In the runup to the last presidential election in 2020, I had voices in my head. No, not those kinds of voices. These were the voices of characters speaking their truths. Some were based on my own experiences, some were based on stories I'd heard, and some were entirely fiction.

These voices, while all different, had one thing in common. They were grappling with how the headlines we read every day were affecting them personally. Issues like gun violence. Police brutality. Gerrymandered elections. Hyper partisanship. The rise in hate.

I took these voices and their struggles and turned them into a short play called "Election Day" that will be staged as part of the Borderlight Theatre Festival at Playhouse Square next month. The premise of the play is simple - Ohioans from different political backgrounds and walks of life tell their stories on the way to the voting booth. The play poses the question, "Are we really so different?" and strives to explore our common humanity amidst political differences.

"Election Day" will run at the Hermit Club at Playhouse Square as part of the Borderlight Theatre Festival on July 25, 26, and 27. It will be directed by the amazing, talented Jimmie Woody. I hope you'll come out and support it. Details and tickets are here: Election Day - BorderLight Festival (borderlightcle.org). (You will also want to check out Borderlight generally, and all its great shows -- we went last year and had a great experience.)

In the meantime, here are a few ways you can support the play:

1. Donate: We're trying to raise at least $1,000 to support the actors and director in the show. The rest of the budget will come from ticket sales. Click the venmo link on this page: Election Day - BorderLight Festival (borderlightcle.org) or send directly via venmo @lee-chilcote. Your generous support will be acknowledged in the program.
2. Buy tickets: Get a discount by using the code "elect24" here: Election Day - BorderLight Festival (borderlightcle.org).
   
3. Partnerships: Because the play is all about voting, we're looking to partner with nonpartisan orgs that promote voting and fair elections. We'd like to promote their work and ask them to help spread the word. Know someone we should talk to? Email [email protected].

Audition Notice! My play "Election Day" was accepted into Borderlight Theatre Festival this August, to be directed by Jimmie Woody, and we're holding auditions on June 19 and 20!

http://www.borderlightcle.org/election-day

Looking for a few good men and women to play multiple characters in multiple scenes. Synopsis: Exploring our common humanity through the voices of Ohioans on their way to the voting booth.

Auditions will be held June 19 and 20th from 6 PM to 8 PM at the Brownhoist at 4403 St. Clair Ave. (see flyer). Please have a monologue prepared or read from sides given at the audition.

Borderlight Show Schedule:
TECH: July 24th | 11AM
SHOW: July 25th | 7:30PM
SHOW: July 26th | 7PM
SHOW: July 27th | 6:30PM
Venue: Hermit Club; 1629 Dodge Ct, Cleveland, OH 44114
Stage: Great Hall

QUESTIONS? Send me a message, happy to chat!