BALTIMORE — The Downtown Cultural Arts Center (DCAC) will be presenting Ursula V. Battle’s The ‘New’ Teachers’ Lounge in the fall. The production will be performed at the DCAC the weekends of Oct. 25-Oct. 27, 2013 and Nov. 1-Nov. 3, 2013. The production marks the updated return of the highly successful “The Teachers’ Lounge’ which originally debuted in 2002 at Coppin State University. The play will be presented ‘Dinner Theatre’ style. Proceeds raised from the performances will benefit Downtown Cultural Art Center programs. The Baltimore Teachers Union (BTU) will be holding “BTU Night at the Play on Saturday, Oct. 26.
The production was written and is being produced by Baltimore native Ursula V. Battle. The play is being directed by former Randallstown High School principal and retired educator Cheryl Pasteur, who is also performing in the production. DCAC owner and local businessman Renny Bass will also be making a guest appearance in the production.
A drama with comedic elements, “The ‘New’ Teachers’ Lounge” centers around the lives of six teachers at the imaginary New Peaceful Pines Elementary/Middle School. The school’s teachers find refuge in the teachers’ lounge, that one special place of temporary escape where they gather during their long-awaited lunch break to feast on more than just food. The teachers find themselves having to make it through yet another controversial school year as they attempt to carry out their job of educating children, while also maintaining their sanity.
While the play is set within a school, the production’s universal themes, make it a must see for all audiences. The production features a powerful cadre of some of Baltimore’s most talented performers, including Dravon James of HBO’s “The Wire”.
Located at 401 N. Howard Street, DCAC provides an enriching environment for the community to learn about art and culture through various programs and activities. Based in Baltimore, MD, Battle Stage Plays seeks to deliver powerful messages through its original stage play productions. Past productions include “DisChord in The Choir,” “FOR BETTER or WOR$E,” and “The Crown of Glory & The Agony of Deceit.”
Tickets are $50 in advance, and include a buffet dinner. Discounted senior, children, and group rates are also available. $25 General Admission tickets are also available (buffet not included). VIP Tickets are $75 (includes VIP seating, buffet, drinks and more). Performance dates are: Oct. 25 (7:30 p.m.); Oct. 26 (3:30 & 7:30 p.m.); Oct. 27 (7:30 p.m.); Nov. 1 (7:30 p.m.); Nov. 2 (3:30 & 7:30 p.m.); and Nov. 3 (3:30 p.m.) For more information, or to purchase tickets call (410) 837-2787 or (443) 531-4787. You can also visit www.dculturalartcenter.org or www.battlestageplays.com.