Arden Theatre Company to Present Regional Premiere Of SCHOOL GIRLS; OR THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY

The Arden Theatre Company is preparing for the regional premiere of Jocelyn Bioh's School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play, a buoyant and biting comedy that explores the universal similarities (and glaring differences) facing teenage girls across the globe. Directed by Amina Robinson (the Arden's 74 Seconds...To Judgment.), the play will run at the Arden's Arcadia Stage from May 5 through June 5, 2022.

"School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play is a story of finding one's self-worth and intrinsic value in a world where the color of one's skin and its proximity to whiteness is used as currency," said Director Amina Robinson "It is at once hilariously funny, and then painfully revelatory. For me personally, it shines a light on the far reaching nature of Euro-centered ideology. Jocelyn Bioh tackles the subject matter with a deft comedic hand, loaded with heart. I am excited to share this story with Philadelphia audiences."

Set in Ghana in 1968, Paulina is the reigning queen bee at the country's most exclusive boarding school, and has her sights set on the Miss Global Universe pageant. But the arrival of Ericka, a new student with undeniable talent and beauty, captures the attention of the pageant recruiter-and Paulina's hive-minded friends. Tensions run high in Bioh's "gleeful African makeover of an American genre" (New York Times), a "ferociously entertaining morality tale that proves as heartwarming as it is hilarious" (Hollywood Reporter).

The Arden production features Morgan Charece Hall as Paulina Sarpong, Cheyenne Parks as Ericka Boafo, Imani Moss a Ama, Arielle Faye Telemaco-Beane as Nana, Jessica Money as Mercy, Adaeze Nwoko as Gifty, Ontaria Kim Wilson as Headmistress Francis, and Danielle Lenee as Eloise Amponsah.

TICKET INFO

Tickets for School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play are now available for purchase online at ardentheatre.org. Please go to ardentheatre.org for details.

COVID Health and Safety Protocols

The Arden wants to ensure that the health and safety of our audiences, artists, and staff is paramount.

Vaccination Requirement

• All patrons who visit Arden Theatre Company and / or attend performances must be fully vaccinated by the date of their visit. Patrons can show either paper or electronic documentation (including photo of vaccination card) paired with a valid government-issued photo ID.

• For patrons who are unable to be vaccinated, they will be required to provide proof of ONE of the following instead of evidence of vaccination:

• Negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test taken within 6 hours of the performance start time. The test results must clearly show the date and time of the test. At home tests will not be accepted.

• Negative COVID-19 PCR test performed by a medical provider within 72 hours of the performance start time. The test results must clearly show the date and time of the test.

Health and Safety

• While in our buildings, The Arden will require audience members and staff to wear masks that cover the nose and mouth, including while seated watching performances.

• The 2022 Season has been scheduled so that for most weeks, only one performance is running at a time. This will allow for less congestion and more space in the Lobby preshow and at intermission.

• If guests are feeling sick, please stay home. The Arden staff and artists are expected to do the same.

Expanded Exchange and Refund Options

• The Arden has expanded their exchange and refund options to ensure that guests have every opportunity to see a desired show, or they will get their money back.

• All exchange fees are waived for the 2022 Season.

Ventilation and Air Filtration

• The Arden has installed a new, state-of-the-art HVAC system for the F. Otto Haas Stage, which provides improved air circulation and safety in this shared space.

• They have upgraded the filtration in the HVAC systems for all of the company's spaces to utilize CDC-recommended MERV13 rated filters.

• To maintain the effectiveness of these improvements, the Arden has increased the frequency with which their HVAC systems are serviced and the filters are changed.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

• The Arden has developed thorough and more frequent janitorial procedures that incorporate disinfection with CDC-recommended products.

• The company will pay particular attention to high touch areas such as door handles, counters, and other shared surfaces before, during and after performances.

• All public spaces are equipped with hand sanitizer dispensers.

Touchless Ticketing and Ticket Delivery

• In addition to traditional tickets, The Arden is offering print-at-home and mobile ticket availability to all patrons.

• To reduce close interactions, they will utilize contactless ticket scanning.

• The Arden will be increasing the front of house staff presence to aid patrons navigate this new process.

Stagebills

• The company will provide the option for patrons to read the stagebill from a smart phone.

For more information, visit ardentheatre.org.

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