21 Jul 2011

Ben Campbell (a.k.a. Rob White), Out of Character, Friday at 8pm.

The Playground’s newest production, Out of Character, focuses on well-written and performed solo character sketches, turning each piece into a fully-realized improvised show. This week the Out of Character cast explores the life of Ben Campbell, as played by Rob White, Friday at 8pm.

Ben is a first-year teacher (7th grade English). A graduate of  Ithaca College, Ben received his Teaching certification but opted to postpone entering the teaching world to join the Peace Corps for one year of service.  He volunteered in Africa (Malawi), where he taught English and Math and also worked with HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness. Upon returning from the Peace Corps, Ben entered the teaching world, refreshed and inspired. While in Malawi, Ben decided that when he got back to the U.S., he wasn’t going to be a traditional teacher.  He didn’t have any rules to abide by or any structure in Malawi, and he was able to reach the students and make a real difference. Ben decided he was going to take the same approach upon his return.  

Out of Character is performed by Mel Evans, Sarah Fineout, Sayjal Joshi, Lisa Linke, Wendy Mateo, Anthony Oberbeck, Conner O’Malley, Patrick Raynor, Patrick Rowland, Micah Sterenberg, and Rob White. The show is directed and produced by Matt Barbera.

Tickets are just $10, and our theater is always BYOB. Two Playground improv ensembles — The Senate and Karate Van — also perform.