Carlmont students are currently working on one of the most performed plays in America, “The Laramie Project,” which will be performed Nov. 14, 15, and 16 in the Studio Theater.

“The Laramie Project” is a play by Moises Kaufman in response to the reaction of the 1998 murder of young gay college student Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming. Shepard was a student at the University of Wyoming, and was kidnapped, beaten, and left to die on a remote fence.

Shepard’s murder was denounced as a hate crime, bringing attention to the lack of hate crimes in various states.

“The Laramie Project,” to this day, is one of the most performed plays in America because of the message it provides the audience, especially an audience of young adults.

Nancy Martin, the director, said, “I wanted to direct ‘The Laramie Project’ because of the important lessons it teaches; one can’t be reminded of them often enough.”

Many Carlmont students auditioned for this play, making it difficult for Martin, and assistant directors, Guada Herrera and Clare Marks to finalize the cast.

Martin said, “It was a difficult decision since we have an incredible wealth of talent in the Carlmont Drama Department. Our 24 member cast will portray more than 60 characters in the three act play .”

Every year the Gay-Straight Alliance celebrates Matthew Shepard Day in remembrance of his life and the aftermath.

The cast of “The Laramie Project” at Carlmont is working on this play in an attempt to send the message that this popular play holds.

The play will be held in the Studio Theater in the Performing Arts Center Nov 14, 15, and 16, but there are only 80 seats meaning tickets will be sold ahead of time.

Don’t miss one of the most performed plays in America, and buy your tickets for “The Laramie Project” before the show dates.