A sharp, funny, and challenging play for young actors and audience members of all ages. Stephen Karam’s acclaimed Speech & Debate tells the story of three teenage misfits in Salem, Oregon. When one of them discovers the truth about a sex scandal that’s rocked their town, secrets become currency, blog entries become anthems, and the unlikely trio forges a deep friendship in this dark comedy with occasional music.

What do we mean "acclaimed?" Here's a bit of the hubbub...

"…savvy comedy…bristling with vitality, wicked humor, terrific dialogue and a direct pipeline into the zeitgeist of contemporary youth" — Variety.

"One of the top ten plays of the year…Mordant misfits Diwata, Solomon, and Howie come together via circumstance and learn valuable lessons: Sometimes you've got to 'hold it in,' as The Crucible's plucky Puritan Mary tells a sexually confused Abe Lincoln. And sometimes you need to crank up [the music], strip down to a nude body stocking, make like Martha Graham, and let it out." — Entertainment Weekly.

"Flat-out funny" — Associated Press.


A whole teen-centered thing: the mentor/apprentice program.

At Live Arts, we offer a unique, hands on opportunity for aspiring designers and stage managers to learn through our Mentor/Apprentice program. In this program, young people work side-by side with a seasoned Live Arts team member to create the look, sound, and feel of a production. Check the Company tab to see all our fabulous apprentices, alongside our brilliant actors and production team!

Cast
Soloman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MAX FREEDMAN
Diwata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AUGIE GROESCHEL
Howie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DANIEL WAGNER
Teacher/Reporter . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MEGAN RANDALL

Production Team
Producer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BREE LUCK
Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MARTY MOORE
Production Stage Manager . . . . . . . SCOTT DUNN
Stage Management Apprentice . . . . ALENA MYCHALECKYJ
Scenic Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .KATIE BELL SPRINGMANN
Scenic Design Apprentice . . . . . . . EMMA DRUMMOND
Lighting Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AMANDA WATSON
Lighting Design Apprentice . . . . . . SHIRA GOLDEEN
Costume Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . CASEY JONES
Properties Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . LEAH GALLMEYER
Sound Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MENDY ST. OURS
Sound Design Apprentice . . . . . . . JOEL SELIG
Dramaturge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OLIVIA GALLMEYER

Trailer coming soon! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to be the first to know when new videos arrive!

There are always opportunities to help build sets, work on costumes, locate and fabricate props, and all the other sundry things that go into making each show spectacular. Drop by Tuesdays from 6pm – 10pm or Saturday from 10am – 2pm and we’ll put you to work! Can’t make it those days? Contact Tracie Skipper at 434-977-4177x107 or email tracie@livearts.org for specific volunteer opportunities.