New Works/New Voices: a play development event

How Can I Keep From Singing by Claire Willett

Workshop Reading 

October 5-8 at 7:30pm, October 9 at 2:00pm 

Following the death of their parents, the four O’Connor siblings are struggling through their grief. When Aidan, the baby of the family, is publicly outed as a “Queer Catholic” in the local newspaper, the family unit splinters. Each one of them is trying to balance their identity, faith, family, and chosen community in their quest to find wholeness. Aidan, bolstered by the members of his campus LGBTQ+ group, struggles to discover his voice as he bridges the worlds of his faith, his family, and who he truly is. This vital new play is UP Theater’s first commissioned piece: written by queer playwright Claire Willett, who is a Portland native, former Catholic youth minister, and active member of the parish of St. Andrew’s. This production is sponsored through generous support from the Kunal Nayyar fund.

Content Notice: This play contains profanity and discussions of immigration/deportation, racism, sexism, miscarriage, queerphobia, and conversion therapy.

Access the Digital Playbill HERE

Check out an interview with the playwright HERE

Everybody by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins

Directed by Andy Christensen

November 10-12 and 17-19 at 7:30, November 13 and 20 at 2:00pm 

The play follows Everybody as they journey from life into death to confront life’s greatest mysteries: who are we? How do you create community? What makes a good life? Award-winning playwright Brandon Jacobs Jenkins brings us on the ride in this irreverent and surprising riff on the 15th century morality play, Everyman. Underscoring the shared hopes, fears, and randomness of the human experience, the cast for this production will be chosen by lottery during each performance. This is a play you will want to see more than once: no two performances will be the same! Join us for this comedic, thought provoking, and immersive theatrical experiment.

Content Notice: This production contains strong language, partial undress, and discussions of death, racism, sex, and body image.

Access the Digital Playbill HERE

Read an interview with the playwright HERE

Check out an interview with amazing student stage manager, Lexie Rudolph HERE

HEAR some responses from our audience members

The Wolves by Sarah DeLappe

February 14-18 at 7:30pm

From the safety of their suburban stretch circle, a girls’ soccer team warms up for the game – and for their lives. Together they navigate big questions and wage tiny battles with all the ferocity of a pack of adolescent warriors. A portrait of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for nine American girls who just want to score some goals. This Pulitzer nominated play was an off-Broadway hit.

“The Wolves” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com 

Content notice: This production will contain strong language and discussions of adult situations that will not be suitable for all audience members.

Access the Digital Playbill HERE

Watch an interview with Guest Director Anna Rajala HERE 

Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare

Directed by Dr. Lezlie C. Cross

April 19-22 at 7:30pm, April 23 at 2:00pm 

Our scene opens in Illyria, where the Duke Orsino and Countess Olivia are in a romantic stalemate: he’s in to her, but she is not in to him. Their lives change when twins Viola and Sebastian are shipwrecked on the shores of Illyria, alone and fending for themselves.  Viola, disguised as a young man, starts working for the Count Orsino and is sent to woo Olivia. Sebastian, rescued by sea captain Antonio, also sets off for Orsino’s court. As the two twins try find their way in this new world, they become embroiled in mistaken (and true) love triangles in this celebratory journey of discovering who you truly are.

Buy Tickets HERE