Blinn-Bryan Theatre Troupe closes its season with the documentary theatre production ‘The Laramie Project’

Performances run April 10-13 at the Blinn-Bryan Student Center

April 3, 2025

The Blinn-Bryan Theatre Troupe (BBTT) will blend journalism and performance when it wraps up its 2045-25 season with “The Laramie Project” on April 10-13 on the Blinn College-Bryan Campus.

“We’ve highlighted some very dynamic characters this season, and this production takes a unique approach to connecting our actors with the audience,” director and Theatre Arts Professor Greg Wise said. “The story is about a real, emotional topic, so this is a wonderful exercise for our actors to push their abilities and use subtlety to make the audience feel. The story also forces us all to look at ourselves, what it means to be a community, and how we should treat each other with kindness and understanding.”

Based on the book by Moisés Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theatre Project, the play examines the aftermath of the 1998 murder of gay college student Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyo. The play draws on hundreds of interviews with Laramie residents, news reports, and journal entries from Tectonic Theatre Project members to create its dialogue. A complex and nuanced production, “The Laramie Project” challenges the audience to think critically about Shepard’s death, the reaction of the Laramie community and nation, and the trials of his murderers.

Cast members are Aiden Madden playing Stephen Belber; Madison Bailey playing Amanda Gronich; Karenza McRae playing Mercedes Herrero; Matthew Burhus playing John McAdams; Matthew Richards playing Andy Paris; Carter Crisp playing Greg Pierotti; Ashley Wienecke playing Barbara Pitts; and Joy Falkinburg playing Kelli Simpkins.

Production team members include Caylin Darnell, stage manager; Jordan Ingram, assistant stage managers; Carter Crisp, scenic design; Eleanor Cherry, multimedia/properties; David Gipson, lighting designer; Madison Bailey, costume design; Isabel Mendez, sound operator; and Anastasia Wall, sound design.

Performances run at the Blinn-Bryan Student Center (Building F, map) Thursday through Saturday, April 10-12, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 13, at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at www.blinn.edu/boxoffice.

“The Laramie Project” contains mature themes and language and is suitable for ages 17 and up.

Following the opening-night performance on Thursday, April 10, audience members are invited to participate in an interactive “Talk-Back” event featuring the cast and crew.

To learn more about the BBTT, contact Wise at [email protected]. For more information about Blinn’s Theatre Arts Program, visit www.blinn.edu/theatre.