> College students at Collin County Community College in Texas are making a bold social impact with William M. Hoffman's Obie and Drama Desk winning play, As Is.
The story, which depicts the struggles of two young men battling the realization that one of them is suffering from the deadly AIDS virus, is being presented at the college in an effort to bring the much needed awareness to an ever present demon that continues to haunt our society today. According to CCCC theatre director, Brad Baker, "This is a rare and passionate group of socially aware young artists who are daring to make an impact with their art."
After winning a national championship with the rap-musical Stand-Up Tragedy -- selected by the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival as one of the top collegiate plays of 1995-96 season -- CCCC theatre students did not choose to bathe in the after glow of their success, but rather, more determined that it would be business as usual. "We have been producing top quality, socially focused theatre for the past four years" states Brad Baker, "I guarantee that our work this year will be as powerful."
A passionate group of socially aware artists indeed. The students are looking to raise more than $10,000 with a mutli-item silent auction featuring items donated by local and national companies in conjunction with the production As Is. All of the proceeds from the auction is to go to AIDS research and hospice care in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Included on the auction block are such items as a bronze bust of President Lyndon Johnson donated by Lady Bird Johnson; a blue striped tie donated by New York City Mayor, Edward Koch; autograph scripts by such authors as Mark Medoff and Edward Albee and other unique celebrity memorabilia autographed by the stars of stage, screen, music, dance, politics and sports.
More memorabilia items are welcomed for this very worthwhile and important cause. Celebrity persons who are interested should send donations by Friday, September 27 to: Dr. Brad Baker, Director of Theatre, Collin County Community College, 2800 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, Texas 75074. For more information, contact Dr. Baker at (972) 881-5679 or e-mail at
General admission is $6; students and senior citizens (55+), $4. To order tickets, season subscriptions and other information, call the Quad C Theatre box office at (972) 881-5809.
-- Katia Lundy