The Laramie Project

We encourage you to purchase tickets prior to 4 p.m. on Friday, August 6. Streaming capabilities will end at midnight that evening.

In October 1998, the nation was gripped by the story of Matthew Shepard’s brutal murder in Laramie, Wyoming. A victim of a violent homophobic hate crime, members of the Tectonic Theater Project traveled to Wyoming wanting to learn more about Matthew, Laramie, and the reality of violence and prejudice, conducting over 200 interviews in the year that followed. They complied what they learned into a shocking, challenging, and moving play that explores the lowest depths of hatred and greatest heights of compassion.

The Racine Theatre Guild’s virtual production has united the community to share this story and create something positive during this time of isolation. With nearly 100 community and cast members involved, these performances were filmed in a way to keep everyone healthy and safe. The final virtual production is not quite a play, yet not a film either. It is a multimedia presentation that pays tribute to Matthew.

*Content notice: This production contains adult content and language

Included at the end of the stream is a talkback with Doug Instenes, RTG managing/artistic director, Barb Fararr, executive director for the LGBT Center of SE Wisconsin, and Jenn Palmer, a friend of Matthew Shepard. In addition, a portion of the proceeds from the production will go to support the LGBT Center.

Streaming FAQs

• How can I purchase tickets?
  • Tickets can be purchased directly through the ticketing links on our website. Once you reach the purchase page, you will see a link that says “Click HERE to stream.” You will be able to choose between an individual stream ticket or a household stream ticket. The Box Office will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12 – 4 p.m. in-person or by phone (262) 633-4218 to answer any questions and assist with ticket purchases. Outside of those hours, you can email joycelyn@racinetheatre.org directly. Any technical issues with the streaming site, ShowTix4U, can be addressed directly through the “Support” chat box in the lower left-hand corner of the screen.
• How do I receive the on-demand performance link?
  • “The Laramie Project” virtual production will be available to stream anytime between Friday, July 23 and Friday, August 6. Once you purchase your ticket, you will be sent a confirmation email with the stream link and your code to view the performance online. Each link is unique and cannot be used by multiple people. This confirmation email is sent to you immediately after you make your online purchase. Once you enter the code anytime between July 23 – August 6, you will have 48 hours to watch the video. If you have not received the confirmation email, please check your SPAM and/or JUNK folders. Ticket sales will end at 12 p.m. on August 6 and the the stream will be available until 11:59 p.m.
• I purchased a ticket, but did not receive a code or confirmation email. What should I do?
  • Contact the Box Office at (262) 633-4218 or email joycelyn@racinetheatre.org to get your streaming information.
• On which devices can I watch the show?
  • You can watch on desktop computers, laptops, tablets, iPads, smartphones (iPhone or Android) and your smart TV. All you need is an internet connection on your device.
• Can I view the production more than once?
  • Yes, you can watch the performance as many times as you want during the 48 hour timeframe that you rent it.
• What if I’m streaming the event and there is no sound?
  • First, make sure the speakers on your computer or device are on and that you haven’t muted the sound. Next, check the volume on the stream. Look for the speaker icon on the player. If there is an X next to it, the sound is muted. Click the icon to turn the sound back on and reveal the slider to adjust the volume.
• What if I still need help with the stream?
  • Look for the Chat box in the lower left-hand corner of the screen of ShowTix4U.
• Can I watch the show on my television?
  • Yes, in a variety of ways listed below, but you can also visit https://showtix4u.helpsite.com/articles/57964-streaming-your-event-to-a-television-tv for more information and details!
    • Many televisions are Smart TV’s that have a web browser as an app (some examples of web browsers are Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc). 
    • You can connect your computer to your television via an HDMI cable.
    • If you have a gaming system hooked up to your television, like XBox or Playstation, those also usually have a web browser app for you to access the website.

LGBT Center of SE Wisconsin

Founded in 2009, The LGBT Center of SE Wisconsin’s mission is to create a safe and inclusive home for LGBTQ+ communities. We provide support groups, Safe Zone training, advocacy, community building events and crisis referrals. The Center located at 1456 Junction Avenue in the Uptown District in Racine will be re-opening soon to provide a place for the community to gather, use the wi-fi and rental computers and to seek referrals to local professionals if needed. We are a small but mighty Center who seeks to bring people together and to help make lives better. Learn more and donate now by visiting https://www.lgbtsewi.org/.

The Matthew Shepard Foundation

The Matthew Shepard Foundation was created to honor Matthew in a manner that was appropriate to his dreams, beliefs, and aspirations. The Foundation seeks to Replace Hate with Understanding, Compassion, & Acceptance through its varied educational, outreach and advocacy programs, and by continuing to tell Matthew’s story. Our mission is to encourage respect for human dignity and differences by raising awareness, opening dialogues, and promoting positive change.

The Laramie Project & The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later have a vital role in keeping Matthew’s story alive and promote the discussion of hate issues that continue to plague society.

The Board and staff of the Matthew Shepard Foundation thank you for seeing this production and hope it will move you to commit to Erasing hate in your own life, home and community.

You can help support a future without hate by visiting MatthewShepard.org to learn more about donor opportunities, our work, and our support for legacy artistic productions across the world. You can stay in contact with MSF and our work on Facebook & Twitter @MattShepardFDN.