Impetus Ensemble Announces An Encore Presentation of CONSENT

Impetus Ensemble presents an encore presentation: a staged reading of a new play that confronts bullying, "CONSENT" by Frank J. Avella (author of VATICAN FALLS) on October 11, 2011 at 7PM at the National Comedy Theatre.

Due to the great demand for tickets to the performance on August 5, 2011 as well as the incredibly positive reaction from the audience in attendance, Impetus Ensemble is proud to present a special encore presentation of this bold and timely new play.

"CONSENT" examines the many types of bullying gay youth face, both obvious and subtle. The work focuses on Seth, a troubled sixteen-year-old, trying to come to terms with his sexuality in the face of ridicule and prejudice. In addition, the play very honestly depicts Seth's sexual awakening as he crushes on his bully's younger brother and discovers that his feelings may be reciprocated. Seth is also involved in a disturbing relationship with his baseball coach and must deal with the return of his estranged mother. He soon finds his life spinning out of control and contemplates suicide.

"CONSENT" explores the responsibilities we all have to teach our children to celebrate their differences instead of denigrating them. The work also warns against taking advantage of the trust teens place in the adults they look up to.

Based, in part, on factual events, the play explores the myriad of reasons gay teens feel compelled to consider suicide and provides quite the potentially controversial twist to a much too prevalent story. Impetus Ensemble hopes to continue to raise awareness about this important subject.

"CONSENT" features: Liza Harris, Eric LaPointe, Benedict Mazurek, John Edgar Moser & Chelsie Shipley. The performance runs 2 hours and 10 minutes (plus intermission) and be presented at the National Comedy Theatre: 347 West 36th Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues), NYC. Admission: $5.

For further information please visit: www.IMPETUSENSEMBLE.com
To RSVP, please email impetusensemble@aol.com or call 973-715-2356

Frank J. Avella (Author)
Frank wrote VATICAN FALLS set against the backdrop of the Catholic sex abuse scandal, which was supposed to have its world premiere at Teatro Il Vascello in Rome, Italy in May, 2011 but was cancelled the day before the scheduled opening amidst controversy and alleged death threats. Plans for a Fall production are in the works.

In addition to CONSENT, Frank recently completed THE MAD ONES, which explores our current culture of celebrity. His other plays include: LESS THAN SIX DEGREES, GREENER, THE BUBBLE, IRIS, MICHAEL'S #1 FAN, ABOUT CHRISTINE, UNHINGING, SCREW THE COW, LEXY, 3 CAINS and the book to the musical BLUEBIRDS IN MY BELFRY, about the life of Hollywood superstar Betty Hutton. Seven of these have been produced on the NYC stage, one has been produced in Cincinnati and the musical had a sold-out workshop in North Carolina. Frank did his Grad work in Cinema Studies and Dramatic Writing at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and is currently a film journalist for newyorkcool.com. He is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild.