Makeshift Radio Theater presents “A Trio of Spooky Tales” Oct 23-Nov 1
A Statement from the Makeshift Theater Board of Directors on She Kills Monsters
The Board of Directors of Makeshift Theater is glad to learn that the students of Copley High School will have the chance to perform She Kills Monsters after all. We applaud the Copley-Fairlawn superintendent for acknowledging the hurt this decision caused and for opening the high school auditorium, free of charge, so the production can go forward under an independent organization.
We remain deeply troubled, however, by how this production was halted in the first place. These students auditioned, were cast, and had already begun rehearsals when the play was pulled following a parent’s complaint about its content. Whatever the procedural explanation, the message young people received was clear: a story that reflects some of their own lives and the lives of their friends was not welcome on their school’s stage. A single objection should never be enough to silence a story that so many students, families, and educators believed in.
She Kills Monsters is a widely produced, award-winning play about grief, family, friendship, bullying, and identity. It is about a young woman getting to know the sister she lost and learning to see her fully. Those are exactly the kinds of conversations theater is meant to open, and exactly the kinds of conversations our young people deserve to have.
At Makeshift, we believe the arts belong to everyone. This past January, we were proud to produce She Kills Monsters on our own stage, and we will continue to look for opportunities to share stories that explore these same themes. Students need the chance to perform, create, and see themselves and others reflected honestly on stage. They also need adults who will protect that chance, not take it away.
To the Copley students who stood up for this play and for one another: we see you, we are proud of you, and we look forward to being in the audience.
The Board of Directors, Makeshift Theater
Now Playing at Makeshift Theater
From history brought to life to ghost stories, improv, a story about military families, and a holiday favorite, this season has something for everyone. All performances are at the Coach House, 732 W. Exchange St., Akron.
A Trio of Spooky Tales
October 23 and 30 at 7 p.m. · October 24, 25, 31 and November 1 at 2 p.m.
Makeshift Radio Theater presents three original radio plays in the spirit of The Twilight Zone and Night Gallery: a mirror that shows the faces of the dead, a ghost who won’t give up his favorite game, and a train station where trains leave only at midnight, for a destination no one knows. Tickets $10.
Reserve tickets →
Point of No Return Improv
Saturday, October 24 · 7 p.m.
You make the suggestions, and they make the scenes. Akron’s favorite improv troupe returns for a night of spontaneous comedy. Brave audience members may end up on stage. Tickets $8.
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Love In Reserve
November 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 7 p.m. · November 8 and 15 at 2 p.m.
When Army wife Kate learns of a deadly attack on the Iraqi base where her new husband is deployed, she faces the longest night of her life, visited by visions of Ray past, present, and possible future. Written by retired Army officer and Iraq veteran Eric Mansfield and inspired by real military couples, this love story is moving, sometimes funny, and full of suspense. It opens the weekend of Veterans Day. Tickets $25. For group rates (10 or more) and reservations, email makeshiftakron@gmail.com.
Reserve tickets →
Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas!
December 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 7 p.m. · December 13 and 20 at 3 p.m.
Robert Fulghum’s holiday stories will have you laughing one minute and reaching for a tissue the next. Leave the screens and shopping malls behind for an afternoon or evening of good, old-fashioned storytelling and the real magic of the season. Tickets are $10.
The carriage house is located on the southwest portion of the AWCC Estate, a five-acre property in Akron’s vibrant West Hill neighborhood. Makeshift Theater is revitalizing the historic structure while preserving its architectural integrity and cultural significance.
The Akron Woman’s City Club has been a cornerstone of Akron’s cultural landscape, and this partnership continues its legacy of supporting the arts in Summit County. “We’re honored to work with the Akron Woman’s City Club on this exciting venture,” Bond added. The Coach House has been a beloved venue for theater productions in the past, and we look forward to honoring that tradition while bringing our creative vision to the space.
Support for the theater’s mission can be made on Venmo via @Makeshift-Theater. Interested volunteers should contact makeshiftakron@gmail.com for opportunities to support our mission.
“ Local theater is the lifeblood of a thriving cultural community.”
— Chris M.