York Drama presents its Winter Production "The Laramie Project"

“John Forsythe and I have always admired and talked about producing The Laramie Project,” says Rebecca Marianetti. Mr. Forsythe and Mrs. Marianetti have been directing York Drama together for almost twenty years, and find that when they co-direct the plays, they gain creative energy from each other. “We direct differently in some ways, and exactly the same in others. We spin ideas off of each other every day, and constantly challenge ourselves and each other as artists”, states Mr. Forsythe. Mrs. Marianetti agrees “This has been a labor of love, for sure. We want these students to learn as much as they can about the art of theatre, while lifting with love. The story of Matthew Shepard is one of great tragedy, but also is inspiring and deeply hopeful”.

The Laramie Project was developed in 2000 by Moisés Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project about the reaction to the 1998 murder of gay University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming. The murder was denounced as a hate crime and brought attention to the lack of hate crime laws in various states, including Wyoming.

Since live theatre is on pause, York decided to create something special and produce The Laramie Project as a film. Student directors Olivia Rosenberg, Charlie Kungl, Jillian Caforio and Owen Espinosa, and Stage Managers Henry Wegener and Kayla Willey are heading the team, along with York alumni Matt Bourke and film director Michael Berry.

Mrs. Marianetti reflects on the impact of working with York alumni, Matt Bourke. "Matt was an exceptional student at York, and now that he is a teacher, watching him help our current students with his talent, drive and artistry has been incredibly rewarding for all of us. He has made an immeasurable impact on this project and on this program".

Oliva Rosenberg reflects “Working on The Laramie Project has been an experience that I will truly never forget. The amount of filmmaking knowledge I have learned from both Mr. Bourke and Mr. Berry has absolutely blown my mind. They are both so patient, creative and insightful, so being alongside them as they work their magic has been incredibly rewarding. It has been a journey that will forever be close to my heart.”

Owen Espinosa agrees, stating “Not only was I able to share my ideas during the process and connect with the project in a way I haven’t previously been able to, but I also was also able to learn so much from people who have experience and talent within the industry. It’s hard to imagine doing this show with just the parameters given to you from the stage after filming this play, and I can’t wait to do it all over again with Theory of Relativity this May! I am eagerly anticipating the release of the film and the ability to enjoy the art many of my colleagues and I were able to collaborate on and produce in a unique and beautiful way in this strange year.”

Technical Director Manny Ortiz and York Tech Crew were able to build sets that appear to be interiors, yet were actually exterior shots, allowing for safety procedures. “Manny is an incredible asset to York Drama as a teacher, leader, and artist. He and the students in tech are creative, hardworking, and bring so much to every project we do” states Mr. Forsythe.

In addition to the actors, student directors and stage managers, another student leader, Leo Macariola, stepped up and wrote an entire musical score for the movie, featuring himself as well as York musicians Tessa and Quinn Olson. “What Leo did with this music is nothing short of incredible”, states Marianetti, “he, along with all of our student leaders, truly rose to the occasion and used their talents and hearts to create something truly meaningful”.

The play draws on hundreds of interviews conducted by the theatre company with inhabitants of the town, company members' own journal entries, and published news reports. The cast of York’s production was able to meet, via zoom, with Barbara Pitts, an original member of the Tectonic Theatre, and a writer and developer of The Laramie Project.

After meeting with Ms. Pitts, senior Kathryn King reflected “When I set out to research The Laramie Project and its characters, I was overwhelmed by the weight this story carried and the importance of both its legacy and the legacy of the people it touched. I’ve found it incredibly challenging to try and incorporate that sense of realness and remembrance into the portrayal of the characters I play, all while reminding myself that they are indeed real human beings, not characters created for this play. They have lives and souls and hearts, and something about the fact that all of these characters are real people makes this story so much more moving.”

The Laramie Project runs from March 26, 27, 28 and April 4 and 5th.

Tickets will go on sale Tuesday, March 16 at www.ticketpeak.co/yorkdrama and are $5 per viewing link plus $1.50 service charge. Donations are welcome and much appreciated, as York Drama continues to create art during this unprecedented year.

This is presented as an on-demand streaming with viewing links active between 5:00pm CST – Midnight CST each day of the show. Each day will require a new code, if you want to watch multiple days.

Thank you for your continued support of York Drama!

Stay tuned for the York Musical, Theory of Relativity, airing in May! This stunning musical reflects on how we are all connected, and how we are nothing without each other.