The goal of Big [BOX] is to support new work and local artists.

CPT provides:
– The James Levin Theatre
– Basic production staff, stage management, box office support
– Marketing and advertising support

The artists provide the rest!

The writers, directors, actors, and designers selected for Big [BOX] dedicate themselves to creating new and original work, or stretching their artistic powers by working in new disciplines. The resulting performances are always amazing and well attended. Big [BOX] performances and artists often go on to receive larger exposure and production at CPT.

Week # 2: January 21-23 (double Bill)

Soliciting for Change

Written by Molly Andrews-Hinders
Directed by James Langa and Erin McCardle
Featuring: Molly Andrews-Hinders

“Angel.” “Bitch.” “Terrorist.” “Dreamer.” These are only some of the names called out to Molly, as she’s trekked across the greater Cleveland area, Soliciting For Change by raising awareness of corrupt, corporate policies and advocating family and working class issues. Join her on her door to door canvasses, where the responses on the porch stoop are as varied and colorful as the political discourse seen throughout greater America – before, during, and after the 2008 election. Playing multiple characters and expounding with song, Molly provides a quirky account of how to communicate with and empower citizens of all political perspectives.

Soliciting For Change, a one-woman musical featuring Molly Andrews-Hinders, is the story of a young, progressive woman becoming involved in door-to-door community organizing, and discovering how to effectively communicate with strangers on sensitive political issues. Because she has such passionate political opinions, she struggles during the canvass to deal with opposing viewpoints and apathy. Determined to get through to people, however, she starts developing her own system for gathering support – noting sports’ team loyalties, complimenting the pets, and segueing conversations to praise the person at the door. Even with her odd, mildly desperate tactics, she still runs into people who yell at her. So she searches for ways of dealing with these non-supporters.

Her journey sheds light on a unique, quirky perspective of the country and its history (the 2008 election is discussed, as well as the current political climate). It questions how we deal with those who oppose our current politics and how we come together, despite these differences, to make changes.

The show is directed by James Langa and Erin McCardle, and will feature several local musicians.

Artist Bio:
Molly Andrews-Hinders just graduated from Wright State University with a BFA in acting this past June. There, she played such roles as Harper in Angels in America: Perestroika, Stage Manager in Our Town, and Lady Fidget in The Country Wife. She directed a production of ‘night Mother and co-directed the world premiere of Something Blue. She was also involved in the premiere of Broken Levees, an original production detailing the events of the Hurricane Katrina crises. In Cleveland, Molly has worked extensively with Near West Theatre – both onstage and off – most recently having stage managed their intergenerational production of Willy Wonka. She is excited to premiere her work at Cleveland Public Theatre, and looks forward to reinvesting her creative efforts in her hometown!

Seppuku

Written by Melissa Crum and BC Miles
Directed by James Kosmatka
Featuring: BC Miles and Melissa Crum

Seppuku: A form of Japanese ritual suicide by disembowelment, considered an act of honor and bravery. Suicide: The act of taking one’s own life, considered an act of selfish cowardice. This conversational piece will explore the various beliefs and ideas concerning this controversial topic. We hope to explore the thoughts and feelings which can lead to suicidal actions, as well as hear the voices of those who have lost a loved one to suicide. Is suicide preventable? Is it a chemical in balance? A disease?

The project will also speak on cultural views of suicide. Is it an honorable way to die? Some suicidal rituals have even been labeled as murder. Seppuku is a voice and movement piece derived from literature, real life accounts, historical and anthropological research. Seppuku will bring awareness to a topic that does not receive enough attention or reflection.

Artist Bios:
Melissa Crum: Melissa is a graduate of Cleveland State University’s Dramatic Arts program. She has worked with Cleveland Public Theatre, Cleveland State Summer Stages, Karamu House, and The Musical Theatre Project. This is Melissa’s debut as a playwright, and she would like to thank CPT for giving her the opportunity to speak up on a topic that is so important to her. For Nick, and all who love and miss him.

BC Miles: BC is a native Chicagoan who has lived in Cleveland for the last 7 years. She attended Cleveland State University where she received a B.A. in Theater and a B.A. in Political Science. At Cleveland State she appeared in many shows including Machinal, Dark of the Moon, The Laramie Project, and Whirligig, which also appeared at the ’07 Ingenuity Festival. Since graduating she has worked with Karamu, Cleveland Public Theatre, and acted in a few independent films. This is BC’s first playwrighting experience which she has found thrilling and terrifying. She would like to thank her co-writer Melissa for her strength, creativity, and friendship, Kaitlin for keeping them focused, and CPT Big Box for this wonderful opportunity.