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Event
Through His I
QuTheatr Ensemble, a theatre project aimed at employing and empowering LGBTQ+ youth and young adults in greater Akron, is set to premiere Through His I, a new work developed by the company. Based on the experiences of company members and others from the local LGBTQ+ community, this intimate and provocative work will perform at the Balch Street Theatre for one weekend only. Through His I opens Thursday, July 18, 2019 and runs through July 21, 2019. Performances are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, July 18, 19, 20 at 8pm and Sunday, July 21 at 2pm. The Balch Street Theatre is located at 220 South Balch Street, Akron 44302. Tickets are $15 general admission; $10 for students and youth under age 22; or pay-what-you-can for rush tickets at the door. Tickets are available online at https://qutheatr.bpt.me or by calling 330-867-3299. Seating is limited. Later in the summer, QuTheatr will attend the Pride Youth Theatre Alliance Conference in Pittsburgh and participate in Akron Pride 2019. In the fall, QuTheatr plans to present scenes from the production at several area schools.
QuTheatrs Through His I tells the story of a young trans male who daily confronts discrimination and bullying as he encounters those who challenge his identity. Through a variety of theatre and storytelling techniques, the young actors of QuTheatr lead the audience towards acceptance and understanding. The play aims to generate conversations about identity and gender while educating people on several LGBTQ+ topics.
QuTheatr is a project of Akrons New World Performance Laboratory (NWPL) and the recipient of a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, as part of its 2017 Akron Knight Arts Challenge. The Knight Arts Challenge funds the best ideas for engaging and enriching Akron through the arts. Through His I is directed by NWPLs co-artistic director, Jairo Cuesta. Local theatre artist Josy Jones guides the writing and dramaturgy of the production and NWPL company member Rosilyn Jentner serves as assistant director. Current QuTheatr company members include: Jaxx Cheline, Kaitlyn Meese, Lysander Mills, Fennel Morrison, and guest artist Justin Miller. The design and technical production team for QuTheatr includes Inda Blatch-Geib, Dred Geib, Chris Hariasz, Kix, and youth intern Viola Cranendonk.
QuTheatr members receive a scholarship for their work in the company. QuTheatr Founding Director, JT Buck, says: This project will empower and ultimately employ our local queer youth at a very challenging time in their lives. Well set the expectation that young artists deserve to be paid, and that the voices of LGBTQ+ artists deserve to be heard, nurtured and respected. Funding for the project comes from numerous supporters and foundations, including the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Char and Chuck Fowler Family Foundation, Gay Community Endowment Fund, Akron Community Foundation, GAR Foundation, Pegs Foundation, and Ohio Arts Council.
About CATAC and NWPL
Center for Applied Theatre and Active Culture (CATAC) serves as the administrative umbrella for NWPL, an internationally acclaimed ensemble of theatre artists that has been active in Northeastern Ohio for 25 years. Since taking up residence at The Balch Street Theatre in 2011, CATAC has produced a number of exceptional NWPL productions including The Devils Milk Trilogy, Virginia Woolfs ORLANDO and Gilgamesh: He Who Saw Everything as well as hosting various theatre companies such as Studium Teatralne from Poland, Akropolis Performance Lab from Seattle, TAPIT Theatre Ensemble from Madison, WI, and MaSue Productions. CATAC/NWPL spearheads numerous community projects, training sessions, educational programs, and performances throughout the region, nationally, and internationally.
About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Knight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. The Knight Foundation invests in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Our goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which we believe are essential for a healthy democracy.
Contacts
James Slowiak, nwplab@gmail.com, 330-867-3299
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/381774695612909/
Website: www.nwplab.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nwplab/
Knight Foundation: Adam Ganuza, Program Officer/Arts, ganuza@knightfoundation.org
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LocationThe Balch Street Theatre (View)
220 South Balch Street
Akron, OH 44302
United States
Categories
| Minimum Age: 13 |
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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