Press Release: 2nd Wednesday Theater Presents “Testing, Testing” at Cotuit Center for the Arts

Cotuit Center for the Arts’ 2nd Wednesday Theater presents a staged reading of “Testing, Testing,” by Alan Haehnel, on Wednesday, March 13, at 7:30 PM on the main stage. Admission is free.

Each act of this full-length play explores different aspects of school testing. “High Stakes” is a comedy about a student surrounded by inexplicable chaos during a major exam; “Honor Bright” is a drama dealing with the complexities of cheating; and “Wendy's Tale,” is a comedy about a brilliant student who doesn't test well and lets her imagination run wild instead.

The reading will be jointly presented by Cape Cod Collaborative Arts Network (CapeCodCAN), an organization providing opportunities for inclusion and active participation in the arts on Cape Cod for people with unique talents and all abilities, and the WatermelonAlligator Theatre Company, a consortium of local theatre professionals in residence at Cotuit Center for the Arts.

WatermelonAlligator has partnered with CapeCodCAN to offer performing arts workshops for students of all abilities and experience levels, including an inclusive improvisation workshop and a masterclass designed to help students explore their unique abilities and talents.

“We are so excited about our partnership with WatermelonAlligator,” said Malissa Kenney, Director of CapeCodCan. “The various workshops offered since July 2018 have encouraged our members to develop greater confidence and self-awareness, improve communication and social engagement, and practice teamwork, all skills important not only within a performance, but transferable to everyday life experiences.”

Garrett Olson, associate artistic director for WatermelonAlligator, added, “Our growing partnership gives us a wonderful opportunity to bring together professional actors with aspiring actors/performers of all abilities. An added benefit is when these groups perform together at local theaters, the public has a chance to see some amazing performances by actors of all abilities and skill sets.”

The cast for “Testing, Testing” includes students from CapeCodCAN/WatermelonAlligator’s Acting Studio and Improvisation workshops, CCftA luminaries, and professional actors from the WatermelonAlligator Theatre Company. Featured performers include Abaigeal Cole, Tom Crutchfield, Nikki Dunn, Christine Ernst, Cynthia Goldberg, Frances Hall, Kerry Hartnett, Emily Jathas, David Kuehn, Emily McLean, Susanne Norman, Garrett Olson, Kristin Phillips, Olivia Raulerson, David Sieh, Julie Silverstein, Julia Smith, Victoria Smith, Cassie Steinberg, and Jess Wilson. The production is directed by Garrett Olson and Jess Wilson, and the stage manager is Julia Simpson.

The Acting Studio Workshop and the CapeCodCAN production of “Testing, Testing” was funded in part through grants from The Arts Foundation of Cape Cod, Mass Cultural Council and the Brewster Cultural Council.

Second Wednesday Theater is a monthly play-reading series of rarely performed classics, undiscovered gems, and exciting new works. Admission is free, and wine is available for $5 a glass.

Cotuit Center for the Arts is at 4404 Route 28 in Cotuit. For more information, visit www.artsonthecape.org or call 508-428-0669.

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What:

2^nd Wednesday Theater presents “Testing, Testing,” by Alan Haehnel

Where:

Cotuit Center for the Arts, 4404 Route 28, Cotuit

When:

Wednesday, March 13, 7:30 PM

Admission:

Free

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