Derek J. Snow Directs this Coming-of-Age Play About
Black Nerds in the Era of the DC Sniper
Cincinnati, OH – The Know Theatre, Cincinnati’s premiere black box professional theatre proudly presents the long-awaited World Premiere of BLERDS by J. Corey Buckner, April 4–19, 2025. A blending of the words “Black” and “nerd,” BLERDS is the story of three Black middle schoolers who skip school and set off across Washington, DC, on a quest to meet the coolest
Jedi in the galaxy: Samuel L. Jackson. Production sponsored by the Brabson Family Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts. Directed by Derek J. Snow.
A coming-of-age journey in the spirit of The Goonies and Stand By Me, this adventure quest through the DC Metro system is a story about Black superheroes, family joy, and the perils of the very real world, as told through the lens of Star Wars fandom.
“The need for the Black superhero is super important because those ideas are under attack right now,” says Director Derek J. Snow. “I was definitely a Blerd myself – I’ve always wanted to direct a show like this. I think it’s really important to create spaces and mythologies of our own… that’s what attracted me to this show, that we did not have enough shows in this city that represented mythologies for people of color. If you are creating a mythology it should be larger than life; [the actors] have all the permission in this show to do so, because that’s what it’s about.”
The Know Theatre is committed to creating an atmosphere of radical hospitality where all are welcome to come as they are. Our Mainstage production of BLERDS has a Sensory-Friendly performance on Sunday, April 13, an Arts & Service Industry Workers Appreciation night with $20 tickets on Monday, April 14, an ASL-interpreted performance on Friday, April 18, and Welcome Wednesday performances where we offer $15 advanced reservations and pay-what-you-wish walk-up tickets an hour before the show.
Featuring
- Dominique Owens (DJ)
- Kenny Rayborn (Kiera)
- Malik Smith (Brandon)
- Deondra Kamau Means (Derek)
- Meredith Crutcher (Tonya)
- Phillip Latham (Stranger/Samuel L. Jackson)
The Creative Team
Production Team: Jide Fresh (Scenic Designer), Mike Gaynor (Lighting Designer), Noelle Wedig-Johnston (Costume Designer), Doug Borntrager (Sound & Video Designer), Danielle Robison (Props & Scenic Charge), Byron Hutchins (Consultant) and Drew Homan (Technical Director). Production & Stage Manager is Grace Wohlschlegel.
Performance Information
BLERDS runs April 4–19, 2025
Content Warnings: adult language, themes around violence, active shooter, depictions of guns; Rated: PG-13
Know Theatre of Cincinnati, 1120 Jackson Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
All evening performances are at 7:30pm, matinee performances are at 2pm.Sensory Friendly Performance: Sunday, April 13th at 2:00pm
Arts & Service Industry Night: Monday, April 14th at 7:30pm
ASL-interpretation on Friday, April 18th at 7:30pm
Ticket Information
Tickets may be purchased online at www.knowtheatre.com or by phone at (513) 300-5669
- Single tickets : $38
- Flex Pass : $120
- Four MainStage tickets in any combination ($160 value)
- Welcome Wednesdays: Each Wednesday during a MainStage production we offer pay-what-you-wish Walk-Up tickets and $15 advance reservation tickets.
Auditions for Know Theatre’s 2025 Youth Summer Camp
A collaboration with local theatre company InBocca Performance, the Know Theatre Youth Education Program offers youth grades 3-12 the opportunity to create an original production as an ensemble. Led by local theatre-maker Caroline Stine, whose popular summer youth theatre camps have thrilled local audiences for their fierce imagination and creative storytelling, the 2025 Summer Camp will occur weekday mornings from 9am to noon, July 7–August 3 and culminate in performances July 31–August 3, 2025
Auditions: Saturday, April 5th from 11:30am–1:30pm
Actors and dancers are asked to prepare one 1-minute monologue and come prepared to move, speak and sing.
Sign-ups online at Outlaws in Sherwood Audition: April 5
Location: Know Theatre of Cincinnati, 1120 Jackson St, Cincinnati OH 45202
Cost: $800 (Discount for multi-child families, scholarships available). Early bird discounts will be available after cast lists go out AND some scholarships are available! Please do NOT let cost keep you from auditioning. Questions? Email info@inboccaperformance.com
We are Know Theatre of Cincinnati: where artists and audiences can come together to produce and experience work that you haven’t seen before. We strive to build a community around viscerally theatrical, exciting new works.
A Case for the Existence of God is made possible by Drew Gores and George Warrington, Production Sponsors, and Taft, Stettinius, & Hollister, Opening Night Sponsors.
The 22nd Annual Cincinnati Fringe Festival is made possible by a generous partnership with our neighbor the Art Academy of Cincinnati.
Know Theatre is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the annual ArtsWave Campaign, the region’s primary source for arts funding.
The Ohio Arts Council helps fund Know Theatre with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.
Know Theatre is also supported by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, which provides a simple, powerful, and highly personal approach to giving.
Know Theatre is a member of Theatre Communications Group and an Associate Member of the National New Play Network.
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