homes for over 250,000 abandoned and orphaned children displaced from the waves of immigrants flooding into New York City at the turn of the century. The trains ran the length of the country from town to town, placing children with families all across North America.

Our Story:

Homeward Bound: An Orphan Train Journey follows the story of several orphan train riders as they travel in 1910 to an unknown destination, life and future. Based in fact, Homeward Bound is a creative and theatrical production that focuses on these children’s experiences traveling on the train from New York City to their new homes and families in parts of the country they have only heard about. The production will incorporate dialogue, music, movement and photographs to tell this engaging, gripping, and compelling chapter in America's history.

Our Need:

The play is being written by Cathy Spielberger Cassetta, Artistic Director of The Tabard Theatre Company , and to ensure that Homeward Bound: An Orphan Train Journey is as authentic and honest as theatrically possible, Cathy, two of the young cast members, Ashley and Ginger and their mothers plan on attending the annual National Orphan Train Rider Celebration held at the Orphan Train Museum Complex in Concordia, Kansas, June 4-6, 2015. This is a tremendous first-hand learning experience that they and Cathy will be able to share with the rest of the cast and ultimately audiences everywhere.

We are seeking $5,000 to cover our research and expenses associated with this trip for all five to attend.

Of course we appreciate any donations to help us reach our goals but if you donate…

$100 or more, you will receive 2 tickets to the performance on opening weekend, Sept. 18-20. 

$1000 or more, you can have a character or a referenced character in the play named after you or someone of your choosing. This is a fantastic tribute to someone in circle who was an orphan or an actual orphan train rider.

Thank you so much for partnering with us to help make our trip to the Orphan Train museum and reunion possible!