(CINCINNATI, March 11, 2024) – Xavier University Theatre announces a week of LGBTQIA+ pride-centric events in support of its upcoming production of the hit comic musical The Prom, which runs March 22-24.
Leading up to The Prom’s opening and throughout the weekend of performances there will be a series of seven events to educate about the themes of the show at a deeper, more currently contextual level.
When asked about the purpose behind event programming, Darnell Pierre Benjamin, who directs the show, said, “The Prom was originally conceived with the tangible realization that the lives of people within the LGBTQIA+ community are in danger with the passing of bills threatening to negatively affect people’s lives, access to healthcare, and more. It’s apparent to me that the experience of really seeing queerness alive and well needs to exist off the stage as well as on.” He continued to emphasize each event’s individual importance by saying, “The programming leading up to the opening and past the closing of The Prom is vital. It’s an opportunity to connect the dots between real people and these real issues. The purpose is to ensure that people realize that what’s happening in The Prom isn’t all fiction. These events will uplift those within the community, educate those who aren’t aware, and continue the conversation on the necessity of visibility.”
On Monday, March 18, from 3:00-4:00 pm, Xavier Theatre will host Walk with Pride throughout Xavier’s campus. In collaboration with LGBTQIA+ Alliance, students will hand out pamphlets with information about the history of LGBTQIA+ representation and discrimination on college campuses. The pamphlets will also include on-campus and local resources in support of those who identify with the community.
On Tuesday, March 19, from 2:30-4:00 pm, Xavier Theatre will host a Clothing Swap event in Gallagher Student Center’s Clocktower Lounge and start its Clothing Charity Drive, which will last until Sunday, March 24. Interested parties will have an opportunity to donate or swap their clothes; any remaining items will be donated to TreeHouse Cincinnati or Kaleidoscope in Columbus. Donations will be accepted after 4:00 pm throughout the week and during performances at the Xavier Theatre box office, in the GSC’s lower level.
On Wednesday, March 20, from 3:30-4:30 pm, Xavier Theatre will host Blooming with Pride in GSC’s First Floor Atrium in collaboration with Alpha Psi Omega, the program’s honor society. Interested parties will have an opportunity to arrange bouquets with flowers symbolic of love and learn more about the meanings behind flowers and their significance to the LGBTQIA+ community. Bouquets have the option to be kept or donated to Caracole, “an AIDS service organization providing comprehensive HIV prevention, housing and care management services” based in Cincinnati.
On Thursday, March 21, from 10:00 am-3:00 pm, Xavier Theatre will host Independently Queer, a film festival, in GSC’s Arrupe Overlook in collaboration with the Digital Innovation Film and Television (DIFT) program. The event will feature local and student films created by those who identify with the LGBTQIA+ community.
On Friday, March 22, following the opening night performance, audience members will have the opportunity to participate in a LEWK Show event in the GSC Theatre. Up to fifteen audience members will wear their best attire and have the opportunity to strut their stuff across the Xavier Theatre stage. With the help of our audience judge, the final two contestants will Lip Synch for their Lives on the spot. Audience members can sign up to participate outside of the Gallagher Student Center Theatre before the performance.
On Saturday, March 23, starting at 6:00 pm and following the evening performance, local LGBTQIA+ organizations and charities will offer an educational look at issues within the community. The evening will start with a Pre-Show Education event in the GSC Studio Theatre, which will provide historical context of the struggles of the LGBTQIA+ community and the various specialties of these organizations. Following the performance, these same representatives will respond to the show in the GSC Theatre and offer their perspectives on what the show meant to them, as members of organizations who interact with many who identify within the queer community.
The clothing drive will conclude following the final performance on Sunday, March 24. Additionally, during the intermission of all the shows there will be an LGBTQIA+-themed quiz. Winners will receive two tickets to a show in Xavier Theatre’s soon-to-be-announced 2024-2025 season.
Performances of The Prom take place at 7:30 p.m. on March 22 and 23 and 2:00 p.m. March 23 and 24. Tickets are available now. They are $20 each for adults and $15 each for Xavier students, faculty and staff. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/76147 or call 513-745-3939.
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