Aurora Theatre Premieres New Play 'Initiative' Blending Fantasy and Friendship

The heartfelt production explores the power of chosen family through a Dungeons & Dragons campaign.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:39pm

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring bold, jagged geometric shapes in striking red and white, conceptually representing the fantasy and emotional depth of the new play 'Initiative'.The world premiere of 'Initiative' at Aurora Theatre blends epic fantasy with deeply human storytelling, celebrating the power of chosen family.Lawrenceville Today

Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville, Georgia is premiering a new play called 'Initiative' that blends epic fantasy with deeply human storytelling. Directed by Associate Artistic Director Katie Erin Chambers, the play follows a group of friends gathered around a gaming table for one final Dungeons & Dragons campaign as their friend Dave faces an aggressive illness. As they build a quest that stretches beyond fantasy, the play explores the extraordinary ways people show up for each other in life's most uncertain moments.

Why it matters

The play 'Initiative' speaks to the power of chosen family and the importance of community, especially in the face of adversity. As theaters continue to navigate the challenges of the pandemic, new works that celebrate human connection and the transformative power of art are particularly meaningful for audiences.

The details

Playwright Jacob York, an Atlanta local, has crafted a production that seamlessly weaves between tabletop adventure and real-world stakes. Under Chambers' direction, the accomplished ensemble cast brings the story to life, balancing nerdy joy with emotional depth as the characters face fatherhood, existential dread, and the opportunity to create lasting memories.

  • Initiative runs from March 26 to April 19, 2026 at Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville, Georgia.
  • Tickets are on sale now at auroratheatre.com or by calling the box office at 678.226.6222.

The players

Aurora Theatre

A regional theater company in Lawrenceville, Georgia that is committed to producing new works.

Jacob York

The Atlanta-based playwright who authored the new play 'Initiative'.

Katie Erin Chambers

The Associate Artistic Director of Aurora Theatre who is directing the world premiere production of 'Initiative'.

Dave

A character in the play who is facing an aggressive illness and turns to the world of Dungeons & Dragons to create moments he fears he will miss.

Cole Ferguson, Michelle Pokopac, Tyshawn Gooden, Avani Lesane, Julio Zaconet Valentin

The accomplished ensemble cast bringing the characters of 'Initiative' to life on stage.

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What they’re saying

“Initiative is a celebration of friendship in its truest form. It speaks to the power of chosen family and the extraordinary ways we show up for one another in life's most uncertain moments. This play invites audiences to laugh, to remember, and to hold tight to the people around their own tables.”

— Ann-Carol Pence, Co-Founder and Producing Artistic Director, Aurora Theatre

What’s next

Tickets for the world premiere production of 'Initiative' at Aurora Theatre are on sale now, and the play will run from March 26 to April 19, 2026.

The takeaway

At a time when community and human connection are more important than ever, 'Initiative' offers a heartwarming and imaginative exploration of the power of chosen family and the transformative impact of art. The play's blend of fantasy and emotional depth invites audiences to reflect on the extraordinary ways we show up for one another, even in life's most uncertain moments.