Second act: LCCC and Spark Theatre Company to collaborate on filmed theatrical production

Now it's time for the second act. After a successful — and safe — collaboration between Lorain County Community College Theatre and Spark Theatre Company resulted in a filmed theatrical production shared online with students last fall, the entities are not only teaming up again, but also expanding the experience while adhering to safety protocols. LCCC Theatre Program and Spark Theatre Company will present "Posters and Flip Flops" at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 24, at the Stocker Arts Center Hoke Theatre. "We're so excited about this collaboration," said Rachael Endrizzi, Spark Theatre Company artistic director and producer. "Spark Theatre and LCCC Theatre Department were both stalled with the emergence of COVID-19 as large gatherings were not possible." This leads us to "Posters and Flip Flops," which is a world premiere of a new play by LCCC alumnus Jeremy Gaydosh. Loosely based on Sophocles' "Antigone," a bright, young student takes on her school's dress code policy when she notices inequities in how it is enforced. The 16-member cast includes professional adult actors, child actors, LCCC theater students and LCCC Early College High School students. LCCC Adjunct Professor of Theatre Stephanie Wilbert is directing "Posters and Flip Flops," and noted the play has a shared sensibility with '90s movies set in high schools. "There's a youthful spirit," Wilbert said. "It reminds me of like it has hints of 'Clueless' or 'She's All That' or '10 Things I Hate About You.' "There aren't that many plays about kids in school, except 'High School Musical.' That's exciting to see because you're yet to see a contemporary play that happens all at a school, which is kind of cool to watch." Endrizzi added, "The themes of this piece are exceptionally timely as the show affords students the opportunity to sit with ideas of equality, peaceful protest and standing up for what they believe is right, even if it doesn't benefit them directly." As if the production isn't unique enough taking place during a pandemic, it's also being filmed as a movie for online viewing. "Through our partnership, we've been able to creatively engineer a way for LCCC students and professional performers to get to create theater safely by filming this production for digital assemblies," Endrizzi said. "Also, through a grant provided by the city of Elyria, any school in Elyria is able to access this filmed production, the study guide and participate in a Zoom talkback with the actors for free." In terms of live theater with an audience at the Stocker Center, "Posters and Flip Flops" represents the first step toward normalcy, which for LCCC Director of Theatre Jeremy Benjamin is a big moment for not only theatergoers but also the performers. "Regarding live theater, I would say it needs an audience," Benjamin said. "A theatrical production is affected by the audience. Their mere presence and reactions in the moment, actors feed off of this. "This is truly what separates theater from film and TV. The excitement of a live performance means a sense of return to normalcy, something we all long for." Contact John Benson at ndiffrence@att.net. IF YOU GO WHAT: Lorain County Community College Theatre Program and Spark Theatre Company present "Posters and Flip Flops" WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 24 WHERE: Lorain County Community College's Hoke Theatre, 1005 Abbe Road North, Elyria TICKETS: $9 for adults or $8 for LCCC students, staff and seniors (65 and up) INFO: (440) 366-4040 or stockerartscenter.com