Name Keaton Johns

Email keatonspeak@yahoo.com
Phone 702-630-9130

Major BFA Musical Theatre

Minor (if any)
Number of Credits Completed 122
Anticipated Year and Semester of Graduation May 2018

Title of Project Molly & Peter Education Program

Abstract of Project My friend is putting on an original play called Molly & Peter which deals
with the topic of Mormonism and homosexuality in a positive light. I plan to be the education
director for this production by bringing in the resources of an LDS LGBTQIA+ support group I
am a part of called Affirmation: LGBT Mormons, Families, & Friends. I plan to have a booth set
up in the lobby supplied with pamphlets, papers, and other resources needed. I will be manned
at the booth to answer any questions people may have. I also plan to host a talkback after the
matinee performance to see how the audience interpreted the material and to answer any more
questions. I mainly want to show that there is an outlet available for anyone who is questioning,
anyone who is still in the closet, anyone who is out and wants a support group, or anyone who
wants to be an ally. I have found so much comfort in this group, and I want to share the love as
well as educating those who have questions. The tools of education and asking questions are
the best ways that we can get the message of love out.

Larger Purpose This project will benefit me in many ways. Being in the business of theatre,
there is a lot of self-initiative involved. There are also many leadership roles in the field: director,
producer, artistic director, education director, and more. This project will help me become a
better leader through the conduit of my field by being an education director. I also wish to be a
better leader in term of advocacy. I am passionate about the topic of being a gay Mormon, but
it’s hard for me to put myself out there and fight for my beliefs. This will help me improve in my
skills as an advocate.

Project Goal I will be the education director for SUU’s Black Box Grant production of Molly &
Peter.

1-3 Outcome(s) If I am successful at all the events and projects I am planning for the
production, I will have better confidence in taking charge of things in my field and in my life in
general. Also, if I am successful, I will teach, inspire, and support those who have questions and
those who need love and compassion.

Deliverable(s) I will keep any pamphlets and resources I either make myself or use officially
from Affirmation. I will also keep a journal of research I do on official LDS church statements,
articles Affirmation has put out, correspondence I have had with the officers of Affirmation, and
such. This journal will also contain notes I take from the talkback, and notes of reflection on how
I feel the project went.
Differentiation This project is very unique because I am creating my own educational program
for a play rather than being assigned to a creative role in a production.

Estimated Costs
● Paper for Pamphlets (w/ Color)- $60-$70
● Collapsible Table- $30-$40
● Poster Board- $3

Estimated Timeline
● February 21: Rehearsals Start/Beginning of Research (10 hrs of rehearsal a week; 4
weeks for rehearsal)
● April 2-4: Tech Week (10 hours of tech rehearsal)
● April 5-7- Performances (4 hours a night of manning the booth)
● April 7- Matinee Talkback (should only last a half hour)