SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — Slippery Rock University’s Theatre Department is gearing up for its latest production, Astronots, a dark comedy written by Mora Harris. The play will be performed at the Stoner East Black Box Theater, with five shows running from October 18 through October 23, 2024.
Directed by Laura Smiley, an associate professor of theatre at SRU, Astronots follows a group of four contest winners who find themselves aboard an unmanned spacecraft, orbiting Earth. What initially seems like a once-in-a-lifetime scenic journey turns into something far more complex when billionaire CEO Alston Garth reveals that they are on a larger adventure, one that may not include a return to Earth. The passengers, panicked by the revelation, scramble to reverse their course as they confront the realization that Alston may have chosen only those prepared for a life away from their home planet.
One of the cast members, Hermes Johns, a freshman acting major from Lusby, Maryland, plays Cameron Walker, one of the contest winners who must grapple with this unsettling voyage. Johns’ involvement in the play marks an exciting opportunity for the Maryland native, who is building his performance career at SRU.
Showtimes for Astronots are scheduled at 7:30 p.m. on October 18, 19, 22, and 23, with a 2:00 p.m. matinee on October 20. Tickets are priced at $12 for SRU students and $14 for the general public. Those interested can purchase tickets online through the university’s ticketing platform at sru.edu/tickets or in person at the Stoner East ticket counter up to one hour before each show.
Laura Smiley, the director, shared her enthusiasm for the production. “We had so much fun creating the world of this play, including playing with weightlessness,” Smiley said. She further highlighted the importance of the play’s themes, noting, “This play grapples with complex themes through a darkly humorous lens, and this is the perfect time for it. We want to tell stories about being compassionate to ourselves and to each other, and about working together despite our differences. That is an important message for everyone to take away.”
The production team and cast are excited to share Astronots with the public, hoping to captivate audiences with the story’s unique take on space travel and human connection. The cast also includes several talented SRU students, each taking on the challenge of exploring this complex narrative through their performances.
For more information about Slippery Rock University’s theatre programs, visit the SRU Theatre Department webpage.
About Slippery Rock University
Slippery Rock University, located in western Pennsylvania, is a four-year public institution that provides a comprehensive education to more than 8,000 students. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is one of 10 institutions in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. SRU has been fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Learning and has a long-standing tradition of fostering intellectual growth, leadership, and civic responsibility.
Founded in 1889 as a teaching school, SRU continues to draw on its rich history, serving as a beacon of educational excellence for the region. Its 660-acre campus is located less than an hour from Pittsburgh and is conveniently connected to major highways, making it accessible to students from across the state and beyond.
SRU is known for its vibrant campus life and strong academic programs, preparing students to become engaged citizens and succeed in their professional careers. The university takes pride in its dedication to providing students with the tools they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
For more information about Slippery Rock University, its programs, and upcoming events, visit the SRU website.
