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<b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Times;color:black">KENT STATE STARK’S “26 PEBBLES” INITIATES TIMELY DISCUSSION</span></b><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"MS Mincho";color:black">
</span></b><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Times;color:black">ABOUT
GUN VIOLENCE, PREVENTION</span></b><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"MS Mincho";color:black">
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<i><span style="font-size:14.5pt;font-family:Times;color:black">Play based on Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, panel discussions to facilitate conversation</span></i><span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:17.0pt"><span style="font-size:14.5pt;font-family:Times;color:black">Kent State University at Stark Theatre will hold its final production of the academic year, “</span><span style="font-size:14.5pt;font-family:Times;color:#0B0213">26
Pebbles”, a docudrama that incorporates verbatim interview excerpts from Newtown, Connecticut, residents recounting the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.</span><span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:17.0pt"><span style="font-size:14.5pt;font-family:Times;color:black">Opening April 13, the cast will take to the campus’ stage at the Fine Arts Theatre, 6000 Frank Ave. NW.</span><span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:17.0pt"><span style="font-size:14.5pt;font-family:Times;color:#0B0213">Directed by Kent State Stark Associate Professor of Theatre and Theatre Director Brian Newberg, “26 Pebbles” transports audiences
to Newtown months after the massacre. Playwright Eric Ulloa</span><span style="font-size:14.5pt;font-family:Times;color:black">’s work delves into the aftermath of unthinkable tragedy and the resulting push forward toward healing.</span><span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:17.0pt"><span style="font-size:14.5pt;font-family:Times;color:black">The theatre department has teamed up with Counseling Services to provide mental health resources and facilitate panel discussions
in conjunction with the theatrical production.</span><span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:17.0pt"><span style="font-size:14.5pt;font-family:Times;color:black">“As Stark County’s public university, we take seriously our responsibility to not only educate the community, but to be an ever-present
resource,” said Denise Seachrist, Ph.D., dean and chief administrative officer at Kent State Stark. “Along with presenting this significant play, our campus also has organized corresponding mental-health awareness events. As community leaders, we are here
to provide support wherever – and whenever – we can.”</span><span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:17.0pt"><span style="font-size:14.5pt;font-family:Times;color:black">Kent State Stark is collaborating with Phoenix Rising, CommQuest, StarkNAMI and Sandy Hook Promise, which will have representatives
available during performances. The goal is to provide resources and spur healthy conservation about gun violence and prevention. All events are open to the public.</span><span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:17.0pt"><span style="font-size:14.5pt;font-family:Times;color:black">Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. April 13 and 14, and at 2 p.m. April 15. The show also will take place at 7:30 p.m. April
20 and 21, and at 2 p.m. April 22, which will be an ASL-interpreted performance. A pre-show panel discussion will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. April 21; a post-show talkback will take place immediately following the April 22 performance in the Fine Arts Theatre.</span><span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:17.0pt"><span style="font-size:14.5pt;font-family:Times;color:black">Tickets for the show can be purchased online at </span><span style="font-size:14.5pt;font-family:Times;color:blue">www.kent.edu/stark/26-pebbles</span><span style="font-size:14.5pt;font-family:Times;color:black">,
by phone at 330-244- 3348 or in person at the box office in the Fine Arts lobby. Will call opens one hour prior to performances. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for senior citizens and non-KSU students. Tickets are free to all Kent State students with student
IDs.</span><span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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