The SPC Theater Department opens their production of The Amish Project on Oct. 8. This play is a fictional account of a real-life tragedy that allows us to glimpse into the world of Amish culture, and to come to grips with the true limits of compassion and forgiveness.

Directed by SPC Theater Professor Scott Cooper, this production will be different for SPC audiences. The seating (only 70 seats per performance) will be on stage with the actors. This type of staging, which is immersive for the audience and very exciting for the actors, is not new to SPC Theater. Previous productions of The Laramie Project and Fool for Love have been done in this style with great success.

“This type of staging really allows the audience to connect with the characters and makes them really confront the issues brought up in the play,” said Cooper.

This play contains mature themes and language.

The Amish Project runs Oct. 8-10 and 15-17 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 11 and 18 at 2 p.m. in the Arts Auditorium on the Clearwater Campus. Admission is free for high school and SPC students, faculty and staff. General admission is $10 (proceeds support SPC Theater Scholarships given each semester).

From acting, stage production, costume and set design to house management, the SPC theater arts program empowers students to explore their creativity and hone their stagecraft. ou can take theater classes as electives for your Associate in Arts degree or to meet common prerequisites for your chosen four-year major.

Visit www.spcollege.edu/theater for more information, or call 727-791-2548 or e-mail cooper.scott@spcollege.edu.