(Mission Times Courier, San Diego, Ca) - One of San Diego's oldest theatres recently brought on board one of the city's youngest graphic artists to design its posters, brochures and programs.  Common Ground Theatre, which has staged more than 80 productions since its inception in 1962, says hiring 21-year-old Rolando art student, Preston Delery will infuse energy and vibrancy into its print material.  "We may be one of the oldest theatres in San Diego, but our new posters will show we're alive and kicking," says artistic director, Craig Huisenga.

Common Ground aims to provide culturally diverse, socially relevant and politically aware theatre by and about people of African descent.  "Young people really fit that description," says Huisenga.  "When you bring a young person's perspective into an established organization, there's a real cross pollenization of ideas."

Delery, an art student at Platt College, San Diego School of Art and Design, says he is excited about working on all of the projects for Common Ground Theatre, especially the production of "Jazz Queens Cast Blue Shadows" (which just finished at the Lyceum at Horton Plaza on July 26).  The young artist's father originally hails from New Orleans and wanted to be sure his son felt a connection to the region, so he brought him there every summer growing up.  In fact, Delery learned to walk in the world's jazz capitol.  It is fitting that he now takes his first steps into the world of professional graphic art designing the poster for a show about the lives of Dinah Washington and Billie Holiday.

"This is my first professional gig and it is meaningful that it is with an organization where I can bring an African American feel to my work," says Delery.  "It's important to get young people involved with their history."

Huisenga agrees.  The company also performs "Awaiting Judgment," a drama about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Dietrich von Hoeffer meeting in jail.  (Von Hoeffer was a German pastor who was executed for his involvement in a failed plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler.)   The theatre company has also produced culturally important works, such as "A Raisin in the Sun," "Fences," and "Black Nativity."

Delery has always been interested in the arts, but wasn't much of a theatre-goer until the Dean of Education at Platt College encouraged him to attend shows with other students on the school's frequent field trips.  The Rolando area college offers tickets to theatre, opera and the symphony to its students to help foster a deeper understanding of art.  By giving art students the opportunity to work with local theaters, the school not only encourages community involvement, it provides an excellent opportunity for the young people to gain experience in a gratifying way.  Ultimately, though, it tries to model what life should be about - the unique sharing of talents and skills for the enrichment of all.