Know Your Role’ Set for Oct. 12-14
Three plays to be presented this season by College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Cause Theatre — a theater series designed to provoke thought and discussion —all deal with how people respond to different situations and information.
The first of the series, “Know Your Role,” is a one-act dramedy by Brandi Owensby that looks at our culture’s messages about what it means to a be a boy or a girl. Whether it’s through attire, the rules of dating, body image, parental pressures or a host of other societal signals, the ensemble of this one-act explores gender messages and how we respond. Through scenes and monologues that range from hilarious to heartbreaking, teens reveal how gender expectations affect them and how they “role.”
“This is a show that leaves nothing left unturned when it comes to gender identity,” said Associate Professor H. Keith Hight, director of the production. “Cause Theatre was started to address social issues and although we do approach this issues with humor, I am hoping it will hit home and make people more aware of how we treat each other.”
The cast of “Know Your Role” includes Elizabeth Campbell of Waldorf, Patrick Dolan of La Plata, Andrew Geier of Waldorf, Olivia Gordon of Welcome, Emma Harman of Waldorf, Mary Ingwalson of La Plata, Greg Kenney of Waldorf, Dasul Lee of Waldorf, Sarah Slack of Mechanicville, Alaina Portlock of Lusby, Emily Roell of Leonardtown, Caleb Smith of Waldorf and Reva Taylor of Waldorf.
“Know Your Role” will be presented on the La Plata Campus at 7:30 p.m. Oct 12; 8 p.m. Oct. 13; and 2 p.m. Oct 14.
Following “Know Your Role,” Cause Theatre will continue in February with a production of “Lockdown.” This short drama by Douglas Craven depicts eight students in a dark classroom on an “official lockdown,” not knowing if it’s just a drill or an actual emergency. When a hysterical younger girl bolts from the room and the teacher follows, the remaining students are left alone to decide if it’s safer to stay or run. Due to mature content and intense subject matter this production may not be suitable for all ages. Shows are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1; 8 p.m. Feb. 2; and 2 p.m. Feb. 3.
Lastly, Cause Theatre will present “Journey’s End” by R.C. Sherriff. Set over the course of four days leading up to a massive German attack on the British trenches in 1917, this play charts the tension and claustrophobia experienced as the new recruit to the company, Lieutenant Raleigh, discovers that Captain Stanhope, his former childhood friend and hero, has changed almost beyond recognition. Due to mature subject matter this production may not be suitable for all ages. Shows on the La Plata Campus will be at 7:30 p.m. March 15; 8 p.m. March 16; and 2 p.m. March 17.
Open auditions will be held at 6 p.m. Nov. 13 and 14 at the La Plata Campus Fine Arts Center Theatre for those ages 8 and older for “Lockdown” as well as CSM Children’s Theatre productions of “Amazing Grace” and “Around the World in 8 Plays.” Actors are asked to prepare a one-minute monologue.
For information on CSM Cause Theatre, visit www.csmd.edu/community/the-arts/theatre-and-dance/cause/index.
Calendar
CSM Cause Theatre: “Know Your Role.” 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12; 8 p.m. Oct. 13; 2 p.m. Oct. 14. College of Southern Maryland, La Plata Campus, Fine Arts (FA) Building, Theater, 8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata. CSM’s Cause Theatre will present “Know Your Role,” a dramedy by Brandi Owensby. Whether it’s attire, the rules of dating, body image, parental pressures or other societal signals, teens in this one-act reveal how gender expectations affect them and how they “role.” $5 all seats. bxoffc@csmd.edu, 301-934-7828 or visit www.csmd.edu/Arts.
CSM Theatre Auditions. 6 p.m., Nov. 13-14. College of Southern Maryland, La Plata Campus, Fine Arts Building, Theater, 8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata. Open auditions will be held for CSM Cause Theatre’s production of “Lockdown” and CSM Children’s Theatre productions of “Amazing Grace” and “Around the World in 8 Plays.” Actors are asked to prepare a one-minute monologue. There are roles for performers ages 8 and older. bxoffc@csmd.edu, 301-934-7828 or visit www.csmd.edu/Arts.
CSM Cause Theater: ‘Lockdown.” 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1; 8 p.m. Feb. 2; 2 p.m. Feb. 3. College of Southern Maryland, La Plata Campus, Fine Arts Building, Theatre, 8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata. Due to mature content and intense subject matter, this production may not be suitable for all audiences. $5 all seats. bxoffc@csmd.edu, 301-943-7828 or visit www.csmd.edu/Arts.
CSM Cause Theatre: “Journey’s End.” 7:30 p.m. March 15; 8 p.m. March 16; 2 p.m. March 17. College of Southern Maryland, La Plata Campus, Fine Arts Building, Theatre, 8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata. Due to mature subject matter, this production may not be suitable for all ages. $5 all seats. bxoffc@csmd.edu, 301-943-7828 or visit www.csmd.edu/Arts.