THE CAKE BY BEKAH BRUNSTETTER

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Director: C. Jaye Miller 

Assistant Director: Mak Secrest

Stage Manager: Emery Lancaster

Set Designer: Drew Davis 

Sound Designer: Eric Fulcher 

Lighting Designer: Gabby Montagnino

Technical Director: Kevin Mayfield 

Costume Designer: Sherri Wischusen 

Props Designer: Carole Moore 

Props Assistant: Kim Harger 

This lobby display features a timeline of gay rights legislation, including information on the Masterpiece Cake Shop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission court case that inspired The Cake's conception. I created this dramaturgical display to remind the audience about the real-world struggles and legal battles that form the backdrop of the play’s narrative. The display provides a sobering reminder that it was not too long ago that same-sex couples were not able to lawfully marry and were relegated to second-class citizens in the eyes of the United States legal system.

The various updates featured about the Masterpiece Cake Shop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission court case present a central conflict between anti-discrimination principles and religious freedom. The development of this real-world legal battle underscores the personal struggle between Della and Jen and invites the audience to consider how personal actions and beliefs are inherently political, influencing and reflecting broader societal norms, legal frameworks, and ongoing struggles for justice and equality.

As Macy states in response to Della claiming she is not a "political person": "I mean, you live in this world, and the world is molded by politics, so don't you kinda have to be a political person?"