NORFOLK– The theatre department at Northeast Community College is putting the finishing touches on a play to be performed early next month.

“Leveling Up” will be held in the Cox Activities Center theatre on the Northeast campus Thursday,
May 2, Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4, at 7:30 p.m. A matinee will be performed on Sunday, May 5, at 2 p.m.

Written by Deborah Zoe Laufer, “Leveling Up” tells the story of three twenty-something roommates who are glued to their video games. They are masters of the virtual worlds behind computer screens in their Las Vegas basement. When one of them uses his gaming skills to land a job with the National Security Agency launching actual drones and missiles, online battles begin to have real consequences.

The production is directed by Adam Peterson, Northeast’s director of theatre, who also serves as production manager.

Cast for the production includes Andres Hughes, Norfolk, as Ian; Josue Meza, Madison, as Chuck; Sydnie Niemann, Wayne, as Jeannie; and Mason Poulsen, Valentine, as Zander.

Design and tech for the show are provided by students in Peterson’s Play Production course. They include Wright Chamberlin, Norfolk, sound design and light board; Sarah Harder, Gretna, scenic design and front of house; Josue Meza,Madison, sound design; Kai Moeller, Saint Edward, property master and assistant stage manager; Christopher Sahagun, Bloomfield, light design, stage hand and spotlight; Sheldon Wattier, Norfolk, assistant director and costume design; and Sky Wear, Fort Calhoun, sound technician.

Two Northeast Community College alumni are also serving as crew members for the production. They include Bethany Phelps, Norfolk, stage manager, and Layne Roth, Norfolk, master electrician.

“Leveling Up” has been entered in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, where it is eligible for awards in response by a representative for the organization.

The play contains adult language and material.

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students and free for Northeast Community College students and employees. For reservations, contact Peterson at (402) 844-7763.