Latest news with #ActOut
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Yahoo
Virginia Giuffre, Epstein Accuser and Non-Profit Founder, Dies at 41
Virginia Giuffre, an earlier accuser of Jeffrey Epstein and founder of the Speak Out, Act Out, Reclaim (SOAR) nonprofit, died at her farm in Western Australia on April 25, according to The New York Times. She was 41. According to a statement from Giuffre's family to the Times, she died by suicide, less than a month after she posted on Instagram that she was in danger of dying of renal failure. Giuffre had incurred injuries as part of a car crash with a school bus, in which she was allegedly traveling at nearly 70 miles per hour. More from Variety Jimmy Kimmel Surprised That Bombshell Jeffrey Epstein Tapes About Trump Friendship Aren't Getting More Attention 'Bribe, Inc' Director on Why the Global Corruption Doc Is the 'Jeffrey Epstein Story for Bribery' (EXCLUSIVE) Jimmy Kimmel Calls Aaron Rodgers a 'Karen' Over Epstein List Comments: A 'Hamster-Brained Man' Who Is 'Too Arrogant to Know How Ignorant He Is' 'The world lost a fierce warrior,' Giuffre's sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, told People. 'She wished for all survivors to get justice. That is who she was.' In a statement, her family described Giuffre as 'the light that lifted so many survivors.' In 2009, Giuffre (then identified as Jane Doe 102) sued Epstein and co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell, accusing them of recruiting her to join Epstein's sex trafficking ring when she was a minor. Giuffre went public with her accusations in 2010, citing the birth of her daughter as motivation to come forward and speak publicly about her experience. Giuffre founded Victims Refuses Silence (now SOAR), a non-profit organization, in 2015 to 'help survivors surmount the shame, silence, and intimidation typically experienced by victims of sexual abuse, and to help others to escape becoming victims of sex trafficking.' Giuffre's unpublished memoir, 'The Billionaire's Playboy Club,' was filed as evidence during her 2015 lawsuit against Ghislaine Maxwell. The memoir was unsealed in 2019. Best of Variety Newborns & Nuptials: Hollywood Wedding and Baby News
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Act Out Theatre Group to present 'Holy Mother of Bingo' Murder Mystery
Feb. 14—TAYLOR — Act Out Theatre Group is taking a break from its traditional youth and teen productions to bring the comedic murder mystery, "Holy Mother of Bingo," to the stage. The production runs Friday, Feb. 14 through Sunday, Feb. 16. "We try to do a handful of productions a year that are audition-based and feature adults, children and youth," said Dan Pittman, the theatre's owner and artistic director. "It's a great opportunity because everyone learns from one another. Plus, we get to broaden our offerings to the community." "Holy Mother of Bingo" is a fully-immersive production. Audience members will immediately be met by members of the Mother of Mercy Parish shortly after entering the theatre. The production is set at a bingo fundraiser to help raise money for the parish. Things go awry after the church hall is double-booked and bingo enthusiasts must share their space with some cookie cadets. Folks may not know if the person sitting next to them is a cast member or simply another member of the audience. Throw in a magician, a scout leader, a couple of nuns and some other colorful characters, and there are multiple things happening at all times. "This has really been a fun show to direct," said Kalen Churcher, who frequently directs the theatre's youngest actors and actresses. "You never know what's going to happen or who is going to join the cast. Plus, who doesn't enjoy bingo?" In addition to watching the murder mystery, audience members will also participate in five rounds of bingo, with small prizes going to the winners. The cast of 22 features veteran performers and those new to the stage. It also features several groups of family members, including Jill and Jason Peck; Christina and Kayla Perez; Ann Marie and Ireland Scott; Linda Miller and Vivian Santiago; and Amanda, Hussein and Norah Kazimi. Additional cast members include: John Bubul, Matt Williams, Kylie Pimental, Katie Smith, Lila Boyle, Paul Kantor, Frank Carey, Gregg Germano, Dan Pittman, Joey McGuire and Mina Boam. "I've always admired my daughters for being brave enough to get on stage and perform," said Amanda Kazimi, whose daughters Norah, Hannah and Arianna have performed on the Act Out stage before. "Now being in a show myself, I realize how much hard work goes into that performance, and I'm not even doing half of what they do. "Sharing this experience with my daughter has been priceless. I love hearing her give me tips on learning my lines and cues and getting her feedback after a practice — even though it's not always good." Tickets for Holy Mother of Bingo can be purchased online at Because of the seating arrangement, tickets are limited. Opening night on Valentine's Day has sold out, but interested parties can place their names on a waitlist by emailing info@ Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students and senior citizens. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday.
