Columbinus

By the United States Theatre Project:
Written by Stephen Karam and PJ Paparelli
Dramaturgy by Patricia Hersch
Conceived by PJ Paparelli

The Theatre Lab’s Summer Acting Institute for Teens
August 2016

“…brilliantly handled… The nuances of Randy Baker’s direction successfully laid an ominous tone throughout the play.”
— DC Metro Theatre Arts

Columbinus, which takes its title from the 1999 mass shooting committed by two students at Columbine High School, offers a powerful examination of teenage alienation, social pressures, and the root causes of unspeakable violence. A unique combination of verbatim theatre (created from journals, interviews and testimonies of people involved in the tragedy) and original dramatic work, columbinus begins by presenting an Average American High School populated by archetypal characters but ultimately morphs into the specific setting in which the Columbine massacre occurred. Much like The Laramie Project, one of the most renowned works of verbatim theatre, columbinus looks at the tragedy from multiple perspectives—from students to teachers to parents to the shooters themselves—with both empathy and compassion.  columbinus offers thrilling acting challenges for a diverse cast, who must work to find the truth, humanity and hope in even the darkest moments, as they grapple with themes that are, sadly, all too relevant today.

The Theatre Lab’s Summer Acting Institute for Teens is designed to immerse young adults in the art of acting—from mastering the essential principles of the craft to participating in a public performance of at the end of the four weeks.

The curriculum includes audition seminars, improvisational workshops, voice and speech training, movement training, and scene study, as well as special programs designed to give interested students insight into the workings of the professional theatre community. In addition to the daily training, students present a fully designed production at Theater J, a renowned professional theatre venue.

Assistant Director: Phil Dickerson / Lighting Design: Kevin Laughon / Costume Designer: Dominique Gaddy / Scenic Design and Technical Direction: Angelo Merenda / Producer and Theatre Lab Founder and Co-Director: Buzz Mauro