Exception to the Rule 

Written by Dave Harris
Directed by Donovan Holt (’24)
Scenic Design by Baron E. Pugh
Costume Design by Kiara Escalera
Lighting Design by Makenna Harnden (’24)
Sound Design by Anna Drummond
Production Stage Manager:  Hannah Marks (’24)
Deck Stage Manager:  Mea Sangiacomo 

We are proud to collaborate with The Front Porch Arts Collective and Suffolk University on this production! 

Cast List

Mikayla: Mischa Moxey

Tommy: Jeancarlos Perez

Dayrin: TJ Robinson

Dasani: Jada Saintlouis

Abdul: Diego Cintrón

Erika: Essence Brevard- Alouidor 

Register for tickets to Exception to the Rule

For students: $5.00
For non-students: $10.00 

Performance Dates:  February 21 – 25
Wednesday February 21 @ 7:30pm
Thursday February 22 @ 7:30pm followed by Post-Show Discussion
Friday February 23 @ 8:00pm
Saturday February 24 @ 2:00pm followed by Post-Show Discussion
Saturday February 24 @ 8:00pm
Sunday February 25 @ 2:00pm  

Post-Show Discussions:

Thursday February 22:  School-to-Prison Pipeline with Carl Barrows & Jalene Tamerat.  Moderated by Dunni Sodipo
Saturday February 24:  Mental Health & PTSD with Dr. Adrianna Crossing & Shameka Gregory

Production Synopsis by Director Donovan Holt:   

Stuck in detention in the worst high school in the city, six Black students try to make it through, fighting, flirting, and teasing. How does our society treat the kids that are considered “low achieving? What does it mean to be a token black kid in a sea of other black kids? 

“Harris toys with stereotypes about Blackness in order to turn them inside out, pointing to the history, circumstances and motivations behind ways of thinking and behavior.” – New York Times 

“With Exception to the Rule, provocative playwright Dave Harris takes audiences into the broken carceral system that exists within predominantly Black high schools across the nation.” – New York Theatre Guide  

Content Advisory:  Profanity, subjects of generational trauma, PTSD, mentions of slavery, gun violence/ gang activity, detention to prison pipeline, cannabis.   

Atmospheric Advisory: This production will include the use of theatrical water-based haze, loud noises, and flashing lights.

AUDIENCE INFORMATION 

• This performance will run approximately 90 minutes and will not have an intermission. 
• All performances are in-person, live in the Studio Theatre in Curry Student Center (Second Level / First Floor – next to the indoor quad above the food court). 
• General seating (no assigned seating). 
• No late seating. 
• No re-admission during performance. 
• House opens approximately 20 minutes before performance time.  We encourage audience members to arrive at the theatre at least 15 minutes before the performance in order to find the theatre and select seats. 
• No photography or video recording during performances. 

Register for tickets to Exception to the Rule

DIRECTIONS

Department Performances take place in the STUDIO THEATRE.

It is located on the 2nd Level (1st Floor) of Curry Student Center, next to Gallery 360.

Look for the Glowing Light Wall.