Parents Enjoy Behind-the-Scenes Look at "The Laramie Project"

As part of the Backstage Pass series hosted by the MBS Parents Association, a group of parents were treated to an intimate, behind-the-scenes discussion on Tuesday, October 15th, of the Upper School play The Laramie Project. 

Parents got a sneak preview as we observed an actual rehearsal. The students were working on blocking – figuring out where to stand on stage and how to get to that position without crashing into another cast member or an imaginary prop or two. It was so much fun to see the genius and hard work that goes into maneuvering 16 actors, many playing 4 to 5 different roles, in and out of scene changes without a single pause or curtain closure. 

Several parents were moved to tears during a scene where Matthew Shepard‘s father is giving a speech at the trial of his son’s murderer. This show promises to be an emotional roller coaster. 

After watching a few scenes, the parents enjoyed some wine, cheese, chocolate, and conversation with our professional director, Nick Corley, the chorus and music instructor, Ben Krauss, and The Performing Arts Department Chair, David Gold. Nick shared some interesting backstory on the real folks from Laramie who did not make it into the play or movie script. The group discussed some of the more controversial aspects of the play as well as the important lessons it is teaching about empathy and the positive impact it is having on the students. 

It was a fun and meaningful experience. Thanks very much to the cast and crew for sharing this great experience.

The Laramie Project runs from November 6-9 in Founders Hall.