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Dunwoody Today
By the People, for the People
Aurora Theatre Premieres 'Initiative' by Jacob York
The new play explores friendship and mortality through the lens of a Dungeons & Dragons campaign.
Apr. 5, 2026 at 12:00am
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Aurora Theatre in Dunwoody, Georgia is premiering a new play called 'Initiative' by playwright Jacob York. The play follows 29-year-old Dave as he grapples with a cancer diagnosis, finding solace and creating 'memories' through playing Dungeons & Dragons with his close-knit group of friends. The ensemble cast features Cole Ferguson, Michelle Pokopac, Tyshawn Gooden, Avani Lesane, and Julio Zaconet Valentin, with the production team led by Ann-Carol Pence and director Katie Chambers.
Why it matters
The play explores the power of friendship and community in the face of mortality, using the imaginative world of Dungeons & Dragons as a vehicle to explore these themes. As a new work from playwright Jacob York, who is also an actor known for his role on 'Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell', the production highlights the creative talent emerging from the Atlanta theater scene.
The details
In 'Initiative', 29-year-old Dave turns to playing Dungeons & Dragons with his friends as a way to cope with his cancer diagnosis. Through the collaborative storytelling of the roleplaying game, Dave's friends help him create a lifetime of imagined memories and adventures that he may never get to experience in reality.
- The world premiere production of 'Initiative' runs from March 26 to April 19, 2026 at Aurora Theatre in Dunwoody, Georgia.
- The play is part of the YES Festival at Northern Kentucky University.
The players
Jacob York
The playwright of 'Initiative' and an actor known for his role on the Adult Swim series 'Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell'.
Katie Erin Chambers
The director of the 'Initiative' production at Aurora Theatre.
Cole Ferguson
A member of the ensemble cast of 'Initiative'.
Michelle Pokopac
A member of the ensemble cast of 'Initiative'.
Tyshawn Gooden
A member of the ensemble cast of 'Initiative'.
What they’re saying
“'Initiative' is a beautiful appreciation of friendship, and what friends will do for one another.”
— Michael King, Director of the YES Festival at Northern Kentucky University
“The story of Dave's struggle with cancer, and the way his friends use a role playing game to provide him with a lifetime full of memories, is full of both loss and laughter.”
— Michael King, Director of the YES Festival at Northern Kentucky University
What’s next
The production of 'Initiative' at Aurora Theatre is expected to be a highlight of the 2026 YES Festival at Northern Kentucky University.
The takeaway
By using the imaginative world of Dungeons & Dragons as a backdrop, 'Initiative' explores the profound power of friendship and community in the face of life's greatest challenges, offering a poignant and uplifting theatrical experience.
