On Nov. 4, Biola University’s Theatre 21 will debut their new production, “The Charm of Preparedness.” Seven showings will be held Nov. 4-13, 2016. The show is directed by Biola professor of communication studies Zachary Bortot.

“The Charm of Preparedness,” written by Jorge Ignacio Cortiñas, centers around a small college campus which is turned upside down when a pre-med student begins to organize a campus-wide preparedness drill. The play considers whether or not his motives are altruistic, or if he is just organizing the drill as a ploy to impress a nursing student. The play asks whether a community is able to support one another or if personal ambition will win. “The Charm of Preparedness” examines how people learn to deal with life’s disasters.

Hailed by New York Times Outstanding Playwright winner Kristoffer Diaz, Cortiñas’ work is “full of rich poetry, shocking manipulations of form, and a real concern for the big issues.”

“The cast and crew are among some of the most dedicated individuals I have had the pleasure of working with as a director,” said Bortot. “Each has brought their talent, perspective, and passion to serve the work we have set out to create together.”

The cast will feature a variety of students featuring junior Lauren Winchenbaugh as Shachie, freshman Joshua Dozier as Tariq, freshman Lexi Pasch as Ginger, sophomore Shannon Rossilli as Tina, senior Tebraie Johns as Drew, and sophomore Katherine Morton as Greta. The cast will also be supported by the crew including sophomore Andrew Marderian, junior Victoria Sanchez, sophomore Brianna Ardon, senior Jenna White, senior Charlotte Stobbe, and sophomore Emily Castro.

The performance dates of the play are November 4, 5, 10, 11, 12 at 8 p.m., and Nov. 6 and 13 at 3 p.m.

For ticket information, visit the Theatre 21 website.

Written by Erin Wilson, public relations intern. For more information, contact Jenna Loumagne, media relations specialist, at (562) 777-4061 or jenna.loumagne@biola.edu.