Our Time Players Presents SPEECH AND DEBATE By Stephen Karam

Our Time Players is a Manhattan-based not-for-profit theatre company consisting solely of twenty-something's, whose mission it is to provide opportunity for emerging artists in New York City. Recently noted for their Off-Broadway production of "Party Worth Crashing: The Music of Kerrigan and Lowdermilk," Our Time Players is excited and ready to produce their winter drama!

Up Next! "Speech and Debate" written by Tony Award-winner Stephen Karam.

Frustrated by the hypocrisy they see in their parents, teachers, and the entire school board, an unlikely trio set out to find a common truth and make their voices heard as they revive a defunct school club and take on the world. Taking place in Salem, Oregon, "Speech and Debate is a snappy dark comedy, sarcastic yet sincere, a, genuinely hilarious and genuinely emotional story of misfit teens who explore sexuality, identity, and personal power, as they learn to deal with misunderstanding and dismissal from the adult world."

"For my New York directing debut, Stephen Karam's Speech and Debate is the perfect piece to take on, especially in today's political and social climate. 'Speech and Debate' creates a dialogue about how media and "anonymity" can detach people from responsibility and how we turn a blind eye to authority. What happens when we challenge that mentality? Private affairs become public forums. While we all can challenge and manipulate the reputations of others, the gain is only to heighten our own. I plan to work the play as an ensemble driven piece and using a devised process to take on the directing role collaboratively, with the incredible actors we've gathered," says Alexandra Ward, Director.

This dynamic and youthful cast will consist of Colette Richardson (Diwata), Julian Levy (Solomon), Michael Vandie (Howie), and Annie Boden (Teacher/Reporter).

Speech and Debate opens on January 23, 2019, runs through January 27, 2019, and will be held at Shetler Studios & Theatres (Theatre 54, 244 W 54th St. New York, NY 10019).

Show Dates & Times are:

Wed. Jan 23 - 8pm

Thurs. Jan 24 - 8pm

Fri. Jan 25 - 4:30pm and 8pm

Sat. Jan. 26 - 4:30pm and 8pm.

Sun. Jan 27 - 2pm

Tickets are $25 online, $30 at the door, and can be purchased at artful.ly/our-time-players