Exception to the Rule |
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| The Jolliffe Theatre @ The Epic Center | ||
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Dave Harris |
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Arizsia Staton |
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ABDUL: portrayed by Jared Pittman |
TOMMY: portrayed by Xavier Bolden |
DASANI: portrayed by Milan Levy |
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Welcome Letter from our Managing Artistic Director
Dear Community Family,
Welcome to our production of "Exception to the Rule" by Dave Harris. We are thrilled to have you join us for this powerful and thought-provoking play that explores the lives of six black teenagers stuck in detention.
It has been an incredible journey bringing this story to life on stage. "Exception to the Rule" delves into the complexities of adolescence, identity, and the unique challenges faced by black youth in our society. Through the raw and honest dialogue, we hope to shed light on the struggles, dreams, and resilience of these characters.
Dave Harris has crafted a narrative that transcends stereotypes and forces us to confront the biases and prejudices that often exist within educational institutions. By placing six black teenagers in detention, Harris invites us to witness their individual stories, their shared experiences, and the bonds that form despite their circumstances.
Throughout the play, you will witness moments of humor, pain, vulnerability, and strength. The characters will navigate personal conflicts, societal pressures, and the weight of expectations. It is our hope that through their journeys, you will find empathy, understanding, and a renewed commitment to breaking the cycles that perpetuate inequality.
Our talented cast has poured their hearts and souls into their performances, embodying the essence of each character. Their dedication, passion, and commitment to authenticity have created a truly captivating experience that will stay with you long after the curtain falls.
Additionally, the creative team has worked tirelessly to create a visually stunning production that reflects the essence of the play. The set design, lighting, and soundscapes have been carefully curated to transport you into the world of these six teenagers, allowing you to witness their struggles and triumphs up close.
We would like to express our gratitude to Dave Harris for his extraordinary work in crafting this powerful play. His words have ignited conversations and provoked introspection, making "Exception to the Rule" a significant contribution to contemporary theater.
Finally, we extend our deepest appreciation to you, our audience. Your presence here tonight signifies your willingness to engage with challenging and thought-provoking art. We hope that "Exception to the Rule" sparks conversations, fosters empathy, and inspires change within our community.
Thank you for joining us on this journey, and we hope you enjoy the performance.
Sincerely,
Marissa Harrington
Co-Founder/Managing Artistic Director
Face Off Theatre Company
Director's Note
It is said that “knowledge is power,” and ideally, our education system is set up to give us just that: the skills, knowledge, and power necessary to become productive, and successful members of society.
But, what happens when the educational system you fall within is not made to empower you, but instead made to correct you?
Dave Harris' Exception to the Rule gives us a peek into the lives of six Black students in detention in an inner city high school. We see these students through their reality, their circumstances, their truths, and their relationships with one another. In Exception to the Rule, Dave Harris allows us to see these students contend with, and challenge the consequences for their ability, or lack there of to behave correctly, and follow the rules.
Would you know how to write your own rule book unless you were expelled from the school of thought embedded in your reality? There is no one right answer or rule book written out for those who wish to set themselves free.
Arizsia Staton
Cast
Creative Team
Arizsia Staton
Marissa Harrington
May Tun
Sam Snow
Ezra Anisman
Zaynee Miller
Kayde Moore
Special Thanks
We would like to offer a special acknowledgement to the people in our community that make shows like "Exception to the Rule" possible!
Dave Harris, FOTC Board of Directors, Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, Von Washington, Angelita Aguilar, Kalamazoo Promise, Takisha Johnson and Young Kings & Queens, Angela Anderson, Elizabeth Terrel, Cara Lieurance from WMUK, our volunteers and supporters
Opening Night Reception hosted by: Brandon Newson and Anne Hensley
Photos
Exception to the Rule Cast Photo! Captured by: JR Sheriff
Our Sponsors!
Articles
EXCEPTION TO THE RULE Comes to Face Off Theatre Next Week
Face Off Theatre Company will bring the very first production of Exception To The Rule to West Michigan audiences. In this tight, ninety-minute comedy, unexpected occurrences and opportunities arise when six high school students find themselves in detention.
With equal parts humor and suspense, the play asks, “How do you make it through detention?” In the worst high school in the city, six Black students are stuck in Room 111. They flirt. They fight. They tease. Should they follow the rules and stay put, or find an escape? Are the walls keeping them in, or are stronger forces at play?
Managing Artistic Director Marissa Harrington adds, “Face Off Theatre Company's theme for the Season is "Stronger Together". This piece was chosen because we believe at the root of REAL change, influence, and collaboration is EMPATHY.
Exception to the Rule is a comedy that allows us to unpack the systems that continue to be called into question and that impact all of us as a community.”
This regional premiere production is directed by Arizsia Staton. Arizsia is an Actor, Educator, and Director with a Master of Fine Arts from the University of California, Irvine, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Western Michigan University.
The production stars a cast with actors both familiar and new to Kalamazoo stages: Nikita Jackson (Erica), Jared Pittman (Abdul), Ashani Jewell (Mikayla), Xavier Bolden (Tommy), Delanti Hall (Dayrin) and Milan Levy (Dasani).
Exception To The Rule runs for one week only Thursday, July 13 through Sunday, July 16. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday performances are at 7:30 pm with Sunday offering a matinee at 2:00 pm. Face Off Theatre Company continues its mission to ensure live theatre is accessible to all. Therefore, tickets are on a pay-what-you-wish model. Tickets are available for purchase at faceofftheatre.com or at the theatre starting one hour prior to curtain time.
For this production Face Off Theatre Company will be hosting special nights welcoming students on Thursday, July 13, Black Greek Night on Friday, July 14, Community Organization and Businesses Night on Saturday, July 15, and the Arts Community on Sunday, July 16.
Face Off Theatre Company and this production of Exception To The Rule is made possible thanks to the generosity of The Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, The Stryker Foundation, Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, and the Kalamazoo Community Foundation.
About Face Off Theatre Company
Face Off Theatre Company is a West-Michigan ensemble-based theater founded in 2015 by six graduates of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Today, FOTC seeks to both ENGAGE and EMPOWER the communities we represent.
Face Off Theatre Company's Board of Directors
Anne Hensley
Frances Vicioso
Angela Anderson
Brandon Newson
Shannon Hill
Quincy Thomas
Kendra Flournoy
Joan Herrington
Rashidi Shobowale-Benson
Harold Harrington
Post Show Survey
Thank you for seeing "Exception to the Rule"! We hope you enjoyed it and share your experience with your loved ones. We ask that you please click the link below to fill out this short survey from us for audience engagement. Again, thank you for coming and we hope to see you at our next show!
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