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Lawrenceville Today
By the People, for the People
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 10:39pm
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The world premiere of 'Initiative' at Aurora Theatre celebrates the transformative power of chosen family and community.Lawrenceville TodayAurora 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.
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.
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
The play 'Initiative' celebrates the power of chosen family and community, offering audiences a heartfelt exploration of how people can show up for each other in the face of life's challenges.
