Theatrix, the student theatre organization in the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film, will perform Stephen Karam’s “Speech and Debate,” a glimpse into the life of three high school teens as they fight stereotypes and make discoveries of sexuality and identity.

The production opens at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12 in the Lab Theatre, third floor of the Temple Building. Additional performances are at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13-14 and 2 p.m. Nov. 15. Individual show tickets are $6 and available at www.unl.edu/theatrix or at the theatre before each performance (subject to availability).

“Speech and Debate” unites three high school teenagers around a sex scandal at their Salem, Ore., high school. As the plot thickens their secrets become bartering tools and an unlikely friendship begins to form between these misfits. Exploring themes of sexual orientation and personal identity Karam makes intimate and complex observations of adolescence and the difficulties faced by the modern American teen.

Using the format of a speech and debate competition the twisted plot unfolds into a fierce and funky comedy, with music.

The Theatrix production of “Speech and Debate” features students Mike Lee, Cami Philgreen and Joey Galda. The production opens Nov. 12. Courtesy photo.

Cami Philgreen, a junior music major who performed in the Nebraska Repertory Theatre’s staged reading of “Speech and Debate” last summer, plays the spunky character Diwata. Other players include Joey Galda, junior performance major, as the highly opinionated Solomon; Mike Lee, sophomore performance major, as the cynical Howie; Ayana Denovellis, junior performance major, as the teacher; and Christina Leonard, sophomore performance major, as the reporter.

“Speech and Debate” is directed by Shannon Cameron, a directing emphasis graduate student. Scenic design is by Jacob Heger, graduate student. Hunter Larrison is a first-time lighting designer. Justin Gammerl is the sound designer. Costume design is by Val Harper. And, Lucas Sevedge is projections designer.