Upper School Presents “The Laramie Project”

Congratulations to the cast and crew on their production of “The Laramie Project” in early February.

Juniors Javier Beatty and Rory Bauman, and senior Vivian Brown, led the Masterclass in Theater students as student-directors to bring this documentary-style production to life. 

The trio created an effective rehearsal calendar, prepared for each rehearsal, blocked the complete script (setting the movement and staging), ran each rehearsal, and ensured the production was ready on time.

“Co-directing is a challenge, for sure, but it is also a great opportunity to learn about real collaboration — and communication — and learning that the heart or spine of a great play is far more important than any one person’s ‘vision,'” Marc Raia, Upper School theater teacher, said. “Rory, JJ, and Vivian did a really powerful job as co-directors; they really tapped into the heart of ‘The Laramie Project’ and communicated that heart to each audience who experienced it.”

“Co-directing is a challenge, for sure, but it is also a great opportunity to learn about real collaboration — and communication — and learning that the heart or spine of a great play is far more important than any one person’s ‘vision.'”

— Marc Raia, Upper School theater teacher

In the late 1990s, the Tectonic Theater Project in New York City traveled to Laramie, Wyoming, to interview residents about the 1998 murder of 22-year-old Matthew Shepard and how the tragedy impacted the town.

The interview transcripts were then transformed into “The Laramie Project,” which presents a layered and deeply emotional portrait of a community’s reaction to the hate crime/murder of a young gay man in Laramie, Wyoming.  

Seven Hills Lifer Andy Paris ’89 was an original member of the Tectonic Theater Project and co-creator of “The Laramie Project.” 

“My love for the theater was kindled right here on this campus, inspired by the late, great Upper School drama teacher and director Patty Flannigan, who taught me many of the skills you are about to experience,” Paris said in an audio message that played before the production. 

To hear Paris’ complete audio message, click below.