“Seminar” Brings Big Laughs to Beck Center

Beck Center for the Arts is proud to present the regional premiere of "Seminar," May 30 through June 29, in the Intimate Studio Theater. Nominated as Best Play by the Outer Critics Circle and the Drama League, "Seminar" is a new provocative comedy from Pulitzer Prize nominee Theresa Rebeck.

This play tells the story of four aspiring novelists who sign up for private writing lessons with Leonard, an international literary figure. Under his recklessly brilliant and unorthodox instruction, some thrive while others flounder. Wordplay is not the only thing that turns vicious in this biting comedy. The New York Times praised "Seminar" for its “big laughs,” and described the play as “an authentic rush of pleasure!”

"Seminar" is directed by Donald Carrier, the Associate Director for the Case Western Reserve University/CPH MFA Acting Program. “The play is ostensibly about writers, but it is applicable to the lives of any creative person,” remarked Carrier. “It captures the competitive aspect of artists at work in a comedic and profound way, and provides the audience with a window into the rigor and discipline involved in the creative process.”

The cast of five talented area actors includes Scott Plate (Leonard) and Lara Knox (Kate) who appear courtesy of Actor’s Equity Association. Plate, an award-winning actor, has appeared at Beck Center in collaboration with Baldwin Wallace Music Theatre Program in "Spring Awakening" and "Next to Normal." Knox, a seven-year company member with the Ohio Shakespeare Festival, holds numerous acting and teaching credits.

Showtimes are 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays. This production is recommended for mature audiences age 17 and older. Tickets are $29 for adults, $26 for seniors, and $12 for students. There is an additional $3 service fee per ticket. Group discounts are available. Purchase tickets at beckcenter.org or call 216-521-2540 x10. Beck Center is located at 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood. Free onsite parking.

Beck Center’s production of "Seminar" is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. Programming at Beck Center for the Arts is made possible through the support of the Ohio Arts Council and the funding provided by the citizens of Cuyahoga County through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.

Pat Miller

Pat Miller is a Graphic Design & Marketing Coordinator at Beck Center.

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Volume 1, Issue 12, Posted 6:10 PM, 06.04.2014