This page is no longer being updated and remains online for informational and historical purposes only. The information is accurate as of the last page update.
For questions about page contents, contact the Communications Division.
Healthy relationships, alcohol abuse, and juggling a demanding academic workload are just some of the topics Played Out explores through theater performance. A student-led theater group at Lafayette for over 10 years, Played Out raises issues many students find difficult to discuss.
“The skits can open a dialogue, which is important since many of these topics are ones that students aren’t comfortable talking about,” says the group’s faculty adviserElizabeth McMahon, professor of mathematics. “Until we do, they will continue to be problems.”
Played Out uses a collection of skits from the Bacchus Network, a nonprofit organization that promotes peer-to-peer tools in health and safety education and prevention programs. Members also write their own scripts or adapt those from Bacchus to fit Played Out’s audience and goals.
Resident advisers often schedule performances by Played Out in their dorms to educate their residents and satisfy activity requirements. Played Out also has performed as part of Lafayette’s annual Fringe festival and first year student orientation, and hosted its own performance at Colton Chapel.
“A lot of students on campus do not take social issues, like sexual assault, drinking, drugs, and studying, seriously,” says English major Katherine Plater ’07 (Croton, N.Y.), the club’s president. “Played Out tries to bring these issues to students’ attention. Students are more likely to listen to fellow students, rather than listen to adults preach about the subjects. We try to make our programs as informative, laid back, and fun as possible.”
Other Played Out officers include history and government and law major Richard Beatty ’08 (Milford, N.J.), vice president, and chemical engineering major Whitney Orbanac ’07 (College Park, Md.), treasurer.
Played Out is always looking for new members, of all majors and class years, who are interested in acting, writing, or producing. For more information, contact Plater.