University of Louisville Theatre Arts Presents 'The Laramie Project'

The play explores the aftermath of the 1998 murder of gay college student Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:05am

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring stark black silhouettes and geometric shapes in muted blue, grey, and white tones, conceptually representing the themes of violence, injustice, and the quest for acceptance explored in 'The Laramie Project'.A powerful theatrical production explores the aftermath of a tragic hate crime and the enduring search for humanity.Laramie Today

The University of Louisville Department of Theatre Arts is opening 'The Laramie Project' at the Thrust Theatre this weekend. The play is a series of actual interviews with residents of Laramie, Wyoming, where Shepard was murdered in 1998, centering on those affected by the hate crime. Students are performing the transcripts of these interviews and bringing those voices to life.

Why it matters

The Laramie Project' speaks to the humanity of everyone involved in this heinous crime and the far-reaching effects of the hate crime on the LGBTQ+ community. The play aims to explore the aftermath of homophobia and violence, and how a community grapples with such a tragedy.

The details

Senior theatre major Skylar Swalls proposed 'The Laramie Project' as an undergraduate representative on the play selection committee last year. Swalls, like her fellow actors, plays five to seven characters, which required extensive character work. The stage has been transformed to represent Laramie, with a rocky textured floor and a fence at the back representing where Shepard was found. The costumes and makeup also evoke the late 1990s setting.

  • The Laramie Project' will run from April 10-19, 2026.
  • Shows on April 10, 16 and 17 start at 7:30 p.m.
  • Shows on April 11, 12 and 19 start at 2 p.m.
  • The April 15 show starts at 10 a.m.

The players

Skylar Swalls

A senior theatre major at the University of Louisville who proposed 'The Laramie Project' as an undergraduate representative on the play selection committee.

Elliot Meadows

The assistant director of 'The Laramie Project' who was unaware of Matthew Shepard before being a part of the production but soon realized the importance of his legacy.

Bailey Klei

An actor in 'The Laramie Project' who plays the role of Catherine Connelly, a lesbian professor at the University of Wyoming who is fearful of being the victim of a hate crime.

Breanna Oliver

A member of the costume crew for 'The Laramie Project' who assists the actors with quick changes and character switches backstage.

Matthew Shepard

The gay college student who was murdered in Laramie, Wyoming in 1998, the event that inspired 'The Laramie Project'.

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What they’re saying

“I thought that this was a very important story to tell, and I wanted to be a part of telling the story.”

— Skylar Swalls, Senior theatre major

“This show speaks to the humanity of everyone involved in this heinous crime.”

— Elliot Meadows, Assistant director

“She's scared letting her son walk the streets, scared seeing a truck, thinking that it's going to come after her.”

— Bailey Klei, Actor

“This is the type of stuff that people should see, especially as a live production, being there in the present moment and almost feeling like you're experiencing it yourself.”

— Breanna Oliver, Costume crew member

What’s next

Tickets for 'The Laramie Project' are on sale now and range from $10 to $20. The play will run from April 10-19, 2026 at the Thrust Theatre on the University of Louisville campus.

The takeaway

Through the powerful storytelling of 'The Laramie Project,' the University of Louisville Theatre Arts Department aims to honor the legacy of Matthew Shepard and shed light on the lasting impact of homophobia and violence on LGBTQ+ communities.