When/Time

“When/Time” is a new music with theatre performance. The performance is a coming of age journey that weaves together individual stories of young people dealing with addiction. The project’s titular phrase comes from the overarching question that is examined, “When is it time to…?” Each character is pressed with variations of this question like, “When is it time to speak up, act or stay silent?” The characters are tied through this conceptual question as well as through a 12-Step meeting they all attend.

The portrayals of 12-Step programs and those who participate in them are primary goals for this project. Composer Stacy Busch says, “I got sober when I was 22 through 12-Step programs and have spent the last 8 years in these spaces. Stigma and misinterpretation of addiction – particularly the portrayals in film, TV and performance – are especially harmful because they can have a more significant impact on young people. These reductive portrayals that are overly dramatic and heavy-handed firmly implant in young people’s minds that addiction is the end of the road. The ‘degenerate’ stereotype is almost impossible to break down and we are losing lives because of it.”

In addition to the premiere, the performance will travel to treatment centers, schools and halfway houses. The project follows the characters in more depth on the online vlog created to reach a wider audience of young people.

Co-Directors: Stacy Busch and Kalli Siringas

Composer: Stacy Busch

Writer: Kalli Siringas

Choreographer: Kyle Mullins

Musicians: Stacy Busch, J.J. Pearse, Sascha Groschang

Actors: Casey Jane, Christopher Lion, Courtney Hittle

Supported by: Charlotte Street Foundation, Francis Family Foundation, Martha Lee Cain Tranby Music Enrichment Fund, ArtsKC and Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund