Scottsdale Community College Theatre Arts Presents the Arizona Premiere of

DISTRACTED

--a new play by Lisa Loomer

Scottsdale, AZ (September 22, 2009) – Nine year old Jesse can’t sit still.  He curses, he raps, and he's loud.  Teachers tell Jesse’s ‘Mama’ that he probably has Attention Deficit Disorder, threatening to stick him in Special Ed if his behavior doesn’t change.  Mama consults a psychologist, a homeopath, a neuropsychologist -- and even her very distracted neighbors (who have their own problems). 

A psychiatrist prescribes Ritalin for Jesse, but Mama wonders how a pill can solve all of his problems.  In the meantime, her husband, who has formed a close bond with his television, thinks Jesse is just ‘being a boy’.  Is Jesse dysfunctional or just exuberant?  Aren't we all a little distracted from time to time?    

Distracted is a fast-paced and disarmingly funny look at parenting in the age of the Internet and Ritalin. In this Arizona premiere by the Los Angeles-based playwright of Living Out and The Waiting Room, a contemporary American mom tries everything she can to figure out if ADD is the root of her son's problems.

“The play addresses some provocative issues in our culture right now,” said Randy Messersmith, SCC’s Theatre Arts Director.  “The first being the speed in which we medicate our problems.  Also, how technology dehumanizes our relationships, giving us the illusion of being connected.”

Throughout the play -- between text messages, cell phone calls, TiVo, video games, internet surfing, work demands – and his parent’s frantic quest to determine what’s wrong with him, Jesse's behavior persists.  Loomer’s unusual and innovative approach makes for a hilarious and poignant telling of a very topical story. 

“It’s about a mother’s journey,” said Messersmith.  “Parents will certainly relate to her journey, her struggle to cope with the demands of an ADD world and do right by her son.  Parents will definitely identify with that struggle and decision.”

The audience may be surprised by what Mama decides to do in the end.  Distracted is a provocative look at the question: Are we distracted from what really matters in life?

 
DISCOUNT TICKETS:  http://tiny.cc/distracted_discount_tix.

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DISTRACTED

Playwright:                                Lisa Loomer

Director:                                    Randy Messersmith  

Costume Design:                       Micheal Waid

Scenic Design:                          Kimb Williamson

Sound Design:                           Xakk Stauber

Lighting Design:                         Tami Updegraf        

Properties Design:                     Michelle Fish   

Stage Manager:                         Carrie Rockwell

Technical Director:                     Rick Hamouris

Video/Projection Design:            Boyd Branch

Company:                                Scottsdale Community College Theatre Arts and

                                                ImageMakers Theatre Club

                                                Produced by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service

Venue:                                     Performed at Theatre Artists Studio
4848 E. Cactus Road, Suite 406
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(East of Tatum Blvd. and North of Cactus) - see map below 

Performance

Dates/Times:                            October 29, 30 at 7pm

                                                October 31 at 2pm

                                                November 6 at 7pm

                                                November 7 at 2pm and 7pm

Ticket Prices:                           $10 for General Admission

                                                $8 for students (with valid ID) and senior citizens (55+)

Box Office:                               Call (480) 423-6359 to reserve tickets in advance or for more information.  Seating is extremely limited.  Reservations are highly recommended

                        Box office opens 1 hour before curtain.

Genre:                                     Comedy.

**Contains strong language and mature content.  Not recommended for students under 16.

Map to Theatre Artists Studio:

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Scottsdale Community College offers over 1,500 academic and non-credit classes each semester. Located on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, the campus is known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful plant and wildlife. With nearly 12,000 students, Scottsdale Community College is proud to offer high-quality, affordable programs in small class settings. From Motion Picture/Television Production and Culinary Arts to Nursing and American Indian Studies, students have a wide variety of programs from which to earn credits for university transfer, launch their careers, train for new ones, or pursue a special interest. The SCC Business Institute offers customized programs to meet the needs of local business. Scottsdale Community College is one of the ten Maricopa Community Colleges.

Scottsdale Community College Theatre Arts integrates the study of theatre history, dramatic literature, theory, and aesthetic concepts with the development of practical skills in acting, directing, design, and theatre technology.  Recognized by national theatre educators and professionals for the outstanding achievements of its students and faculty, the SCC Theatre Arts program combines classroom study with opportunities for public performance and summer professional training.  Students receive experience and education through a combination of coursework, performance and production – culminating in the Associate of Arts, Fine Arts Degree in Theatre.  To learn more about the program, faculty, honors, and awards, call (480) 423-6356 or visit www.scottsdalecc.edu/theatre.

To learn about the many academic programs at Scottsdale Community College, call us at (480) 423-6000 or visit our website at www.scottsdalecc.edu.

Media contact:
Denise Kronsteiner
(480) 423-6567
denise.kronsteiner@sccmail.maricopa.edu