Holt Theater's 'The Bully Plays' Examines Personal Experiences with Bullying

Holt High School will perform The Bully Plays: An Evening of Introspection on March 7, 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. in C. H. Jones Auditorium.

This evening of short plays and graphic display challenges audience members to examine their personal views and experiences with bullying from a number of perspectives.

The evening’s first act showcases a collection of five short plays developed by writer Linda Habjan as a response to the bullying incidents young people face daily:

• “The Bully Pulpit” by Dwayne Hartford tells the story of Barbara (Danielle Kimbrel) as she tries to become school president. She is unaware of the impact her confrontational tactics have on her best friend Katie (Emily Hampton) and other members of the student body.
• In the humorous “A Bully There Be” playwright Lisa Dillman tells the story of a medieval prince (Riley Grady) who is confronted by his serving wench (Karly Cavanaugh) because of his repeated abuse toward his jester (Andrew Milhous).
• “The Conundrum” by Brett Neveu, “Nobody Nose (The Trouble I’ve Seen)” by Barry Kornhauser and “Flash Mob” by Elizabeth Wong explore bullying through a variety of lenses.

The second part of the evening showcases Alan Haehnal’s one-act play “The Long View.” Holly (Allie Sanderson) breaks out of a relationship with her domineering boyfriend Travis (Will Pendergast) and turns for comfort to the peaceful Nate (Justin Bradbury).  However, Holly’s happiness is quickly interrupted when Travis corners and attacks Nate in a fight that is witnessed by the entire student body.

Once the conflict occurs, Haehnal’s play explores the impact it has on students from every corner of the high school society as they open their hearts in the present and project into the future. The story is told through a series of short scenes, monologues and music.

The Bully Plays is under the guidance of stage managers Ashlyn Gordon and Lydia Richardson. Other Holt actors featured in the show are Alex Dyer, Deja Edwards, Wes Guthrie, Aislinn Harman, Wyatt Hensel, Chris Hermann, Nathan Hinds, Allie Hult, Kiara Laack, Madison Miller, Chris Rosado, Aric Schrey and Ellie Simms.

Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for students, senior citizens are always welcome free of charge.