SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - The Theatre and Dance Department at Wittenberg University will present "The Laramie Project" in Chakeres Memorial Theatre, 905 Woodlawn Ave. Evening performances are at 8 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 9-11, and a 2 p.m. matinee will be presented on Sunday, October 12.

"The Laramie Project" was developed by Moisés Kaufman and the Tectonic Theatre Project and premiered in New York in May 2000. The play is based on research and interviews the company conducted in Laramie, Wyoming, following the murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay college student. It asks us how our culture unconsciously teaches hate and challenges us to educate our society so that hate crimes cease.

Directed by Corwin Georges, professor of theatre and dance, the play is fast-paced, thought-provoking and moving. It features an exceptional ensemble of young, versatile actors and actresses. The cast includes seniors Sarah Garrison, Salem Va., Sarah Henrickson, Salem, Va., Ryan Kerr, Newbury, Ohio, Frank Lasik, Hilliard, Ohio, Chad Moone, Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Daena Sisk, South Bend, Ind.; juniors Arnie Aurellano, Indianapolis, Ind., Seton Brown, Springfield, Ohio; sophomores Shannon Anderson, St. Paul, Minn., Kirsten Glove, Youngstown, Ohio; and first-year student Meghan O;Brien, Fitchburg, Mass.

"The Laramie Project" tickets are $4 and are now on sale at the Service Center of the Benham-Pence Student Center, (937) 327-7443. If not sold out, tickets will also be available at the door prior to each performance.