CCBC Essex Academic Theatre Students Perform as Part of ARTSCAPE Today

Students from the Community College of Baltimore County, Essex Academic Theatre will be performing "The Consumables" as part of Artscape 2015. The troupe was invited to perform at 11 a.m., today, July 18, at the Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston Street. Tickets are FREE. This production contains strong language and scenes of an adult nature and is not suitable for children.

"The Consumables" is an award-winning dark comedy that uses movement and original music to explore the tensions between doing what we love and what we have to do to survive. An original work inspired by themes from David Shipler's book, "The Working Poor," the play is based on actual interviews with workers from the Baltimore area about their experiences working in low- and minimum-wage jobs. The final play is the creation of Anthony Bianco (musical director), Melinda Blomquist (choreographer) and Julie Lewis (director). The original music is performed by local pianist and composer Bianco of Essex, who has been part of the creative process from the beginning.

The ensemble cast of CCBC Essex Academic theatre is comprised of those current students and alumni who conducted the interviews upon which the play is based. Brittany Burtis and Itula "Lene" Oselene of Baltimore, Azariah Coppin of Nottingham, Glen "Carroll" Haupt and Lianna Brizzi of Rosedale and Sarra Lewis, Unique Falcon, Juan Hunter and Samantha Trionfo of Parkville, Yakima Rich, Charles Gearhart and Alexandra Macintosh will be appearing in this production.

"The Consumables" originally premiered at CCBC Essex in March 2014. The cast was invited to perform in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Fringe held in Cleveland, Ohio, and garnered its "Best Ensemble" award. The play was performed again in Baltimore at Gallery 788.

About the Community College of Baltimore County - CCBC is ranked among the number one providers of undergraduate education, workforce development, technology training, and lifelong learning/life enrichment in the Baltimore Metropolitan area. Rooted in the community since 1957, CCBC offers a unique approach to learning that empowers people to transform their lives.

Nationally recognized as a leader in innovative learning strategies, CCBC educates nearly 65,000 people each year, including more than half of all Baltimore County residents attending undergraduate college. Its Continuing Education division is the preferred training partner for Maryland businesses, serving more than 100 employers annually with customized employee development training.

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