Speech & Debate

May 29 - June 28, 2026

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About the Show

Studio Theater

Written by Stephen Karam. Presented in arrangement with Dramatist Play Service

Three misfit high school students in Salem, Oregon form a unique debate club, complete with a musical version of The Crucible, an unusual podcast, and a plot to take down their corrupt drama teacher. With his signature wit, playwright Karam follows the trio's attempts to fend off the menace of encroaching adulthood with edgy humor and subversive antics.

"Stephen Karam's savvy comedy is bristling with vitality, wicked humor, terrific dialogue, and adirect pipeline into the zeitgeist of contemporary youth."

- David Rooney, Variety

"Hilarious...Speech & Debate’s real accomplishment is its picture of the borderland between late adolescence and adulthood, where grown-up ideas and ambition coexist with childish will and bravado...We never feel we’re being educated, just immensely entertained."

– Caryn James, New York Times

Director: Don Carrier

* Appearing through an Agreement between this theater and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States 

*** Member of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC)

Auditions

What happens when three high school students on the fringes decide to “take down” a corrupt drama teacher?

Auditions for the comedy/drama Stephen Karam's Speech & Debate will take place by appointment only at Lakewood's Beck Center On Saturday, March 14th with slots beginning at 1:30PM. To procure your appointment, call the Beck Box Office at 216-521-2540 during regular business hours.

Director Don Carrier requests prepared contemporary monologues not to exceed three minutes in length.

Video monologue submissions are acceptable if you are unable to sign up for an in-person audition on Sat., March 14th. Those should be e-mailed to:

ScottDavidSpence@gmail.com no later than Friday, March 13th at 5PM.

In-Person callbacks are scheduled for Sunday, March 15th time TBD.

Performance dates for Speech & Debate will be May 29-June 28, with performances on Fri/Sat/Sun only.

This production offers no Equity contracts. All performers 18 and over will receive a stipend for their participation.

For the three principal roles it is essential that actors must present as a teenager.

SOLOMON- 16 YO

DIWATA - 17 YO

HOWIE - 18 YO

TEACHER/REPORTER (30's-40's) - Female actor to play two different roles.

Rehearsals begin the week of April 20. No rehearsal the week of April 27. Rehearsals resume the week of May 4.

Rehearsal availability Mon-Fri Evenings and Sunday afternoons.

Call 216-521-2540 to make your appointment. All other questions can be addressed to Artistic Director Scott Spence at either scottdavidspence@gmail.com OR scotts@beckcenter.org

Content Advisory

Speech & Debate contains mature themes including sexual situations, online relationships, teacher-student misconduct, and discussions of sexuality and identity. The play also includes strong language and references to homophobia and political scandal. Recommended for ages 13+.

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