Blog: Meet the Signature in the Schools Cast
We asked the Arlington County high school students in the Signature in the Schools cast of 295N three questions about themselves and their relationship to the show.
Click each picture below to see their answers!
What is your part in the show and how would you describe it? Jasen is my name and I am here to change the game. Jasen is the young African American male plagued by the justice system. My ancestors, my brother, and future generations of color are wrapped up in their very being. I’m Jasen and I am here to bear witness to the story of my spiritual brother, Freddie Gray.
What are you a big fan of or expert in? I am a big fan of immersive theater and also African culture. I am a big fan of theater for social change. It deals with things that I am passionate about and aligns with my purpose, which is to heal and provide safe spaces for society to be challenged, inspired, and engage in serious dialogue. It makes me very excited to do this show so I can become an expert on me.
Why should people come see 295N at Signature Theatre? It’s a story that needs to be shared and I am so excited about you seeing it. Enjoy the show! Come to the show if you are someone that invests in their legacy now! Be inspired, challenged, and energized. Be you!
What is your part in the show and how would you describe it? I play Lizzie.
What are you a big fan of or expert in? I am thinking way too long about this question, because I’m a big fan of life and a lot of what comes with it. Life is what it is and it is the biggest complicated question in the world. I’m also, specifically, a big music fan. Music has been a part of my life since I have been little, and I think it moves and changes people.
Why should people come see 295N at Signature Theatre? People should come see 295N because it’s important as a community to communicate and talk about what is being shared throughout the show.
What is your part in the show and how would you describe it? I am playing Lena. Lena is a confident activist and poet who went through a rocky road of self-identity and wants to aid others in finding and being proud of their roots too.
What are you a big fan of or expert in? I am a big fan of poetry. I love spoken word and I am a poet myself. I like spoken word because it is such a pure form of education and released pain.
Why should people come see 295N at Signature Theatre? Because it is relevant. These characters are molded off of everyday teens in America and how their lives are affected by race. If you want to know what’s happening around you, this is a good place to start.
What is your part in the show and how would you describe it? I am an actor and I play DJ in the show. This is a very ensemble based show and program so being an actor is a lot of being a contributor to the team.
What are you a big fan of or expert in? I am a huge fan of all things movie and film related. I know every bit of trivia you could think of. I hope to pursue it as a career.
Why should people come see 295N at Signature Theatre? They should come to support our cast and crew, obviously! But also because this show touches on so many subjects that are not spoken about enough in today’s society. As our director often says, “We’re on a mission to change the world.”
What is your part in the show and how would you describe it? I play Jayne in 295N.
What are you a big fan of or expert in? I enjoy polishing shoes, that’s when I think best.
Why should people come see 295N at Signature Theatre? Everyone should come but especially teens. It might just change the way you view the nation we are inheriting.
What is your part in the show and how would you describe it? I play the roles of Frederick Douglass, Mr. Cooper, and TV News Reporter. Frederick Douglass is a constant reminder of the role history plays in teaching current generations. Mr. Cooper is, as a teacher, a vehicle for pushing social advocacy and awareness. The news reporter states the facts.
What are you a big fan of or expert in? I’m actually a big fan of Harry Potter books, and most of the films. Outside of the fantasy elements, the messages that promote courage and love and friendship resonate with me. I’m also just a big fan of reading and books.
Why should people come see 295N at Signature Theatre? People should see 295N because it directly addresses what is at the heart of national debate and crises. Art should accurately reflect the times from which it is birthed and this piece has the potential to spark necessary discourse and promote real change.
What is your part in the show and how would you describe it? Darlene is an African student torn between accepting and acknowledging the #BlackLivesMatter movement and ignoring the extra burden of a violent history her immediate ancestors did not endure.
What are you a big fan of or expert in? The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. I love knowing everything about anything, especially people. It’s a bit embarrassing, but I like understanding the individual functions.
Why should people come see 295N at Signature Theatre? It’s the most important story you’ll see all year.
See 295N!
Tickets are now available for public performances of 295N! Click for more information: