Moments of Grace: Courage in the Face of Challenge
Program Titles
- My Face is Unique, But My Experience is Universal
- The Church of 80% Sincerity
David Roche, B.A.(philosophy, Magna Cum Laude).
David Roche requests that his audiences ask him: ‘What happened to your face?’
“I then explain that I was born with a severe facial disfigurement. On the left side of my face is an extensive cavernous hemangioma, a benign tumor consisting of blood vessels. As an infant and child I underwent many facial surgeries and heavy radiation therapy, which left radiation burns on my temple and eyelid.
“Yet my face is a gift, because my shadow side – my difficulty and challenge – is on the outside, where I have been forced to deal with it.”
David’s face distinguishes him from all other presenters. What really makes David unique, however, is his remarkable spirit, warmth, wit and authenticity.
David has transformed the challenges and gifts of living with a facial disfigurement into a compelling message that uplifts and delights audiences around the world. The story of his heroic journey from shame to strength has inspired standing ovations from the Clinton White House to the Sydney Olympics Arts Festival, from most of the 50 states to Canada, England, New Zealand and Moscow.
David presents programs for corporate, association, disability and educational events of all kinds.
David Roche is an inspirational humorist, motivational speaker and performer who has transformed the challenges and gifts of living with a facial disfigurement into a compelling message that uplifts and delights audiences around the world.
He has performed his signature one-man show, The Church of 80% Sincerity, across the U.S. and in Canada, England, New Zealand, Australia and Russia.
David appeared at the Clinton White House and headlined at the Olympics Arts Festival in Sydney, Australia.
David and his wife Marlena Blavin present Love at Second Sight, a program for adolescents about appearance, acceptance and diversity.
David has been featured in four films, including Shameless , a feature-length documentary. The Perfect Flaw , a documentary about David, won first place awards at the International Annual Film & Video Festival and the Da Vinci Film & Video Festival.
Two other award-winning films featuring David, Face First and Able to Laugh have been seen worldwide.
Was profiled on her CNN show as a result of viewer response to an earlier interview on CNN.
David is in demand as a keynote speaker and corporate humorist, offering business entertainment and presenting on a wide range of topics including self-esteem, diversity, disability and facing change.
Clients include Hewlett Packard, Lockheed Martin, Lawrence Livermore Labs, the U.S. State Department, disability associations, universities and other organizations.
David’s favorite work is with students. He and his wife Marlena Blavin share their stories in Love at Second Sight. With simple honesty and warm humor, they confront the issues of appearance, acceptance and diversity.
In addition to his own acclaimed one-man show, The Church of 80% Sincerity, David has appeared in ensemble work in two world premieres held in San Francisco: Opening to You and Summertime.
Has a BA in philosophy (Magna Cum Laude).
David developed his stage skills as a comedian in shows and later worked with Access to Comedy, a troupe of disabled comedians.
Subsequently he created his signature theater work, The Church of 80% Sincerity.
David’s presence is strong in his communities as well as on stage.
•Leadership Award, Fair Housing
•Martin Luther King Humanitarian of the Year Award, Human Rights Commission
•California Arts Council Roster of Touring Artists
•Milley Award for Excellence in Performing Arts
•Grants: Marin Arts Council, Morris Family Foundation, Theatre Bay Area C.A.S.H., Zellerback Family Fund, Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation
•Headliner, Olympics Arts Festival, Sydney, Australia
•Featured performer, Clinton White House, Washington, DC,
Books by David Roche, B.A.
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