Mitchell Nease Directs 'Speech & Debate' as Theatre Senior Capstone Event at York College of Pennsylvania

2017 Oct 26

Mitchell Nease of Harrisburg directs the second show of York College's season, "Speech & Debate" by Stephen Karam. This comedic look at the high school experience runs Nov. 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m., with a Nov. 11 3 p.m. matinee in York College's black box theatre in the Waldner Performing Arts Center. Tickets are free, but seating is limited and can be reserved at www.ycp.edu/theatre.

When a scandal threatens to erupt in a small Oregon town, three misfit teens ( J'Von Weems, '21, Josiah Cottle, '21 and Jacklyn Motter '20) band together to investigate the allegations, and in the process, form a speech and debate club in their high school. Invoking chat rooms, Abraham Lincoln, and "The Crucible," this dark comedy is a genuinely hilarious and emotional story of the drama found in both real life and on the stage as the characters explore sexuality, identity, and personal power. Adult situations and language are found in this script.

Director Nease was last seen on York College's stage as the Man in Chair in "The Drowsy Chaperone." He directed sections of last fall's "Story Theatre" in the Perko Black Box and is the student box office manager for all theatre events at the College. This production of "Speech & Debate" is his theatre major senior capstone event.