Young Actors Theatre, the only theatre in Indianapolis that produces original works by youth and for youth, is embarking on a two-year project in which a group of 10-15 teens research, write, and perform an original production surrounding the current opioid overdose epidemic.  While the play, tentatively entitled Love Over Dose, will follow one fictional individual\\\’s story, we\\\’ll work hard to give a sense of the general story of the opioid crisis.

With generous funding from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, we are able to devote an entire year to researching, writing, and rehearsing our play.  Rather than starting with a script, we’re following the method of devised theatre, where our teen actors write the script as a group as they build their own characters and respond to the subject matter they find in their process of researching the opioid crisis.

Throughout the second year, we will perform our play for public audiences in Indianapolis as well as for school groups.  We will be performing for a minimum of 5,000 students, at least 75% of whom are underserved. The primary goal of Love Over Dose isn’t to preach a “say no to drugs” message; the aim is to use individual stories to humanize an issue that is often only addressed in grim statistics. The peer-to-peer nature of this project will encourage young audiences to view the opioid overdose crisis with a new level of empathy and understanding. Along the way, Love Over Dose will provide clear and relevant information on how young people can help prevent overdoses in their families and communities.

With no cost to participate, Love Over Dose is an opportunity for current 8th-10th grade students to take their acting skills and artistic visions to the next level. Students with a strong interest in acting and/or social issues are invited to audition on February 21st, from 6-8pm, at the Athenaeum.  Visit www.yatkids/lod to learn more and register for audition.