Springfield, Ohio – The Wittenberg University Department of Theatre and Dance presents its first mainstage production of the 2013 spring semester, Grace, or The Art of Climbing, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 21-23, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, in Chakeres Memorial Theatre, 905 Woodlawn Ave.

Directed by Assistant Professor of Theatre and Dance Patrick Reynolds, Grace, or The Art of Climbing, is a captivating tale of a young athlete by American playwright Lauren Feldman. The story focuses on the troubled life of Emm, for whom the competitive sport of rock climbing serves not only a literal purpose, but a metaphorical one as well. To escape the depression she feels after her boyfriend ends their relationship and her father suffers a stroke, Emm starts a journey of personal discovery as she competes for a spot on the national rock climbing team.

Performers in the Wittenberg production include Meghann Greene, class of 2013 from North Royalton, Ohio; Molly Alderson, class of 2014 from Mason, Ohio; Aaron Glen, class of 2014 from Chicago, Ill.; Eric Werner, class of 2013 from Cincinnati, Ohio; Corey Ragan, class of 2015 from Columbus, Ohio; Rory Eustace, class of 2014 from Mentor, Ohio; and Caroline Stechison, class of 2015 from Upper Arlington, Ohio. The ensemble includes Caylie Scherba, class of 2015 from Hudson, Ohio; Kieran Conway, class of 2016 from Cincinnati, Ohio; Rebecca Oswalt, class of 2014 from Newark, Ohio; Samantha Reynolds, class of 2014 from Hudson, Ohio, Kaileigh Bible, class of 2013 from Bellefontaine, Ohio; and Sarah Miles, class of 2015 from Springfield, Ohio.

Reynolds received his B.A. from Linfield College, his M.A. from Brown University, his Ph.D. from Cornell University, and his M.F.A. from the University of Iowa. Grace, or The Art of Climbing is his directorial debut at Wittenberg.

Tickets cost $5 each – Wittenberg students receive one free ticket by presenting their ID card. Tickets go on sale at the Benham-Pence Student Center service desk, 937-327-7443, 10 days before the performances begin and one hour prior to each performance.

Written By: Brynne Mayne '13