Boulder-Based Theatre Company Casts Transgender Actor in Cis-Gender Role

Boulder-based LOCAL Theater Company will present the world premiere of James McLindon’s dark comedy Faith, about the religious fanaticism of a 13-year-old boy named Simon. In the lead role is New York-based transgender actor Em Grosland.

"I identify as transgender," states Grosland on the actor's website. "Although I am interested in playing roles all across the gender spectrum, I actively seek out transgender, and genderqueer roles as well as cis-gender male roles. I have been pleasantly surprised and encouraged by the open-minded and supportive people of our artistic community."

"I want my career and my work as an artist to challenge the rigid gender roles of our society and this art form," continues Grosland, a statement that brings to light an increasing effort from transgender actors to be considered for a range of roles.

"My Trans Identity Shouldn't Affect Me," Says Dominique Jackson On Not Being Cast, Health Care and Hate Crimes.

In Faith, Grosland will play Simon, the son of "an apostate" mother who is desperately seeking a vision in the parking lot of his local Walmart. Performances begin Nov. 20 at the Dairy Center for the Arts and will run through Dec. 6.

Helmed by Pesha Rudnick, the cast also features Meridith Crosley, Leigh Miller and Mare Trevathan. Here's how LOCAL bills the play: "Funny and charming, provocative and absorbing, the award-winning James McLindon spurs us to question (and, perhaps, affirm) our own faith. Full of magic, theatrics and- yes- jokes."

The production features the designs of Kathryn Kawecki (set), Annabel Louise Reader (costumes), Hunter Ewen (sound), Shannon McKinney (lights) and Sophie Hernando Kofman (props). Dramaturg is Heidi Schmidt; stage manager is Michael Aaron Jones; and producer is Megan Mathews. Casting is by Sylvia Gregory, with New York casting by Stephanie Klapper.

The Dairy Center for the Arts is located at 2590 Walnut St., Boulder. For more information and to purchase tickets visit LocalTheaterCompany.org.