Laramie Project Support

I know far too well the reality of hate and the impact of violence and harassment on young people. Twelve years ago, my son Matthew was left to die after being brutally beaten simply for being gay. Matthew’s only agenda was to continue his studies, to help the world, to be a good son. That chance was taken from him because of violence deeply rooted in hate and prejudice.

One source of education and change has been “The Laramie Project.” Since its opening night, the play has been produced over 5,000 times by schools, community theaters, faith-based organizations and mainstream theater groups around the world. This play has become a powerful tool for com- munities to discuss and explore how hate impacts every part of their society.

The most touching stories the Foundation has received were written after an individual has experienced a production of the Laramie Project, This extraordinary play captures the stark reality that hate still lives in all our communities. I am continually inspired to see how participating in or even viewing ‘The Laramie Project’, invokes the kind of emotion and passion it takes to begin the process of erasing hate.

This play is not about being gay. It is about being hurt for being different, whatever that difference may be. I want to thank you for the courage to mount a production that raises so many emotional and personal issues. I encourage you to use this opportunity to facilitate discussions in your classes on intolerance and hate.

Best Wishes,
Judy Shepard

The plays The Laramie Project and The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later have become essential sources of education and change in communities in this country and across the world, produced thousands of time by schools, community theatres, faith-based organizations and mainstream theatre groups. The Matthew Shepard Foundation is proud to offer help for those who wish assistance in mounting a production. Our Laramie Project Specialist, Susan Cunningham Burk, is a theatre professional and veteran broadcast journalist. Ms. Burk  is charged with leading and strengthening the Foundation’s support system for school and community productions of The Laramie Project,, including educational materials, audience/cast “talk-back” sessions, production advice and historical context.  She can provide personal insight, photos and other resources help cast members gain a personal connection to the story they are telling. Ms. Burk has strong backgrounds in theatre, journalism and Matthew’s story. At the time of Matthew Shepard’s murder, his funeral, and the trials of his killers Ms. Burk was the Executive Producer/Senior Anchor for the evening news at KTWO Television. Based in Casper, KTWO-TV was the statewide NBC affiliate, and it was Ms. Burk’s primary responsibility to arrange and implement coverage for all of these events, including community reaction and response. She produced an award-winning news series on the filming of HBO’s production of The Laramie Project and appeared in the film, and has also acted in both of the Laramie Project plays. Ms. Burk, who was a professional actress in Chicago and other areas of the country,  works in collaboration with the shows’ creators, Tectonic Theater Project.

Contact Us to find our how we can support your production.