High Point University Theatre Presents ‘The Amish Project’

HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY – Shots are fired in a schoolhouse, and the world seems to stop. A stunned community — teachers, parents, friends and the families of the victims and perpetrators — must find a way to keep living their lives.

The High Point University Department of Theatre and Dance will present “The Amish Project,” a play by Jessica Dickey, at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 15-17 and Feb. 19-21 in the Empty Space Theatre. A limited number of complimentary tickets are available for the general public at www.highpoint.edu/theatre or by calling the Box Office at 336-841-4529.

This lyrical and potent drama explores the aftermath of a school shooting in an Amish community and the path of forgiveness and compassion forged in its wake. Called a “remarkable piece of writing” by the New York Times, the play was inspired by the tragic 2006 shooting at a one-room schoolhouse in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania. The characters are fictional, but some represent people who were involved in the incident.

Dickey visited HPU previously and performed a one-woman version of the play, portraying all seven characters. Associate Professor Doug Brown, who is directing, says her performance inspired the department to take on the ensemble version.

“It was one of the most powerful pieces of theatre I had seen in many years,” says Brown. “As a culture, tragic events like this are becoming more commonplace. This play explores themes of retribution and forgiveness and fear of the unknown.”

HPU student cast members are Juliet Jacob as Carol, Ceili Lang as Anna, Shannon Howard as Sherry, Rose Bliesner as Eddie, Demetria Hale as America, Emma Russell as Velda, and Christine Watt as Bill. The stage manager is Olivia Leenhouts.

Due to the nature of the true story around which this play is constructed, some content contains mature themes and language not recommended for young children.

At High Point University, every student receives an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people. ® HPU, located in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, is a liberal arts institution with more than 4,900 undergraduate and graduate students. It is ranked No. 1 by U.S. News and World Report for Best Regional Colleges in the South, No. 1 for Most Innovative Regional Colleges in the South and No. 1 for Best Undergraduate Teaching in the South. The Princeton Review named HPU in the 2018 edition of “The Best 382 Colleges” in the nation, as well as Best Career Services (No. 19), Best-Run Colleges (No. 20), Best College Dorm Rooms (No. 7), a Great School for Communication Majors and a Great School for Business/Finance Majors. For seven years in a row, HPU has been named a College of Distinction with special recognition for business and education programs, and The National Council on Teacher Quality ranks HPU’s elementary education program as one of the best in the nation. The university offers 50 undergraduate majors, 57 undergraduate minors and 13 graduate degree programs. It is a member of the NCAA, Division I and the Big South Conference. Visit High Point University on the web at highpoint.edu.