More than a Play

At first, The Laramie Project was just another play. A play that I could show off my acting skills and get the chance to work with great people. Prior to getting cast, I had never read the play nor seen the movie. I knew the background story, but it was still hard for me to really believe that a boy was killed just for being simply different. I realized that this is not just a play, but a true event that will one day lead the world to social acceptance. I need to be totally invested in this show in order to pass this important information on to future generations so that these types of events will no longer happen. For me, I was in my own little world and did not realize that people today were still being abused and attacked just for being gay. The world has come so far in accepting people, but there are still so many miles to go. This is not just a play, but a story that needs to be told and people need to hear it. I have grown so much in only a few weeks and I have Matthew Shepard to thank for that.

-Ashley, actor