Out of the Box committee makes decision to remove prop guns from production

The campus community reacted positively to a decision to remove prop guns from a recent play. 

The decision was in response to the mass shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where 17 lives were taken. 

“War of the Worlds is a play about an alien invasion that throws humanity into chaos,” said T Shannon McKenrick, entertainment business senior and OOTB business director. “We wanted to show sensitivity to the victims of the Parkland shooting by removing the physical weapons from the show.” 

The Out of the Box committee posted a press release on Facebook Feb. 16 saying they were removing prop guns from War of the Worlds. 

“The Artistic Directors of Out of the Box, Amanda Miller and Dawson MacLeod, felt it would be appropriate to cut the weapons from the performance to show respect for the victims, first responders, families and friends that were involved in the incident,” the press release read. 

War of the Worlds Director Alex Speight and the cast agreed with the decision. They were excited that the OOTB committee was taking initiative, McKenrick said.  

“I completely supported the decision to remove the prop guns,” said Grace Nettrour, acting freshman/”Nellie” in War of the Worlds. “I believe theater is an outlet for social change and a place where people should feel safe.”

Instead of prop guns, the actors used their hands to mime the weapons. 

“We received a lot of positive feedback from the campus community,” McKenrick said. “The press released has the highest engagement and reach than any of our other posts.” 

War of the Worlds was a record-breaking production, with the largest number of cast members and the highest number of audience members. 

Nettrour said the use of prop guns wasn’t a necessity to the show.

“The removal of the sensitive props created a welcoming environment for people to enjoy and be effected by theater,” she said. “I believe that the acting was strong enough to still convey the story without the use of prop guns.”

Some audience members also had opinions on the decision.

“It’s important to be sensitive with such a controversial topic, and you don’t want to make anyone feel uncomfortable or unsafe,” said Jordyn Younger, music theater/vocal performance freshman. “So, politically and emotionally, I supported their decision, but as far as its effects on the show goes, I hope that didn’t confuse the audience.”

McKenrick said she is proud of what OOTB accomplished with the decision.

“I am very proud to be part of such an amazing organization,” McKenrick said. “I will be sad when I graduate in May and have to leave, but I know OOTB will continue to flourish on campus and bring amazing shows.”