Deneen Reynolds-Knott’s new play, “Love on Campus,” is set to make its world premiere at the Shotgun Players in Berkeley. The highly anticipated production is already generating buzz among theater enthusiasts and college students alike.
The play follows the lives of a group of college students as they navigate the complexities of love, relationships, and self-discovery. With a talented cast and a thought-provoking storyline, “Love on Campus” promises to be a must-see production for audiences of all ages.
Reynolds-Knott, a rising playwright and director, drew inspiration for the play from her own experiences as a college student. She wanted to explore the challenges and joys of young love in a relatable and authentic way.
“I wanted to capture the excitement and intensity of falling in love for the first time, but also the struggles and conflicts that come with it,” Reynolds-Knott shared in an interview. “College is a time of self-discovery and growth, and I wanted to reflect that in the play.”
The Shotgun Players, known for their innovative and daring productions, were immediately drawn to “Love on Campus” and its exploration of young love. The theater company has a reputation for showcasing new and emerging voices in the theater world, making it the perfect venue for the world premiere of Reynolds-Knott’s play.
“We are thrilled to be producing ‘Love on Campus’ and to be working with Deneen Reynolds-Knott,” said Patrick Dooley, artistic director of the Shotgun Players. “Her writing is fresh, honest, and captures the essence of what it means to be a college student in love.”
The cast of “Love on Campus” is made up of a talented group of actors, many of whom are recent graduates or current students at local universities. This adds an extra layer of authenticity to the production, as the actors are able to draw from their own experiences to bring the characters to life.
“I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of this production,” said lead actress, Sarah Jones, who plays the role of Emily, a young college student struggling to balance her studies and her new relationship. “The script is so relatable and the cast is amazing. We have all become like a family during the rehearsal process.”
The play also features original music composed by local musician, Mark Thompson. The music adds another dimension to the production, further immersing the audience into the world of the play.
The world premiere of “Love on Campus” is a testament to the thriving theater scene in Berkeley. The city is known for its support of the arts and its diverse and vibrant community. The Shotgun Players, in particular, have been a staple in the Berkeley theater scene for over 25 years, producing groundbreaking and thought-provoking productions.
“We are proud to be a part of the Berkeley community and to contribute to its rich cultural landscape,” said Dooley. “We hope that ‘Love on Campus’ will not only entertain audiences, but also spark important conversations about love, relationships, and the college experience.”
The production of “Love on Campus” is also a testament to the power of collaboration and the support of the arts. The play was made possible through the generous contributions of local businesses and individuals, as well as grants from the Berkeley Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.
The world premiere run of “Love on Campus” at the Shotgun Players is a limited engagement, with only 10 performances scheduled. Tickets are selling fast, and it is expected that the production will sell out quickly. Don’t miss your chance to see this captivating and heartfelt play.
“Love on Campus” opens on Friday, October 5th and runs through Sunday, October 14th. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office. Come and experience the magic of young love on stage at the Shotgun Players in Berkeley. You won’t want to miss it.
