Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati
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She’s got some amendments.
Fifteen-year-old Heidi earned her college tuition by winning constitutional debate competitions across the United States. In this hilarious, hopeful, and achingly human new play, she embodies her teenage self in order to trace the founding document’s profound impact on not just her own life, but the past four generations of women in her family, starting with the first to set foot in America: a mail-order bride. A Pulitzer Prize finalist and Tony Award nominee, this boundary-breaking play breathes new life into our Constitution and imagines how it will shape the next generation of Americans.
Run time: ~1 hr, 40 min with no intermission
Content warning: While Heidi and her companions debate, they tackle tough subjects and use adult language. Expect thoughtful discussion on sexual and physical violence; murder; slavery; mental health and suicide; homophobia; and sex, sexuality, and abortion. Bring an open mind, be ready to participate, and get excited for an entertaining refresher on the Constitution!
What the Constitution Means to Me
You'll love this show if you love...
- True blends of humor and drama that’ll leave you both laughing and thinking days later
- Stories centered on femme experiences and the road to gender equality
- Plays that incorporate the audience and create totally unique experiences that won’t be replicated night-to-night
- Critically acclaimed, timely scripts that challenge big issues and ask big questions
- No-holds-barred, clever dialogue with a stubborn dose of optimism
- Learning both the good and bad of American history!
Similar ETC productions:
- Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed and Nia Vardalos
- When We Were Young and Unafraid by Sarah Treem
- The Wolves by Sarah Delappe
Similar titles:
- Parks and Rec (NBC)
- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
- The West Wing (NBC)
Video
Reviews
“What the Constitution Means to Me is a timely piece of theater . . . It’s a call to action to all American citizens to be informed and engaged.” — Talkin’ Broadway
“This is an important and thought-provoking show – and it is masterfully done.” — The Sappy Critic
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Press
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CityBeat
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s next play asks, “What does the Constitution mean to you?”
Cast
Creative team
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Brian c. Mehring
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Shannon Rae Lutz
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Chris Lipstreu
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Events & accessiblity
Show Up! Young Professionals Event
Saturday, September 16 at 2:00 pm
Join other Young Professionals (at a special YP price) for the performance then walk to a nearby bar or restaurant to mingle and discuss the show over discounted drinks and bites.
ETC Essentials
Sunday, September 24 at 1:00 pm
Take a cue frome the show and dive into a FREE conversation on depolorazing our oppositions, learning how to use our differences to find common ground, and having productive, non-partisan discourse. This starts an hour before show time, and registration is recommended.
Meet the Artists
Thursday, September 21 at 7:30 pm | Sunday, September 24 at 2:00 pm
Stay after the show for a FREE post-show behind-the-scenes discussion with artists from the production.
ASL-Interpreted Performance
Wednesday, September 27 at 7:30 pm
Interpreters perform a translation of the play into ASL alongside the performance in a position with great sightlines to see both the action of the play and the interpreters.
Ask for an assistive listening device at any performance from our box office.
Audio Described Performance
Saturday, September 30 at 2:00 pm
Patrons can use a headset for one ear to hear descriptions of key visual elements inserted into natural pauses in the show, allowing patrons to still hear dialogue, sound effects, and music.
Ask for large print or Braille playbills at any performance from our box office.
ETC Cabaret | American Songbook
Saturday, September 30 at 10:00 pm
Join us for a late night musical treat of selections from the American Songbook, performed by some ETC favorites! Save your $20 seat to this after-hours cozy cabaret!
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Subscriptions
Banish the box office blues and say see ya to sold-out shows! Become a subscriber for the best prices along with other perks.
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Ticket Discounts
There are great deals to be found at ETC! Explore the various ticket discounts we have available.
Photo credits | First Timer’s Guide, Brooke Steele in The Frog Princess; Ticket Info, Bryant Bentley, Burgess Byrd, and Leslie Goddard-Baum in Detroit ’67 (Mikki Schaffner); Subscriptions, Cast of Hedwig and the Angry Inch; Ticket Discounts, Torie Wiggins in Your Negro Tour Guide. All images by Ryan Kurtz unless otherwise noted.