Objects in the Mirror at Tantrum Theater

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASETANTRUM THEATER PRESENTS Charles Smiths Objects in the Mirror, Broadcast on WOUB.ORG & 91.3 FM (Athens)ATHENS, OH (May 20, 2020 at 8pm)Tantrum Theater presents its first ever radio broadcast production, Objects in the Mirror, written by Charles Smith and directed by Allen Gilmore. In response to the national pandemic response limiting events and gatherings across the country, Tantrum Theater pivoted from a planned fully-staged theatrical production into a professionally produced audio theater experience, and is proud to share this work with broadcast premier, Sunday May 31 at 8pm on WOUB FM (91.3 Athens; 89.1 Cambridge; 89.1 Ironton; 91.9 Chillicothe; and 90.1 Zanesville).Tantrum Theater presents Objects in the Mirror By Charles Smith Directed by Allen GilmoreSunday, May 31 at 8PM WOUB Radio FM Listen Online (live)Be the one left standing, conformity is not an option.Flee through West Africa alongside Shedrick Yarkpai in this harrowing true story, as he endures a savage escape from Liberia, grasping at the opportunity to live a fuller life in a land of peace, safety, and security. Written by Ohio University Distinguished Professor, Charles Smith, Objects in the Mirror provides an account of this brave Liberians search for civility; showcasing the lengths one person must go to reclaim identity and assimilate with dignity.Director Allen Gilmore calls Objects in the Mirror a singular theatrical phenomenon. Its words and images are as layered, epic, and indelible, as is this true story of Shedrick Kennedy Yarkpai, and adds this, in the face of crisis, we still need great storytelling. That is why you are here. That is why we made this work of art for you.Objects in the Mirror is the final production of Tantrum Theaters fourth season, created entirely locally for our students, community and region and now available for anyone around the world to tune in and listen to together on May 31 at woub.org.In mid-March, halfway through rehearsals for Objects, the state and local pandemic response began to close down workplaces and events, along with most live theater productions. Determining the show must continue, and encouraged by a partnership with local NPR affiliate WOUB.ORG, the Tantrum team developed a fully produced audio version of the play, through means that would be both safe and of the highest quality.Objects in the Mirror sound designer and School of Theater faculty member Steven Leffue accepted the additional role of recording engineer. Our cast transitioned to remote onlinerehearsals to prepare for recording, which was accomplished over 3 days, with detailed editing extending another 3 weeks. Finally, Leffue and Gilmore collaborated on additional sound design and layering. This process was instructive and is expected to continue to help Tantrum Theater deliver professional theater in Southeast Ohio through creatively challenging media.We are delighted to be working with WOUB radio in what we hope will be the first of many collaborations. This has certainly been a season capping production like no other, and we hope you have a chance to listen in. Josh Coy, Interim Producing Director.Objects in the Mirror is an important play based on a compelling true story. We are grateful to be able to utilize the new technology of remote recording to produce this radio production during the pandemic. -Michael Lincoln, Artistic Director.This production was supported by a creative team of Tantrum professional guest artists (*) and students: Steven Leffue (Sound Designer) Assistant Professor/Head of Sound Design at the Ohio University School of Theater, and is an instructor of saxophone in the OU School of Music; Kristine Schlachter* (Stage Manager) Visiting Stage Manager, and member of Actors Equity Association; Jeanette Buck, Tantrum Theater Production Manager. Ohio University School of Theater students include Ivan Mosley (Dramaturg) MFA, Playwriting, and Jazsmin L. Johnson (Dramaturg) BA, English Literature & Theater; Kayla Higbee (Costume Designer) MFA, Costume Design; Piper Kirchhofer (Lighting Designer) MFA, Lighting Design.The six-member cast includes Tantrum actor Gary Kayi-Fletcher* (Uncle John), proud member of SAG-AFTRA and Actors Equity Association; David Haugen* (Rob Moser) Performance Faculty, Ohio University, and member of SAG-AFTRA and Actors Equity Association. Ohio University School of Theater students include Janai Lashon (Luopu) MFA, Acting; DeVante Malone (Zaza) MFA, Acting; Avery LaMar Pope (Shedrick Yarkpai) BFA, Acting; Erik Armstrong (Shedrick Understudy) BFA, Acting.PERFORMANCE DATE:Sunday, May 31, 8:00 PM Live Broadcast on WOUB FM, and streaming around the world at WOUB.ORGSUPPORT THIS PRODUCTION For this production Tantrum Theater is adopting a give-what-you-can approach, asking for support at any level if you value the work of Tantrum Theater. Your support makes our work possible, and all giving counts!ABOUT TANTRUM THEATERTantrum is a professional company founded in 2015 to serve as a training ground and provide apprenticeship opportunities to students in Ohio Universitys College of Fine Arts. Tantrums mission is to create and propel forward a resident professional theater company and training conservatory in Athens, Ohio in a partnership with the College of Fine Arts and the School of Theater at Ohio University.To that end, we have also migrated our summer class offerings to digital online versions! Tantrum Kids (for artists aged 10-13) will take place June 1-5 and an exciting new partnership with the creators of The Girl Project, a unique program called Gen Z (for pre-college and high school students) is scheduled from June 8-19. This two-week course is a grassroots art-meets-activism program in which participants are empowered to tell their own stories through spoken word, theater-based movement, and writing techniques. It culminates in an original onlinetheatrical performance that reshapes the representation of young people in American media culture. Visit ohio.edu/fine-arts/tantrum-theater/education to enroll now.Looking forward to Tantrum Theaters 2020-2021 season Our Countrys Good by Timberlake Wertenbaker, directed by Ameenah Kaplan, currently scheduled for an opening date of Nov 20, 2020.Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, by OHIO alumnus Dave Malloy, scheduled to open on April 2, 2021. Tantrum Theater will be one of the first to produce this thrilling musical since its Broadway production.We are well aware that alternate methods of delivery may be required due to social distancing restrictions, so stay in touch at TantrumTheater.org.ATTACHED, PLEASE FIND THE CORRESPONDING PHOTO: Rhinoceros_promo.jpg [PHOTO CAPTION: Tantrum Theaters Objects in the Mirror, radio play broadcast May 31 at 8pm, on WOUB 91.3 FM and livestreamed at woub.org. Promotional artwork by Punch and Judy.]Media Contact: Josh Coy, Producing Director, Tantrum Theater. coyj@ohio.edu